(Zephyr / NCS) Background over the air updates with BLE

[zciwor]

Is it possible to perform an over the air update via Bluetooth Low Energy while the sensor is connected, but the app is running in the background? If this is possible, are there any open examples of this implemented? 

[Einar Thorsrud]

Hi,

I am not sure if you by "backround" and "app" here refers to on the nRF side or a phone performing the DFU process? If referring to the nRF, then DFU over BLE is always in the backround in the nRF5 SDK. The application handles the transport (by including the SMP Server), and this is stored to slot 1. Once the image is transferred MCUBoot handles activation (copying of the image from S1 to S0 etc). See SMP Server Sample.

[zciwor]

Hey Einar, sorry I should've been more clear. By the app running in the background, I'm referring to the iOS app that is performing the DFU.

[Einar Thorsrud]

Ah, OK. I do not see any reason that could not work, but that would depend on how you support this in your iOS app, which would be responsible for both the DFU and whatever else it does. I am not aware of any iOS example applications that demonstrate this, though.