nRF tools, software, hardware development navigation

[MuRa]

Hello all,

looking at how to navigate with the nRF tools, hardware amd software.

For example, have designed a bit of applciation with seome peripheral drivers, but I am not sure, if I am on the right path. For example, currently working on the PCA10040, however, the module that is the final target is based on the PCA10100e. Indeed, this is not the only change that I have to consider:

1) how to deal with the fact that the module is based on the nRF52820, but I am so far working on the nRF52DK, SDK5, is there a way to transfer the code that I have done so far to the PCA10100e and start using that code on the module, actually how does someone do that?

2) at the moment the coding is done within the segger em studio and with the sdk5, however, it seems that nordic is moving to the VS Code and nRF Connect SDK, so far I would like to stay on the emStudio due to time constraints of getting used to the new IDE ... and if possible) get the mesh going with the nRF52820 that is on the module.

So, my question is do I have to move to the nRF Connect SDK or can I just complete the etape I am at with the tools I am using at the moment? In short, I do not want to worry about the transition to the new software currently, but rather focus on the app, etc.

2.1) Will the mobile apps, tools, for the nRF ... be useful in this case? For example, what nRF mobile app is best to show the proof of concept with regard to the mash networking, light switch application, blinky, etc. that enables the scenes ?

Current development setup:

- nRF52DK (PCA10040)
- nRF52820 - on pan1781 module (PCA10100e)
- nrf5SDK, emSegger

[nRF5xFanboy]

Dear MuRa,

I think I can answer a few questions:

1) PCA10040 is a nrf52840 , PCA10100e is a nRF52820
Both are from the same nrf52 family and thus the software application is easy to transfer.
Focus on the changing properties like available memory/ports/pins related to the MCU.

2) nRF connect  SDK; NCS 1.9.1 is the last version supporting the SES.
cs 2.0.0 has no support for Segger Embedded Studio.
note: I am in the same boot as you here. i am also moving from SES to VScode with ncs 2.0.0 

The zephyr devicetree makes the transfer easy for the mcu 's you are using.
you can select a different board.
note: Both board are supported by zephyr (see Boards)

2.1)  no advice on this.

[Joakim Jakobsen]

Hello!

I would recommend using the nRF52833-DK to develop for the nRF52820. The nRF52820 is a subset of the nRF52833, so the nRF52833-DK is able to emulate the nRF52820.
See:
https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/latest/zephyr/boards/arm/nrf52833dk_nrf52820/doc/index.html#nrf52833dk-nrf52820
https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp?topic=%2Fsdk_nrf5_v17.0.2%2Fnrf52820_user_guide.html 

If you already started developing in the nRF5 SDK, you don't have to make the switch to nRF Connect SDK.

nRF5xFanboy said:

1) PCA10040 is a nrf52840 , PCA10100e is a nRF52820

I just want to clarify that the PCA10040 is the development kit with an nRF52832 mounted. PCA10100e is the development kit with the nRF52833 mounted, but emulating the nRF52820. We don't provide a separate DK for the nRF52820.

________

The development tool could prove to be useful for your development. If you want to use them will be up to you.
I.e the nRF Mesh app will allow you to provision and configure your mesh devices and network.

Br,
Joakim

[MuRa]

Cheers Joakim

Let me add a "sub question". Since I am developing for the module, which accepts the  PCA10100e and I do have the development board for this, would you recommend to continue on this ev kit ?

Best.

[Joakim Jakobsen]

Hi. 

Now I must admit that I haven't tested either of the modules that you mention; 

However, the evaluation kit does state: Compatibility to Nordics nRF5 SDK projects in it's user guide. I'm sure that if you go through their documentation you can find more information about how to develop for the module using their evaluation kit. 

Br, 
Joakim

[nRF5xFanboy]

@Joakim Jakobsen
Your correct, I did made a mistake mix-up the Nordic's PCA numbers of the boards:

MuRa 
Here some very useful URL's to the technical documentation of the development kits & SoC's:

Infocenter
Provides technical and support documentation for all our solutions and technologies.
infocenter.nordicsemi.com/

nRF5 Getting Started
infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp

nRF51 DK,

Development Kit product page:
www.nordicsemi.com/.../nrf51-dk
For developing applications on the nRF51822, nRF51422, nRF51824 and nRF51802 SoCs.
note: Discontinued

nRF52 DK,

Development Kit product page:
www.nordicsemi.com/.../nrf52-dk
For developing applications on the nRF52805, nRF52810 and nRF52832 SoCs.

Download nRF52 DK product brief [PDF]
nsscprodmedia.blob.core.windows.net/.../nrf52-dk-product-brief.pdf

nRF52840 DK,
Development Kit product page:
www.nordicsemi.com/.../nRF52840-DK
For developing applications on the nRF52840 SoC and support the nRF52811 SoCs.

Download nRF52840 DK product brief [PDF]:
www.nordicsemi.com/.../nRF52840-DK-product-brief.pdf

[nRF5xFanboy]

if you search for "nRF52820 " in the infocenter
the first hit in the results is: [Development kit for nRF52820]

Opens that page it shows you:

Development kit for nRF52820
There is no separate development kit for the nRF52820 chip. Projects for nRF52820 can be developed on the nRF52833 DK. <---- there is your answer :-)

For information regarding the differences between ICs in the nRF52 Series, see the comparison table on the nRF52 Series page.

For more detailed documentation regarding nRF52820 development, please see Developing for nRF52820 in the SDK documentation.