Speed up modem firmware and application software programming

[Maaike]

Dear All,

We will do a production with over 1000 Nordic nrf9160 devices, for which we need to program the modem firmware (v1.2.0) and the application software.
We would like to save as much time as possible during programming, do you have any tips on how we can speed this up?

Currently we use the nrf connect programmer and a nrf9160 devkit as programmer.
For the production we will use command line programming with (py)nrfjprog for both mfw and application sw.

Can we combine the modem firmware and the application sw into one image? If so, do you have a guide on how to do this?
Are there any fast programmer tools (hw/sw) we can use?

Kind regards,
Maaike

[Didrik Rokhaug]

Hi,

Please see our Application Note on production programming of the nRF9160 for more details, but to answer your questions directly:

 

Can we combine the modem firmware and the application sw into one image

 No, this is not possible.

You are technically doing DFU of the modem, and you therefore need an application running on the application core that can transfer the modem image to the modem.

For more details about this, see the app note linked above.

 

Are there any fast programmer tools (hw/sw) we can use?

 Any compatible production programmer can be used.

Also, be aware that due to Christmas vacations, response times might be slower than normal.

Best regards,

Didrik

[Maaike]

Hi Didrik,

Thanks for your response and the information.

Kind regards,
Maaike