Modem Firmware Programming on the Elprotronic GangPro - Arm

[DamoL]

Hi, 

We are nearing production stage of our project, and are looking at programming on a large scale. Using the nRF9160 we need to program the latest modem firmware along with our application firmware. 

The GangPro Software can handle our application FW no problem, but I am questioning its ability to do the modem FW, as it doesn't accept zip files like the Nordic Programmer software. Obviously I can see there are a number of binary/hex files in the zip file which I could program to the SiP but I don't know if that will be as simple as it sounds. 

According to the infocentre you need to split the hex file into 8kb blocks and program them in continuous sections that are page aligned... - https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp?topic=%2Fnan_041%2FAPP%2Fnan_production_programming%2Fupdating_modem.html

As you can see from the screenshot, I have the ability to select a .bin/.hex/.txt file and program that, but I don't know if that would inherently know the area of flash to program it to, or know the exact way that should happen. 

Apologies if this is more a question for Elprotronic, but I would have thought someone else has had this question before. 

Thanks 

Damien

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi,

 

The programmer used must support the whole sequence as described in the application note that you linked to, ie. this:

https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/nan_041/APP/nan_production_programming/modem_update.html?cp=2_0_7_3

 

We're not familiar with the exact programmer that you are using, and if it supports the above mentioned algorithm. Have you tried asking the manufacturer of your programmer?

 

Kind regards,

Håkon

[DamoL]

Hi Hakon, 

I have sent an email that I am awaiting response, but I thought it may be worth asking here as well, in case someone had done this before. They list the nRF9160 SiP as one of the supported devices so assumed that would include modem fw, not just application code. I will report back when I hear from them. 

Thanks, 

Damien

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi Damien,

 

DamoL said:

I have sent an email that I am awaiting response, but I thought it may be worth asking here as well, in case someone had done this before. They list the nRF9160 SiP as one of the supported devices so assumed that would include modem fw, not just application code. I will report back when I hear from them. 

Good that you are verifying the behavior with the manufacturer. Looking forward to hear what the outcome will be.

 

Note that we have support for programming the modem .zip file using nrfjprog (which support all Cortex M33 capable SEGGER debuggers):

nrfjprog --program modem.version.zip --verify -f nrf91

 

Kind regards,

Håkon

[DamoL]

Elprotronic's GangPro software will be updated next month for it to be able to update modem firmware in the GUI. The hardware is capable, but currently you will need to write your own software with their DLL for it to be able to do it correctly.

Thanks for the assistance Håkon Alseth 

Damien