User Manual of Raytac AN54LV-DB-15 (Nordic nRF54L15 Module DevKit) Development & Programming Environment

Want to get started quickly with Raytac's AN54LV-15 module? We provide a simple tutorial to guide you step-by-step through setting up the development and programming environment for the nRF54L15 module Development Board (AN54LV-DB-15) and nRF54L15-DK.

Table of Contents
1. Hardware Environment Setup
2. Software Development Kit Resources and Environment Setup
3. Software/Firmware Application Development
4. Flashing / Programming

Related products:
nRF54L15 SoC Spec  << access link
Nordic nRF54L15 DK  << access link
Raytac AN54LV-DB-15 (Development Kit used in this article) << access link
Zephyr documentation of AN54LV-DB-15 << access link
Raytac AN54LV-DB-U15 (Development Kit with u.FL Connector for external antenna) << access link
Raytac AN54LV-DB-K15 (Development Kit with antenna pin) << access link

User manual of Raytac AN54LQ-DB-15 << access linkNordic nRF54L15-DK

1. Hardware Environment Setup
The required equipments are as follows:

• 1 x Nordic nRF54L15-DK: PCA10156(1.0.0)
• 1 x AN54LV-DB-15 (Raytac nRF54L15 module Development Board)
• 1 x IDC Ribbon Cable
• 2 x USB Type-C Connection Cables

* Reminder: The "Nordic nRF54L15-DK" and "Raytac AN54LV-DB-15 Development Board" must be used together to proceed with application development and flashing firmware into the Raytac AN54LV-DB-15 development board.

Setup Steps:
Step 1: Connect the J-Link on the Nordic DK with the AN54LV-DB-15 using the IDC ribbon cable.

Make sure to match the red side of the IDC ribbon cable with "1" printed on the AN54LV-DB-15's J-Link socket.

Step 2: Use the Type-C USB cables to supply power to both the nRF54L15-DK and the AN54LV-DB-15.

The outcome should be same as the picture above.

Step 3: AN54LV-DB-15 Schematic(Click on the schematic to zoom in):

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2. Software Development Kit Resources and Environment Setup
Software Tool kits & Download Links:
Download nRF Connect for Desktop: Download nRF Connect For Desktop (Please Click Me)
Download nRF Command Line Tools: Download nRF Command Line Tools (Please Click Me)
Download Visual Studio Code(VS Code): Download nRF Command Line Tools (Please Click Me)

Setup Steps:
Step 1: Download the latest version of nRF Connect for Desktop. Choose the Windows 64-bit - version 5.3.1 installer (nrfconnect-setup-5.3.1-x64.exe). Once finished, you will see " nRF Connect for Desktop" on your PC.

Step 2: Download the latest version of nRF Command Line Tools. Choose the Windows X86 64 - version 10.24.2 installer (nrf-command-line-tools-10.24.2-x64.exe)

* Reminder: During the installation of the above two programs, a window may pop up prompting that SEGGER J-LINK needs to be installed or updated concurrently.

If you’re initiating Segger Embedded Studio (SES) application, please check the guideline here(Click me)\

Step 3: Download the latest version of Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Choose Windows VSCodeUserSetup-x64 version 1.122 (VSCodeUserSetup-x64-1.122.1.exe). Once complete, you will see "Visual Studio Code" on your PC.

Step 4: After installation is complete, you can verify the installed packages in your PC's Control Panel under "Programs and Features":

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3. Software/Firmware Application Development
You can develop application programs within the VS Code IDE development environment.
Below steps are how to install and select your target SDK version (nRF Connect SDK v3.3.0 in this article):

Step 1: Launch "VS Code"-> Select "nRF Connect" icon/extension on the side menu.

Click "Manage SDKs" and then select "Install SDK".

Step 2: Select "nRF Connect SDK".

Step 3: You will see several available versions of nRF Connect SDK vx.x.x. It is highly recommended to choose and install NCS v3.3.0 or later. In this guide, we select nRF Connect SDK(NCS) v3.3.0.

