nRF21540 implementation on a nRF52840 without OS

[Dominik Eugster]

Hi

I'm looking for an example implementaion code on the nRF52840 without an operating system. Is there some example or application note?

I connected the SPI and all IO Pins. I have no Zephyr code.

Regards

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Hi

When you say "without an operating system", what do you mean?

If you wonder which SDK to use between the nRF Connect SDK and the nRF5 SDK, see our  nRF Connect SDK and nRF5 SDK statement.
For new designs, the nRF Connect SDK is recommended for new designs.

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik

[Dominik Eugster]

Hi Sigurd

I have a running c-code with BLE Mesh functions. Now I added the nRF21540 and like to implement the driver, but can't find the instructions how to do this. I think there are some files and functions to add to the project and like to refer to a example project.

Regards

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Hi

Most other people working with our microcontrollers use either the nRF5 SDK or the nRF Connect SDK.
To avoid misunderstandings, can you answer the following question?

Which of the three alternatives listed under don you use for software developement:

1. The nRF Connect SDK

2. The nRF5 SDK

3. Neither of the above

If you answer question 3, please also answer the following question:

Are you able to you link me to the BLE Mesh implementation you are using for your project?

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik

[Dominik Eugster]

I'm working with the nRF5 SDK

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Aha. When you said you did not want to use Zephyr OS, I though that meant you did not use the nRF Connect SDK either.
Either way, that is not what you ask.

Many of our BLE samples in the nRF Connect SDK have Front End Module support, such as the Bluetooth: Peripheral UART.
And I guess the Working with RF front-end modules will be useful.

Is this what you were looking for?

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik

[Dominik Eugster]

Sigurd Hellesvik said:

And I guess the Working with RF front-end modules will be useful.

yes, this is usefull, I think I will start with this.
I added the files manually to my propject and will call  the functions according to the docu. There are a lot of options and functions which are not needed and this is the reason why I asked for an example which is for adding the nRF21540 to an existing BLE project. The reason is that all is working, but the range of the BLE signal is too low. I added the nRF21540 and have to add the software layer to control the nRF21540, this is what I have to do.

Here the files I added to my project

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Hi

Normally for working with the nRF21540 in the nRF Connect SDK, Kconfig handles most of the includes, libraries and drivers.
Therefore, if someone wanted to add nRF21540 functionality to their project, it should be as simple as building for a different board.
I would recommend them to have make a custom board using inspiration from the nrf21540dk_nrf52840 to include the nRF21540 into their BLE application, in addition to the documentation I have already provided to you.

While this likely is not the same as your workflow, it might be able to help you some.

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik

[Dominik Eugster]

Sorry to bother you again, but this is exactly what I am looking for:

Sigurd Hellesvik said:

Therefore, if someone wanted to add nRF21540 functionality to their project, it should be as simple as building for a different board.

But to be honest I don't know how to use the Kconfig. I will fread the docus maybe I missed some basic informations

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Dominik Eugster said:

I'm working with the nRF5 SDK

Hold on

This one said "nRF Connect SDK" a bit ago. Did you change it?

All the information I told you since that message has been relevant for the nRF Connect SDK, and will not work for the nRF5 SDK.
See the nRF Connect SDK and nRF5 SDK statement for the difference between the SDKs.

Please check carefully which SDK you are using, and inform me of the version so I can assist you best with your issue.
I am done with my workday now, so I will continue helping on this case tomorrow.

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik

[Dominik Eugster]

Yes, I am working with the nRF5_SDK and the softdevice, I edit the post in the same minute after posting the first time, sorry

I think I have to use this interface? Mesh PA/LNA interface

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Hi

It seems like we do not have any specific example for using the nRF21540 with the nRF5 SDK for Mesh.

However, using the PA/LNA interface you linked should work, the nRF21540 is a Front-end module with RF PA and LN after all.
If you use this along with the nRF21540 Product Specification, my guess is that it will work.

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik

[Dominik Eugster]

Ok,. thanks for information, I will try to implement it. to control the nRF21540 I will implement the SPI instructions manually. Is there a reference for all commands/registers which I can use over the SPI?

I am checking the Chip ordering codes (I bought 2500 Chips from Digikey in January) and hope that they are not affected with the Errata problems. In case they are, what can I do? Send them to Nordic?

Regards, Dominik