nRF9160 SPI flash for cellular firmware download

[chahn-ds]

Based on this weblink I need at least 4MBytes of flash for doing a full cellular update on the nRF9160:

https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/latest/nrf/samples/nrf9160/http_update/full_modem_update/README.html

This is a two part question:

1) We are currently planning on using the Winbond W25Q64. Do you see any issue with using this hardware or software-wise?

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/winbond-electronics/W25Q64JVZPIQ-TR/5803999

2) The HTTP full modem update sample code mentioned above works on the nRF9160 dev kit flash memory.  Would the current SDK also work with the Winbond part or will I need to change the SPI driver? 

Thanks for your help,

Chris

[helsing]

Hi Chris,

1) We do not see any issues selecting this device.

2) I will get back to you on this on Monday.

Best regards,

Håkon

[chahn-ds]

Hi Håkon,

You mentioned getting back to me last Monday.  Just checking to see when you would be able to offer any further information.

Thanks,

Chris 

[ovrebekk]

Hi Chris

Sorry for the slow response on this one. Håkon is currently unavailable, and I will help you out in the mean time. 

One of my colleagues (another Håkon) shared some details on how to integrate a Winbond W25Q device earlier, which you can see here.

In particular note the DTS configuration he links to based on the nRF9160 Feather board files, which uses a W25Q32 device: 

&spi3 {
	compatible = "nordic,nrf-spim";
	status = "okay";
	sck-pin = < 11 >;
	mosi-pin = < 9 >;
	miso-pin = < 28 >;
	cs-gpios = < &gpio0 7 GPIO_ACTIVE_LOW >;
	w25q32jv: w25q32jv@0 {
		compatible = "jedec,spi-nor";
		label = "W25Q32JV";
		reg = < 0 >;
		spi-max-frequency = < 40000000 >;
		wp-gpios = < &gpio0 8 GPIO_ACTIVE_LOW >;
		hold-gpios = < &gpio0 10 GPIO_ACTIVE_LOW >;
		size = < 0x2000000 >;
		has-dpd;
		t-enter-dpd = < 3000 >;
		t-exit-dpd = < 30000 >;
		jedec-id = [ ef 40 16  ];
	};
};

You should be able to use this as an overlay with some small modifications to take into account the larger size of your device, and most likely also a different jedec-id (this should be documented in the datasheet of your device). 

Best regards
Torbjørn

[ovrebekk]

Hi again

Some more searching and I realized the Actinius Icarus Bee board uses the W25Q64JV device, which means you should be able to copy the DTS configuration directly from here. 

Best regards
Torbjørn

[chahn-ds]

Hi Torbjørn,

Thanks for looking into this.  So it sounds like we can use the generic SPI-NOR driver and I just need to have some configuration changes as you suggested.  That's very good news.  

I won't be able to test this for another few weeks.  Should we keep this case open for now?

Thanks again,

Chris 

[ovrebekk]

Hi Chris

Correct. The generic driver is flexible enough to where it can be used for many different NOR devices, as long as they support the same instruction format. 

Keeping the case open is fine, just let me know when you've had time to test it, and if you're having any issues getting it to work. 

Best regards
Torbjørn