Alternatives to J-Link Programmers for custom board?

[brad_57]

I’m working on code for a custom board which has an nRF9160. Currently, I have a j-link programmer that works well with the connect sdk programmer and vs code/gdb. I work remote most of the time, and would like for others at the office to be able to flash their boards, without having to come in and use my programmer. I've been keeping an eye out for relatively inexpensive segger probes, but I'm not able to find anything priced lower than the j-link base in stock. Besides the j-links, are there any recommended devices  for flashing? It doesn't specifically need debugging capabilities.

I do have an NRF9160DK, which has a j-link on-board. After reading about the "debug out" header, it seems like I should be able to use it as a programmer/debugger for the custom boards. I haven't gotten this to work this way for me yet; any resources on this would be greatly appreciated too.

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi,


We only support J-link debuggers. 


Yes you can use the nRF DK as a debugger/programmer. Only requirement is that you use one that is compatible with the device you are programming. 

If you have a nRF9160DK then you can program/debug a nrf9160 custom device or any 52 or 53 device also. 

Are you powering the custom device in any way other then connecting just the 10-pin cable?

Regards,
Jonathan

[brad_57]

Hi Jonathan,

Ok, seeing as the custom board uses the nRF9160, it sounds like it should be compatible with the nRF9160DK.

I'm powering the custom board through a USB so I can see it's output in a terminal too. When the header is connected and the custom board is powered, I can see the it stops the program running (output pauses). Is this the proper way to set up the boards/cables?

Thank you,

Brad

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi Brad,

We have the section on infocentre, the debug out section : https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/ug_nrf91_dk/UG/nrf91_DK/hw_debug_out.html?cp=2_0_4_3_11 


There are some other posts here on Devzone , Programming external board with nRF9160 DK - Nordic Q&A - Nordic DevZone - Nordic DevZone (nordicsemi.com)  and https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/44204/nrf9160-dk-board-for-programming-external-boards-with-the-nrf9160/173417#173417 

 
Butt if I understand you correctly, you have two devices connected to a single computer, one is the DK and the other is the custom board. and you have a single 10-pin connector cable going from the DK to the custom board. 


Example setup:

9160DK connected to a "custom" device with 10 -pin cable and VDD and GND, since the device is not powered in any other way. 


Checking in programmer app:

We can see that the nrf9160DK is shown as the debugger\programmer and we see tat the nrf52840 is the device being read. 

So the nRF52840 DK is just to illustrate a custom device, but same principles applies, could be any nRF chip. 

Regards,
Jonathan

[brad_57]

I've tried the pictured/described process but it seems to flash the 9160DK itself. Perhaps something about the custom board's layout isn't compatible after all.

Either way, I ordered another j-link to keep at the office.

Thanks again!

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi,

You can always test with this setup, as shown in other Devzone post.

Not using a 10-pin connector if you are uncertain if the layout of the connector matches. 

Easier to be certain that the correct pins are connected, but a bit more cable clutter. 

But a extra J-link is probably the best solution. 

Regards,
Jonathan