Intro: With the ready built code of zephyr.hex file for net core and application core individually, we would like to proceed code flashing into the MDBT53/53V Nordic nRF5340 BLE module.
Ready Built Code Programming Steps
Step1.
Execute nRF Connect >> Programmer > > Open
Step2.
Click “SELECT DEVICE” >> Find icon of “nRF5340 DK” which is detected by the programmer app
Step3.
Click icon of “nRF5340 DK” >> “Erase All” to remove the flash memory from MDBT53/53V BLE Module
Step4.
Click “Add File” to load the net core zephyr.hex and application core zephyr.hex both into programmer
Step5.
Do “Erase & Write ” to execute the flashing process for both zephyr.hex into memory of MDBT53/53V Module.
Step6.
To validate the wireless broadcast of default name “Nordic_UART_Service” from MDBT53/53V Module, please check on the “nRF Connect for mobile” APP and do “Scan device” through your mobile. Once the device name is detected in your mobile , the wireless connection is successfully done.
Here provides thHere provides the easy introduction to the article of Hardware & Firmware Set up with step-by-step guideline for nRF5340 Module demo board MDBT53-DB-40/MDBT53V-DB-40.
Hardware Set Up
Software Kits Resource & Preparation
To recognize your nRFConnect SDK version case by case
c. Locate all the necessary kits for programming in PC (Check Software/Application list)
3. To recognize your nRFConnect SDK version case by case
Intro: The preparation of nRF Connect SDK Vx.x.x(NCS SDK version, ) and Nordic Example code will help you get through the program code building and trace debug in VS Code IDE or Segger Embedded Studio IDE. Here’s the brief way to recognize your nRFConnect SDK version which suits your project development.
Step1.
Activated your “nRF Connect for Desktop” >> “Toolchain Manager” >> “Open” >> “Install”
(**Note: The development nRF Connect SDK(NCS) provides with free VS Code IDE and Segger Embedded Studio IDE as compiling system)
Step2.
To recognize your project is with or without Audio inquiry and download the “nRF Connect SDK(NCS)” by the following classification.
A.) Project with Non-Audio case
Option1. Go with NCS V1.9.1 (Included) and previous version.
There’re either “Open VS Code” or “Open Segger Embedded Studio” IDE options could be selected for program coding.
Option2. Go with NCS V2.0.0(included) and the later.
There’s simply “Open VS Code” IDE that could be run for program coding.
B.) Project with “Audio” inquiry
You would only have option of NCS V2.0.0(included) and the later version working in “Open VS Code” IDE.
Step3.
Please make sure the nRFConnect SDK is installed at same base directory with compiling system (the root of Open VS Code)
(This is using D:\ncs-work base as example.)
If the base is not directing to the same, do “Select directory’” to re-direct the route.
Step4.
nRFConnect SDK Vx.x.x Download ready
Find more information about nRF5340 Module firmware development resources in below link!
Where to find nRF5340 module quickly? The nRF5340 a dual core solution deployed with 2 Arm Cortex M33 processors. Not only provide faster and powerful for advanced applications, but also LE audio. Raytac knows your anxiety and already distributed the modules available in several channels aimed to provide a speedy and comfortable way to get it.
Nordic nF5340 is the first wireless SoC with dual core processors which aimed to optimized the performance of complex IoT applications and LE audios. The dual core contains a 1MB Flash / 512K RAM M4F MCU for application processor and another 256K Flash / 64K RAM for network. This structure remarkable optimized the performance also low power efficiency.
Raytac released 5 modules with 2 form factors, MDBT53 and MDBT53V, with different antenna options for selection. The modules deployed nRF53 SoC supports high-speed SPI, QSPI, USB, I2C, I2S, and NFC interface and 105°C industrial temperature specification. BT5.3 pre-qualified, FCC/IC/CE/Telec (MIC)/KC/SRRC/NCC pre-certified is a MUST for all Raytac modules.
MDBT53 is a System-on-Module (aka SoM) with a good size of 9.3mm x 14.3mm and 48 GPIO which is an ideal dimension to fit in most applications. MDBT53 provides 3 antenna options, Chip antenna; PCB antenna; and u.FL connector for external antenna which deliver a maximum feasibility for most IoT projects. MDBT53-1M (Chip Antenna)MDBT53-P1M (PCB Antenna)MDBT53-U1M (u.FL Connector for External Antenna)
MDBT53V is designated for the application which has a space constraint design. A 7.8mm x 12.4mm with 25 GPIO is small enough to offer the opportunity of employing nRF5340 modules in the project. MDBT53V provides 2 options of antenna, Chip and PCB, for developers’ selection which is capable of optimizing the project plan in terms of performance and budgetary. MDBT53V-1M (Chip Antenna)MDBT53V-P1M (PCB Antenna)
The nRF5340 is the world’s first wireless SoC with two Arm® Cortex®-M33 processors. The architecture is including an “Application Processor” which deployed a 1M Flash 512K RAM; and a “Network Processor’ which deployed a 256K Flash and 64K RAM. With the IoT applications has become more and more complex nowadays, nRF5340 is exact the solution to meet higher specification demand of technology and provide an easier and quick path toward project success.
