nrf52832 direct test mode

RE: nrf52832 direct test mode

Kenneth — Wed, 19 May 2021 16:34:53 GMT

I don't know which one we are using, but you want something like this ( you want to get a few of each value so you can put them in series):
https://www.passion-radio.com/sma/sma-attenuator-826.html

Kenneth

RE: nrf52832 direct test mode

Tanu — Wed, 19 May 2021 00:02:33 GMT

Thanks for answering.

Please tell me which attenuator to use for testing my nrf52832 kits, as i have searched evrywhere and i cant decide which one to use. Please tell me the specific one, its urgent. Thanks

RE: nrf52832 direct test mode

Kenneth — Tue, 18 May 2021 12:41:41 GMT

Don't think PER is displayed in nrfgo studio and nrf connect tools. You can use or modify the python script that is part of nAN-34 to calculate PER. Please refer also to the rf test spec by Bluetooth (chapter 6.4) on how to calculate PER:
https://www.bluetooth.org/docman/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=225827

The interval between each packet depends on the packet length and on-air modulation, see BT Core Specification v. 5.2, vol 6, part F, section 4.1.6:
https://www.bluetooth.com/specifications/specs/core-specification/

So to calculate PER you will need measure the time between start and stop receive test, and then based on the transmit interval you can find the number of packets transmitted during that period and compare with the number of packets received to find PER.

You can use nRF52-DK yes, but you will need a proper Anritsu tester if you want to measure anything more than packet error rate. I recommend to get attenuators during testing, so you can also verify that matching components and antenna are working.

Kenneth

RE: nrf52832 direct test mode

Tanu — Thu, 13 May 2021 00:16:25 GMT

Thanks for answering.I was able to perfrom DTM using nrfgo studio and nrf connect tool (both). However, they mainly show me the packets received. my question is as below:

How can I get to check PER and the number of packets transmitted on any one of above tools?

I have some more queries:

I wish to be able to perform more tests to get more informations, for that I have been thinking to using the nrfDK kit as lower tester as mentioned in nAN 34 document.In the production test mentioned in nAN 34 document, using nRF8001‑DK）or（nRF51822‑DK,

Can i use my same nrf52832 kit in place of above mentioned kits ?
Could I test for more information using below method as compared to nrf connect tool?(more than number of packets received and PER)
Is there a limitation of what I can test using below method ?(as explained in nAN 34 document)

Can i use two nrf52832 kits instead of the above mentioned circuit? is it necessary to use attenuator?
in case attenuator and sma is important to use, which attenuator and sma should i use?
how to know the pin and connection details of that circuit?

RE: nrf52832 direct test mode

Kenneth — Wed, 12 May 2021 11:57:06 GMT

[quote user=""]Do i need to program bootloader in case of DTM test?[/quote]

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

[quote user=""]

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?

[/quote]

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

[quote user=""]

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?

[/quote]

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.