BC805M Module (nRF52805) program and OTA during mass production

[StevenW807]

Hi, dear Nordic team, 

We've already purchased a few thousands of BC805M BLE modules (nRF52805) for our upcoming mass production. During R&D, according to datasheet, we used 4 jumper wires to program the BC805M module via nRF52 DK (see image). However, this method is very slow for mass production.

1. Does Nordic have any recommended method for programming the new chip at the 1^st time during mass production? 
2. After the BC805M module is programmed for the 1^st time (firmware includes the BLE OTA method), how to use BLE OTA for the mass production in case we would like to erase/OTA the firmware for 3000 pieces of chip in batches. 

Thank you for your time and support! 

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi,

Using the debug out connector and a 10 pin ribbon cable is easier. Using some sort of pogo pin interface in a jig can be quite effective. It is also possible to program the chips before soldering them on the pcb, but for 3000 units this might not be a viable option, as that is often more expensive.

Regards,
Jonathan

[StevenW807]

Hi Jonathan, yes, debug out pin is an easier solution. If I use custom cable and connector for the debug out socket on nRF52 DK, could I program multiple nRF52805 chips at the same time, please?

What's the max number of chip that I can program at once, such as 10? Because I'm worry about the current and voltage limitations on the nRF52 DK. 

Thanks! 

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi, 

StevenW807 said:

could I program multiple nRF52805 chips at the same time, please?

No, only one at the time. 


We do have a paper on production programming here https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/nwp_027/WP/nwp_027/intro.html?cp=17_7 , but you will have to program on at the time, or get more programmers. You can use some production programmers, but if your plan is to use the nrf25 DK then i am not aware of a solution that will speed things up. 

Regards,
Jonathan