Changing software of a certified module

[grwrtu]

Looking for a 3rd party supplier with a certified module. Module pinning makes it possible to program new software into the module.

The question is: If I change the software, is then the certification still valid?

[Einar Thorsrud]

Using a certified 3rd Party Bluetooth Smart Module, you are allowed to change the application software, and the BLE certification will still be valid. However you have to use it with the certified BLE stack (SoftDevice), and you are cannot make any hardware changes on the module it self.

[Gustavo - Argenox]

Hi,

We have designed and certified nRF51 modules for customers and have preliminary nRF52 modules. We can provide full certification, testing, etc. Feel free to contact us at [email protected].

To Expand on Einar's response, the Bluetooth Certification of a module depends on the components used. The firmware of the system (application) can readily change as it is not a component per se. However the BLE stack softdevice must remain exactly the same because it has a QDID and is referenced by the Bluetooth certification of the final module. Using a different version of the SoftDevice implies a different QDID and therefore the certification would not be valid.

You can see the various QDIDs used in nRF51 SoftDevices in the Compatibility Matrix: infocenter.nordicsemi.com/.../nRF51_Series_Compatibility_Matrix_v2.5.pdf

Table 8.

[grwrtu]

Thank you for quick and good answers. We do not intend to change the HW on the module. However, if the certificate is done on the SoftDevice we need for the intended application I do not know. I have to ask the module manufacturer since the QDID from their certificate is not in the list of nordic QDIDs infocenter.nordicsemi.com/.../nRF51_Series_Compatibility_Matrix_v2.5.pdf