Step 4: Before starting the download for (NCS)v3.3.0, confirm your preferred target installation pathway.
By default, it is configured to c:\ncs\v3.3.0. Press 'Enter' to confirm.

Step 5: Once the nRF Connect SDK v3.3.0 environment setup finishes successfully, open the Bluetooth sample folder and select the "peripheral_uart" application template, then click "Open".

Step 6: In the "nRF Connect" layout, go to "Applications" --> "Add build configuration".

Under "Board target", look up and select "nrf54l15dk/nrf54l15/cpuapp" --> "Generate and Build".

* Note: You can also choose the board name “raytac_an54lv_db_15/nrf54l15/cpuapp” for subsequent building and development.

After completing the configuration, you will see "Build complete".

Step 7: Compilation completed. Once completed, a binary file named "zephyr.hex" will be generated in your "build" directory.

Step 8: Under the "ACTIONS" interface, you can switch between Build, Debug, and Flash functionalities dynamically.

Build

Debug

Flash

Step 9: CRITICAL BEFORE FLASHING/DEBUGGING: You have to change the VDD voltage configuration on the nRF54L15-DK board to 3.3V.

To do this: Launch "nRF Connect for Desktop" -> choose "Board Configurator" -> click "Open"

Change the VDD target selection value to "3.3V" -> click "Write config".

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4. Flashing / Programming
The nRF Connect SDK (NCS) natively supports direct programming.
You can utilize the "Programmer" application tool to flash the compiled zephyr.hex binary file onto the target chip.
The exact procedure is detailed below:

Step 1: Open "nRF Connect for Desktop" -> select "Programmer" and click "Open".

Click "Select Device" and choose "nRF54L15DK".

Click "Add file".

Step 2: Select your compiled target ".hex" file.

Click "Erase & write" to initiate the programming/flashing process.

While flashing, a progress diagonal pattern will display on the right-hand panel.

When the LOG shows a "completed" status text, it means that the programming/flashing is successfully done.

Step 3: After the flash operation completes, you can download the "nRF Connect for Mobile" app to scan and verify that the Raytac AN54LV-DB-15 development board is advertising normally.

"nRF Connect for Mobile" app download link: https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-tools/nRF-Connect-for-mobile

Useful References
nRF Connect SDK Documentation: https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/3.3.0/nrf/index.html

Nordic DevZone(technical support forum): Nordic Devzone for technical issue discussion

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Edited by Account Manager: Christine Huang
Technical Guidance by R&D Manager: MW Lee

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子股份有限公司 / Raytac Corporation (USA) / abietec Inc.
A Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LoRa Module Maker/ODM & OEM Manufacturer based on
Nordic nRF54; nRF53: nRF52; nRF51; nRF7002
Infineon: CYW55912
NXP: RW610, RW612
Semtech: SX1262

Bluetooth Specification: BT6 ; BT5.4 ; BT5.3 ; BT5.2.
Wi-Fi Specification: Wi-Fi 6
LoRa Specification: LoRaWAN
Zephyr Project Silver Member

All products are FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/RCM/SRRC/NCC/WPC/RoHS/Reach Pre-Certified.

http://www.raytac.com
https://www.raytac.com/contact/
https://www.abietec.com/
email: sales@raytac.com
Tel: +886-2-3234-0208(TW)/+1-626-328-3827(USA)

Raytac's Impact on the Zephyr Ecosystem - Little Module, Huge Potential

 

In this article, Stanley Huang, MSc, Deputy Manager of Firmware Development at Raytac, shares insights on how Raytac’s modules and development kits strengthen the Zephyr ecosystem.

[Stanley Huang, New Taipei City]

When we talk about open-source platforms like Zephyr RTOS, most people immediately think of major chip manufacturers such as ST Micro, NXP, or Nordic. But to me, what truly makes Zephyr famous amongst the developer community is through modules that developers can actually touch: those they can instantly plug in and start using right away. In these terms, Raytac is one of the most underrated and important contributors in this ecosystem.