Raytac deployed nRF5340 SoC to built up 2 series of module which are MDBT53 & MDBT53V . Both modules now have been completed BT5.2 qualification; FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/SRRC/NCC pre-certified. Quoted from Nordic Blog: First nRF5340 modules eliminate processor trade-off for developers, Raytac offer a range of qualified and certified modules based on Nordic technology which can immediately save the cost, time and complex process of the testing works. Shorten the Time to Market and Get the thing done quickly and effectively is what the advantage Raytac module can bring over to you.
“The UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021. However, to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements, you will still be able to use the CE marking until 1 January 2023 in most cases” according to British Government’s announcement.
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking has been an issue for brands since Brexit effected which regulate for goods, products been placed, used, sold in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.
Bluetooth module provides wireless communication by using radio wave to connect over distances are requited to meet compliance with local standard. As the worldwide key Nordic solution module manufacturer, Raytac will continue to fulfill every major local government’s guidance of regulation compliance such as FCC, IC, CE, MIC, ….and UKCA for sure.
Does the end products need to perform certification test again if using Wirepas Massive software on a Pre-certified Bluetooth module? The Answer is “No”!
Local wireless regulation is the obligation for all devices need to follow. Raytac recently have received several queries from customers asking about if products built by Raytac’s Bluetooth modules need to perform FCC testing again if loaded Wirepas Massive software (aka Wirepas Mesh)?
Wireless regulation by countries may simply divided into 2 categories which are modular policy and non-modular policy. Countries like USA (FCC), Canada (IC), Japan (MIC/Telec)…etc. are following modular policy which means end products do not need to perform wireless testing and allow to use certified module ID on end products directly without further testing required. For non-modular policy countries like Europe (CE), the end products can only reference part of module testing report but still need perform the testing based on product base.
Bluetooth modules loaded Wirepas software would not change the wireless characteristics and features in term of frequency, channels, modulation, transmit power and antenna from original. Therefore, the original module certification and testing report can be referenced, used and leveraged.
Wirepas, an IoT software provider offers a flexible, scalable, and high reliability connectivity solution has been significantly reducing the cost and complexity over projects. The long-standing partnership between Raytac and Wirepas framed a combined hardware and software solution, has built up an ecosystem by providing a per-certified module and ready-to-use software successfully shorten time-to-market for system integrations and accelerate business.
Many Customers are interested about Raytac’s facility, reliability and capacity. Here, Raytac would like to invite customers having a quick tour and know more about Raytac’s factory.
Raytac’s factory is located in New Taipei City where is located in north of Taiwan. The factory scales 4600 M2 with 180 man power. A completed in house SMT equipment and inspection facility provide a reliable and speedy module production line with over 600,000 pcs monthly capacity.
nRF52833 is a powerful solution which supports multiprotocol such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Thread but also qualified for industrial operation at an extended temperature range of -40°C to 105°C.
Raytac’s MDBT50Q and MDBT50 module employed nRF52833 solution offering 2 kinds of form factor with either 48 or 18 GPIO option for selection. 3 antenna options helps developers to find the best balance between performance and budgetary for projects.
MDBT50Q and MDBT50 modules are BT5.2 qualified supports direction finding and Bluetooth long range feature. Both are built around 128K RAM, 512K Flash memory with I2C, SPI, I2S, UART, NFC, USB interface. A 1.7V to 5.5V supply voltage range enables powering the device from rechargeable batteries or over USB and +8dBm output power has significantly enhance the bluetooth long range coverage which is suitable for outdoor or smart home applications.
Nordic nRF52833 module by Raytac MDBT50Q & MDBT50
The modules are FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/SRRC/NCC/RCM pre-certified and in mass production for volume shipment. EVK demo board is also available for quick debug and evaluation. Developers who are interested in nRF52833 module MDBT50Q and MDBT50 are welcome get in touch with Raytac for immediate service support.
Developers love to use smaller module in order to fit in maximum kinds of implement and applications.
Nordic’s nRF52805 is a BT5.2 solution features an ARM Cortex M4 MCU with 24KB RAM and 192K Flash Memory, an idea solution to fulfill the applications which only need simple Bluetooth function but cost constrained budgetary.
Raytac has developed 2 module lines, MDBT42T & MDBT42TV, employed nRF52805 with different antenna options for customer election. All the modules have Bluetooth BT5.2 qualification granted, FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/SRRC/NCC pre-certified. A well RF designed module with completed coverage of certification offer an advantage to speed up time to market efficiency and minimal the BOM cost.
Raytac Corporation 