nRF9160 modem firmware update

[Neculai Agavriloaie]

Hi,

There are several files in the mfw_nrf9160_1.3.1.zip archive that represent the current version of the modem firmware.
Which files should be programmed in the nRF9160 module to make a complete update

firmware.update.image.segments.0.hex and
firmware.update.image.segments.1.hex   ?

I want to use jlink to do this update eventually in Segger Studio using the menu command: Target -> Download File.

Thank You!

Neculai

[AHaug]

Hi,

I recommend you follow this guide on Updating the modem with firmware images from Nordic Semiconductors download page for nRF9160 modem firmware. 

Which files should be programmed in the nRF9160 module to make a complete update

From this guide, in step "Updating the modem firmware", it says "The modem firmware package has several HEX files. The firmware is divided in to several files named firmware.update.image.segments.[n].hex that contain separate segments of the firmware. To successfully update the modem, you must program the firmware segments in correct order."  Thus, it is correct that you need those image files to make a complete modem update as long as you've completed the prior steps in the update guide.

Additionally, there exists other modem update samples in nRF Connect SDK under the following two links: 

• HTTP modem delta update: A sample demonstrating how to do a partial update of the modem where the update only contains the changed code
• HTTP full modem update: A sample demonstrating how to do a full modem firmware update

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Andreas

[Neculai Agavriloaie]

Hi

Can I use the procedure described in this topic?

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/55861/changes-in-upgrading-units-during-production/226488#226488

1. Merge the 2 hex files in the mfw_nrf9160_1.1.0.zip file using the mergehex tool, producing the file mfw_1.1.0_merged.hex
2. Prorgam the device using nrfjprog -f NRF91 --program mfw_1.1.0_merged.hex

Can I apply this procedure?

Thank You!

Neculai

[AHaug]

Hi Neculai,

The infocenter page describes the method that works and is currently up to date, and if you want to try a different procedure, there is no guarantee that it will work in the future. The order in which the hex files are sent to the modem is significant, so if mergehex and/or nrfjprog change the order of resulting hex segments, it is possible that it won't work. 

If you want to try the procedure you describe based on the 2 year old devzone topic you may do so, but we can't guarantee that it will work. Remember to use the correct mfw filenames when you try with the merged image hex.

firmware.update.image.segments.0.hex and
firmware.update.image.segments.1.hex   ?

Yes, that is the correct files that you should merge for the old procedure you mentioned.

Let me know if it works!
Kind regards,
Andreas

[berendvisser]

Hi,

Is there somewhere a more detailed description of how create the 8KB segments out of the .hex files and how to upload them to modem flash? Also, is there example code for the api here?

Kind regards,

Berend

[AHaug]

Hi Berend,

Please raise your question in a new ticket so it can get assigned to a support engineer with the proper expertise area for the topic in your question.

Kind regards,
Andreas