Openthread using nRF9160dk

[Finny Philip Biju]

Hi,

I would like to know if it's possible to use the nRF52840 chip in nRF9160dk to join/create openthread network. When I tried flashing the thread CLI sample to the nRF52840 target, it was getting flashed and showing UART outputs but with the state error.

My aim is to program Acconeer XM122, which uses nRF52840, as an external target board from debug output connectors in the nRF9160dk with debug switch set to nRF52 and selected the board option as nRF9160dk_nRF52840. I am using teraterm for the serial monitor. I was able to send OT commands and getting the outputs as well from UART. But still not sure if the onboard nRF52840 or the external target is getting flashed. According to what I found from some other posts here, it is not possible to change the firmware of nRF52840 in nRF9160dk as it is working as the board controller.

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Hi Finny

The nRF52840 om the nRF9160DK use some pins to toggle some switches, which is important for the functionality of the DK.
These pins can be seen at the nRF9160 DK board control.
When you use "west flash" and select "nRF9160dk_nRF52840", the code for toggling these pins will be added to the image automatically.
Remember to not use these pins in the functionality of you other code runnin on the nRF52840 though.

As long as you keep an eye out for these pins, and build for the correct board, you should be able to run any code you want on the nRF52840 on the nRF9160DK.

There is a switch on the nRF9160DK which control if you flash the nRF91 chip or the nRF52 chip.

If you have an external board connected to the External Output connector, I beleive the debugger will automatically flash to the external board.
To avoid this, do not connect the external board to the nRF9160 DK while flashing the local chips on the nRF9160Dk.

Did this answer your questions?

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik