How can I read coad on a nRF51822

[Aaron Graves]

Hello, I am new to working with imbedded chips and could use some help. I am working with a pre-programed nRF51822 chip on a PCB and would like to be able to read the imbedded code on the chips. I would like to be able to interact with the PCB without overwriting anything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[MartinBL]

Hi. If I understand you correctly you would like to read out and analyze the binary code residing in your chip. It is possible do this e.g. by using nRFgo Studio and some sort of debugger, but to get some sense out of the binary file is virtually impossible unless you are an expert in the field. And if the manufacturer of your board has decided to block the code from read out it actually is impossible.

So I would suggest you look for the source code somewhere online in stead. What board are you using? And what is your project?

[Aaron Graves]

Hello MartinBL, I am working on a custom board for an employer. The main components of the board are a nRF51822, a GPS, & a Cellular Engine. The reason I wanted to see source code is because the engineer that wrote the code is no longer with the company. I have some of his old code but am unsure whether it is the code on the board. So is there any way to verify the code? Thanks.

[MartinBL]

You can read out the program application using nRFgo Studio and then compare the hex files. That is the only solution I can think of.