RE: NRF9160 Modem Firmware Streams

Didrik Rokhaug — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:36:53 GMT

Hi,

[quote user=""]Is it true to say you have two modem firmware streams: 1.1.X and 1.2.X?[/quote]

Yes.

We generally recommend everyone to use 1.2.x. However, some operators require the nRF9160 to be certified by them, and in some cases, only the 1.1.x branch has been certified. In those cases, 1.1.x must be used.

You can find an overview over which carriers requires which modem versions here: Mobile network operator certifications.

[quote user=""]Are these two kept in sync in terms of GNSS improvements?[/quote]

No, not necessarily.

When doing FOTA updates of the modem, you only download the changes between the two modem FW versions, e.g. from 1.1.3 to 1.1.4. The reason for this is that the nRF9160 does not have enough flash to store the whole modem image.

This caused a problem when 1.2.0 was introduced. It had too many and too large changes for delta-images to be feasable. This is what led to the two "streams".

We try to implement the most usefull features and bug fixes on both branches, but that is not always possible.

But, we are currently working on a third branch, 1.3.x, which should be certified for all carriers. This way, everyone can move to the same modem firmware version, and everyone can benefit from all the improvements made since the two branches split, and will be made in the future.

We are also working on libraries which will let you update from the "old" branches to the new branch, assuming you have extra storage available (either external flash connected to the nRF9160, or from a separate host).

Best regards,

Didrik