Raytac Modules Make Zephyr More Accessible

Instead of being a chip vendor, we specialize in producing high-quality, globally certified modules - especially Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules based on Nordic chipsets, such as the AN7002Q, AN54LQ, AN54LV, MDBT53, MDBT50Q, and MDBT42Q.
All these modules are already certified with Regional RF compliances(FCC, IC, CE, KC, etc.) and the latest Bluetooth Specifications, offering developers the assurance of “plug and play” and “production-ready” solutions.
We assure that our modules have become one of the easiest platforms for Zephyr developers to test BLE functionality.

I paired Zephyr with Raytac’s MDBT50Q-DB-40 development board when I first applied Zephyr in a BLE Peripheral project . With a simple west build -b nrf52840dk_nrf52840 followed by flashing the firmware using J-Link or nRF Connect for Desktop, the BLE beacon immediately showed up on my phone. Clean, simple, noise-free, and developer-friendly - that's Raytac's style.

Modules play an invaluable role in product development

Many would say Raytac only makes modules and the real core is still Nordic’s SoC.
But I believe that in an open-source system like Zephyr, the hardware that helps your project runs first is that which contributes the most.
Our Zephyr-registered development kits eliminate the hassles of manual soldering, regulatory certification, and antenna design, allowing engineers to fully focus on developing applications based on Zephyr.
They can run Zephyr’s BLE peripheral, central, GATT, and HCI samples directly on the Raytac kits that act as a one-stop hardware solution.
In many ways, Raytac has pushed Zephyr’s usability a significant step forward.

Raytac Also Expands Zephyr’s Application Horizon

Many of Raytac’s modules are ultra-compact- ideal for wearables, smart sensors, and low-power beacons…etc. These are the scenarios where Zephyr excels, and Raytac’s modules provide the physical platform to enable companies to build their "dream devices".
When running Zephyr on a tiny module like the AN54LV-15, developers will be amazed that something smaller than a piece of corn kernel can run a full RTOS, manage the BLE stack, trigger timers, drive I2C sensors, and even connect to the cloud, all by itself.  This combination doesn’t just make development easier - it inspires developers to realize that: “they can build their projects using Raytac's hardware.”

Raytac may not be the star, but we're always ready for you

On Zephyr’s main stage, companies like Nordic, STM, and Intel take the spotlight, but Raytac plays an essential supporting role - supporting the performance from behind the scenes. We offer stable, high quality, and low-power platforms, giving every line of Zephyr code a place to run and every feature a cornerstone.
Our greatest value lies in helping developers skip antenna design and RF interference concerns - so they can jump right into the Zephyr ecosystem with ease.

Our products deliver the reliability you need and the efficiency you expect.

We invite you to explore more about how Raytac supports the Zephyr ecosystem and discover our range of development kits and modules designed for seamless integration.
Visit our Zephyr page here: https://docs.zephyrproject.org/latest/boards/raytac/index.html
Visit Zephyr's Ecosystem Vendors page: https://www.zephyrproject.org/ecosystem-vendor-offerings/

For more information, please contact:
Raytac Contact Form: https://www.raytac.com/contact/
Raytac Sales email: sales@raytac.com
abietec Service email: service@abietec.com

Essential Tips for nRF54L15 HEX File Verification

Hi readers, did you know that Raytac offers a special service exclusively for our customers? 😉

We offer support services: HEX file verification and flashing firmware into modules per customer's requests.
Compared to the series nRF52 and nRF53’s 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 merged hex files, nRF54L15 requires something slightly different. Following are the tips and suggestions.

Before building your own .hex file on Raytac's nRF54L15 modules(Product link), please configure some settings(shown below) in advance.

In VS Code:

1. Go to Add Build Configuration
2. Find System Build (sysbuild) ➝ Choose Build System Default
3. Click Generate and Build

Starting from NCS v2.8.0 (including later versions), the .hex file can be generated in two different paths.
1. ..\nrf\samples\bluetooth\application-name\build\merged.hex
2. ..\nrf\samples\bluetooth\application-name\build\application-name\zephyr\zephyr.hex

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Using the AN54LQ/AN54LV series as an example:
When you provide the programming file (.hex) for production, please ensure that the file is taken from the following path:
1. ..\nrf\samples\bluetooth\application-name\build\merged.hex
And we also do not recommend renaming the merged HEX file due to Nordic suggestions.

