nrf52832 direct test mode

[Tanu]

Hello

I am using a Nrf52832 kit from Murata japan distributor.(https://wireless.murata.com/mbn52832.html)

My purpose is to be able to perform DTM on above mentioned kit. I am using two of above mentioned kit and nrf connect DTM tool.

My Os is windows 10

below are my questions and queries:

1.For programming my kit, Do i just need to program it using precomplied hex file available in nrf52sdk.I have tried programming using DTM sample code from following:

https://www.nordicsemi.com/Software-and-tools/Software/nRF5-SDK

or 

https://github.com/NordicSemiconductor/pc-nrfconnect-dtm

I got to know online that it doesnt need softdevice, so i have not programmed that in my kit.

• Do i need to program bootloader in case of DTM test?

2. The DTM performed by apps like nrf connect tool or nrfgo studio or using a certified tester (Anritsu MT8852 tester),

• are all method same?
• can i test all the below properties from any of these methods?

(

• Transmission power and receiver sensitivity
• Frequency offset and drift
• Modulation characteristics
• Packet error rate
• Intermodulation performance

)

3.I saw production test using DTM

1. is it also DTM test?
2. is it different from the one that is done using nrf connect dtm or other tools?
3. Are there different types of DTM?

4. I have been trying to test dtm proceudres explained in following website

https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/latest/nrf/samples/bluetooth/direct_test_mode/README.html

I used follwing methods

1. Testing with another development kit
2. Testing with nRF Connect for Desktop

when using the first method, i only get to know the number of received packets:

• can you please guide me to perform the complete test using the same method?

when using the later method(nrf connect tool), i see following problems

when i select my device, i get the following log(image)

I proceed to perform my dtm, starting the receiver mode and as i start my dtm test,(Start Test button) , My screen goes blank and white.

i refresh the nrf connect but then the connection is lost.

• How can i solve this issue of my nrf connect going blank?

If there is any other method or tool that i should use to perform DTM on my kit, please guide me. My end goal is to be able to perform complete DTM test on my kit.

Thanks,

[Kenneth]

Do i need to program bootloader in case of DTM test?

There is no need for bootloader of softdevice no, only the DTM hex file is sufficient. However if you have used other GPIO's for your module than the nRF52-DK use for UART (DTM), then you may need to re-compile the project for your module by modifying the pins used for UART:
https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/sdk_nrf5_v17.0.2/ble_sdk_app_dtm_serial.html 

2. The DTM performed by apps like nrf connect tool or nrfgo studio or using a certified tester (Anritsu MT8852 tester),

• are all method same?
• can i test all the below properties from any of these methods?

The DTM test firmware is the same, and the commands are the same, however the nordic tools can only display simple packet error rate, while the Anritsu can display much more information (e.g. modulation, offset, drift etc).

You can refer to Bluetooth specifications (e.g. Core_v5.0.pdf) Volume 6, Part F, Direct Test Mode on serial interface commands, events and test packet contents:
https://www.bluetooth.org/docman/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=421043

I proceed to perform my dtm, starting the receiver mode and as i start my dtm test,(Start Test button) , My screen goes blank and white.

i refresh the nrf connect but then the connection is lost.

• How can i solve this issue of my nrf connect going blank?

I suggest to try a restart of your computer, make sure that you have installed the latest nrf command line tools, and that the only application you have open is the nRF Connect for Desktop. You will need to open 2 windows of Direct Test Mode, one to act as a receiver, the other as transmitter.

It may be a good idea to first run tests on two nRF52-DK before you start with your own hardware.