Small number of produced boards run only when using Debugger

[codeWeaver]

Platform: NRF52832 custom board. SDK11 S132 V2.0

Produced 2600 pcb's. Most function as expected. However, 40 or so boards run normally only when using the debugger. The issue is that shortly after power-up, the device hangs somewhere in code. I'm unable to troubleshoot given it runs normally when the debugger is used. Just prior to the main-loop, advertising is started. If I disable the advertising by jumping over the code, the board functions as expected. Interestingly, sometimes advertising operates properly for a few seconds. Other times it hangs almost immediately. The board typically operates on battery. However, this problem occurs while operating on battery or powered by a bench supply.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Edvin]

Hello,

If the softdevice functions are not responding, then it may sound like there are some XTAL issues. Do you have an external LFXTAL? And is it working?

Can you try to jump over the "advertising by jumping over the code", as you described, and replace it with something like this:

    NRF_CLOCK->TASKS_LFCLKSTART = 1;
    while (!NRF_CLOCK->EVENTS_LFCLKSTARTED)
    {
        // Wait.
    }
    NRF_LOG_INFO("LFCLK Started.");
    
    NRF_CLOCK->TASKS_HFCLKSTART = 1;
    while (!NRF_CLOCK->EVENTS_HFCLKSTARTED)
    {
        // Wait. 
    }
    NRF_LOG_INFO("HFCLK Started");

What does the log say? Are the clocks started?

Best regards,

Edvin

[codeWeaver]

Edvin,

   Thanks for the reply. Adding your code at the beginning of ble_stack_init() yielded both clocks starting as normal. 

[Vidar Berg]

Hello, I noticed that you were using SDK 11 and just wanted to add this version does not implement the workaround for the following errata: [108] RAM: RAM content cannot be trusted upon waking up from System ON Idle or System OFF mode. This errata can lead to the same type of behavior on affected devices.

[codeWeaver]

Edvin,

   Thanks for the info. The work around solved the issue.

Thanks again for all your help!