For more details behind this suggestion, please refer to the Nordic DevZone link below.
https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/120313/how-to-modify-the-name-of-the-merged-hex-file

Suggested path:
1. ..\nrf\samples\bluetooth\application-name\build\merged.hex

Not recommended path:
2. ..\nrf\samples\bluetooth\application-name\build\application-name\zephyr\zephyr.hex
The zephyr.hex file is not recommended to be used for flashing or verification in the production process.

Thank you all for your patience in reading!
Best wishes for your projects - your success is Raytac’s success! 😊


For more information, please contact:
Raytac Contact Form: https://www.raytac.com/contact/
Raytac Sales email: sales@raytac.com
abietec Service email: service@abietec.com

Edited by Account Manager: Ms. Elfreda Guo


Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子股份有限公司 / Raytac Corporation (USA) / abietec Inc.
A Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LoRa Module Maker/ODM & OEM Manufacturer based on
Nordic nRF54; nRF53: nRF52; nRF51; nRF7002
Semtech Specification: SX1262


Bluetooth Specification: BT6 ; BT5.4 ; BT5.3 ; BT5.2.
Wi-Fi Specification: Wi-Fi 6
LoRa Specification: LoRaWAN


All products are FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/RCM/SRRC/NCC/WPC/RoHS/Reach Pre-Certified.
http://www.raytac.com
https://www.raytac.com/contact/
email: sales@raytac.com
Tel: +886-2-3234-0208(TW)/+1-626-217-3139(USA)

nRF52840 Nordic SoC USB Dongle – MDBT50Q-CX-40, Now Supports Zephyr RTOS

[New Taipei City, Taiwan] 

Zephyr RTOS hosted in Linux system has become a leading IoT ecosystem and it has been widely adopted as an open-source , real-time operation system for embedded devices, making it easier for developers to integrate the project smoothly.

Nordic Semiconductor , a main contributor to Zephyr, from the Bluetooth LE controller and USB stack to test tools, DFU frameworks.. and more, is making great effort and strategic decisions to adopt the Zephyr open-source into its nRFConnect(NCS) SDK program.

Raytac Corporation , a hardware-based manufacturer and a comprehensive solution developer with Nordic SoC development for multi-protocol complied wireless modules, now expands support for Zephyr RTOS ecosystem with its nRF52840 USB-C dongle – MDBT50Q-CX-40.

Zephyr support package for MDBT50Q-CX-40: 

https://docs.zephyrproject.org/latest/boards/raytac/mdbt50q_cx_40_dongle/doc/index.html

Reminder: The current Nordic released NCS SDK may NOT upgrade with Zephyr package at the same pace ; It is recommended to get the latest NCS SDK version to access the complete Zephyr support package.

If you’re interested in how Zephyr becomes powerful for a developer to start a project design easier and how the Nordic nRFConnect SDK community brings you to the world of Zephyr RTOS system, never hesitate to save the spot in the upcoming webinar on July 2nd, 2025. How Zephyr became the leading open-source RTOS for IoT (Click on the link to know more)

Resources:
– Begin your journey with Nordic nRFConnect SDK community – nRF Connect SDK Fundamentals
– User Manual of MDBT50Q-CX (nRF52840/nRF52833-based USB-C Dongle)

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Edited by Business Development Manager: Ms. Jocelyn Tsai

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Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子股份有限公司 / Raytac Corporation (USA)
A Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LoRa Module Maker/ODM & OEM Manufacturer based on
Nordic nRF54; nRF53: nRF52; nRF51; nRF7002
Semtech Specification: SX1262

Bluetooth Specification: BT6.1 ; BT6 ; BT5.4 ; BT5.3 ; BT5.2.
Wi-Fi Specification: Wi-Fi 6
LoRa Specification: LoRaWAN

All products are FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/RCM/SRRC/NCC/WPC Pre-Certified.
http://www.raytac.com
https://www.raytac.com/contact/
email: sales@raytac.com
Tel: +886-2-3234-0208(TW)/+1-626-217-3139(USA)

Bluetooth Project: How to program your firmware to module

After setup been done, here comes the next question: How to program the firmware in to the module. We are using some simple instruction in below for reader's quick reference.

