RE: Can the nrf5340 be used as a "companion" to nrf9160?

Håkon Alseth — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:37:12 GMT

Hi,

[quote user=""]

If I would like to add Bluetooth capability to the nrf9160, can the nrf5340 be used as a "companion" MCU?

Would be great if there is a pre-build firmware for the nrf5340 that can be communicate with SPI/UART and the nrf9160 can use it as an external peripheral, without too much custom development.

[/quote]

You can run the host on nRF9160, and the HCI on the nRF5x-device, similar to how the lte_ble_gateway sample does:

https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/2.1.2/nrf/samples/nrf9160/lte_ble_gateway/README.html

Is this the split you're after?

[quote user=""]

Potentially, could also be the other way around that the nrf9160 could be used as a peripheral to the nrf5340? For GPS/LTE capability.

[/quote]

Yes, this is also possible, by using the serial lte modem application on the nRF9160 side:

https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/2.1.2/nrf/applications/serial_lte_modem/README.html

The external host controller requires a UART connection towards the nRF9160 for this setup to work.

Kind regards,

Håkon