rev2 nrf51822 compatability with newer SDKs (7, 8, 9)

[nargetdev]

Hi, I realize that the compatability matrix states that SDKs 7 8 and 9 are built for rev3 of the nrf51822 and nrf51422. It has been mentioned however that they may still work with an older revision of the silicon. Does anybody have any experience in this regard?

If there is any compatibility there is it feasible (or even desirable) to modify the makefiles in newer SDKs to flash older rev2 nrf51822 chips?

Thanks

[Hung Bui]

Hi Nargetdev,

One of the main reasons in the compatibility matrix we stated that rev2 chip is not compatible with SDK newer than v6.1 was that we didn't do any test/verification on rev2 chip from SDK v7.0 and later as we switching to rev3.

So we can't guarantee the normal behaviour for rev2 chip when using with SDK 7.0 and later.

Secondly, the PAN issues that exist on rev2 and fixed on rev3 may cause some incompatibilities since we don't implement the work around for them when only supporting rev3.

However, the S110 v8.0 is compatible with rev2 chip, so if you make sure all the PANs are treated and workaround implemented the you should be fine. What you need to do is:

• Follow the Release note in S110 v8.0 on how to switch the option for concurrent CPU-RADIO back to off. ( so that S110 would work on rev2)

• Follow the list of Fixed anomalies at section 3.2 in the nRF51822 PAN v3.0 document. Some PANs there are no workaround so you just need to be aware of, some of them already taken care of in the Softdevice, and the rest should be implemented in the application. Here is the list:

• Handled by softdevice or nordic tools : PAN 45, 44, 68

• No workaround: 39, 40

• Should be handled by application if PAN conditions met: 63, 65, 59, 60, 41, 57, 42, 43, 62, 35, 56, 58, 48.

Anyway, my suggestion is to start your development with rev3 chip. For production, most likely you will have to use rev3 chip.

[follower]

Hi, "reset" seems to be a typo of "rest" in your comment.

[Hung Bui]

@follower: Thanks for spotting that, I corrected it.

[Nikolaus Wittenstein]

This answer is incredible and should have a higher rating. I've been reading all around about how to do this, and here's everything I need to know. Thanks so much!

[Nikolaus Wittenstein]

You also have to modify your linker file for the older chip, especially if you're coming from the new Dev Kit board. Otherwise the linker might try to use RAM that doesn't exist, and your program won't run.