Hardware

You will need a Nordic nRF5X DK or a Segger J-link as programmer to load the firmware. To use Nordic nRF5X DK to debug the SoC as well, you will need to order corresponding nRF5X DK to match the SoC number. For example, order nRF52840 DK to debug nRF52840 SoC or order nRF52 DK to debug nRF52832/52810 SoC. But if you are only using it as programmer, any version of nRF5X DK will work as we only use the J-link on this board.

Software

Please download Nordic nRFGo Studio or Nordic nRF Connect for Desktop for programming. Remember to install nRF5X Command Line Tools if the board was not detected by nRFGo Studio. Once they are all connected, you can then start programming. Please make sure to “erase all” every time before programming.


For more tutorials and demo of sample code, please visit Nordic’s DevZone and Infocenter where have ample resources to utilize. 

Programing 

Case A. SoftDevice + Application

1. If Softdevice and Application code separately
Erase all first. Then program Softdevice and follow by Application code.
   

2. If Softdevice and Application combined code is available (Recommend)

Erase all first. Then program the combined code

   

 **Raytac module comes with testing code programmed. Please erase the testing code as the first step and then start the programming.

Case B. SoftDevice + Bootloader+ Application

1. Softdevice+Bootloader 

Erase all first. Program the Softdevice and follow by Bootloader. Then use DFU to update the application code.

2. Softdevice+Application+Bootloader combined code is available (Recommend)

Erase all First and follow by programming the combined code.

 **Raytac module comes with testing code programmed. Please erase the testing code as the first step and then start the programming.

*Remark
Bootloader is needed for DFU (OTA) Function.
SDK 11 (included) and before - a legacy DFU method, which is simple but less security
SDK 12 (Included) and after - a latest DFU method, which has higher security.

To easy customer's IoT device mass production, Raytac provide code pre-program service into module before shipment.  There are requirements listed in below for customers who need the service!

1. A single, combined hex file is required. Please combine softdevice and application or/and bootloader (depending on your firmware design) together before programming. This will shorten programming time and help to manage your code easier.
2. Need a simple method to check programming status. The easiest way is to check the device name if device will broadcast device name after programming is done; or use I/O to trigger LED and its behavior. This does not aim to test any or full function of your device, only a simple method for the operator to know programming status.

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司

A BT5 & BT 4.2 & BTv4.1 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 & nRF52 solution 

(nRF51822 & nRF51422 & nRF52832 & nRF52810 & nRF52840)

www.raytac.com          email: cs@raytac.com          Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

Nordic Mesh Network Development Update

Mesh Network has grabbed the highlight of BLE development.
To keep all Nordic users get the updated information post, Raytac keep closely watching for every step Nordic achieved and summarized current status in below.

Nordic Licensed A Free Development IDE-Embedded Studio

Nordic announced it recently has signed with SEGGER to license all developers allowed to use Embedded Studio to develop Nordic nRF51 & nRF52 application freely without any limitations.

Engineers designing nRF51 and nRF52 Series Bluetooth Low Energy SoC applications now gain free access to SEGGER’s commercial Integrated Development Environment

Getting started with SEGGER Embedded Studio and the nRF5 SDK Tutorial Video:

Nordic nRF52810 Module MDBT42Q-P192K by Raytac in Mass Production

With Nordic nRF52810 SoC volume production, Raytac announced nRF52810 module MDBT42Q-P192K and MDBT42Q-192K will be available by 2017/11

Nordic Semiconductor News Release For Raytac's BT5.0 Module

Nordic Semiconductor announces that Raytac Corporation has selected Nordic’s nRF52832 wafer level-chip scale package (WL-CSP) System-on-Chip (SoC) for its compact Bluetooth low energy, Bluetooth® 5 ready MDBT42V and MDBT42V-P modules......... The modules comes in an 8.4 by 6.4 by 1.75mm form factor and offers a high performance ceramic chip antenna delivering a wireless connectivity range of over 100m in open space according to Raytac. 

For more detail, please refer to below link of Nordic News Releases Press

https://www.nordicsemi.com/News/News-releases/Product-Related-News/Nordic-Semiconductor-powered-Bluetooth-low-energy-modules-ease-design-of-Bluetooth-5-wireless-solutions-for-space-constrained-IoT-applications

Raytac Corporation

A BT4.1 & BT4.2 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 & nRF52 solution 

(nRF51822 & nRF51422 & nRF52832 & nRF52810 & nRF52840)

www.raytac.com            Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

email: service@raytac.com

Wordpress

New NFC feature on nRF52 Series: Read/write capable Type 4 Tag NFC library in nRF5 SDK.

Raytac Corporation

A BT4.1 & BT4.2 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 & nRF52 solution 

(nRF51822 & nRF51422 & nRF52832 & nRF51802)

www.raytac.com            Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

email: service@raytac.com

Wordpress

NFC feature is an interesting function in nRF52 series which can help developers and consumers to extent the device flexibility and accessibility.

Mostly, people knows that the NFC for nRF52 can work for paring work only.

Here Nordic Developer Zone introduced the new features of nRF52 for Type 4 Tag in nRF5 SDK.

Thus, not only used as a standard tag type for storing a web link or a text to launch apps and secure BLE pairing as known as Type 2 Tag. (The library already in nRF5 SDK), but also supports more features which enhance a faster communication and exposing data (known as NFC Type 4 Tag). Thus, nRF52 now can even write data to a tag with an NFC Reader/Writer such as smartphone and used in many secure transactions systems.

For more detail information, you can continue the reading in below which quoted from original post, or simply visit Nordic Developer Zone

New NFC feature on nRF52 Series: Read/write capable Type 4 Tag NFC library in nRF5 SDK.

Bluetooth 5-ready Nordic nRF52840 multi-protocol SoC released!

Raytac Corporation 

Bluetooth module maker based on Nordic nRF51 & nRF52 solution 

(Nordic nRF51822 & nRF51422 & nRF52832 & nRF52840)
Bluetooth Specification Version: BT4.0 & BT4.1 & BT4.2

www.raytac.com

Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

email: service@raytac.com

https://raytacblog.wordpress.com/

Quoted from Nordic Press released!
https://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/News/News-releases/Product-Related-News/Bluetooth-5-ready-SoC-from-Nordic-redefines-scope-for-smart-home-IoT-and-wearables-by-delivering-4x-range-2x-bandwidth-and-best-in-class-security

Nordic Semiconductor has today released the new nRF52840 multi-protocol SoC with on-chip support for the upcoming Bluetooth 5 specification. In addition to Bluetooth 5 the nRF52840 also introduces on-chip support for the 802.15.4 standard. With Bluetooth 5’s new high throughput and long range modes and 802.15.4, it offers unparalleled development opportunities for connected devices for IoT. These opportunities include advanced single-chip wearables, wearables with payment options and connected home devices.

Bluetooth 5 will undergo ratification by the Bluetooth SIG beginning December 6^th 2016. Upon completion, we will provide Bluetooth 5-ready SoftDevices to support nRF52840 and the nRF52832 (high-throughput mode only).

Bluetooth 5-ready nRF52840 multi-protocol SoC released!

Highlights

• Bluetooth 5 support
• 802.15.4 support
• ANT/2.4GHz RF support
• 1MB/256kB flash/RAM
• Cortex-M4F
• ARM® CryptoCell cryptographic accelerator
• USB 2.0 on-chip
• 48 configurable GPIO
• NFC
• QSPI
• Extended range of digital interfaces
• Dual-channel PDM digital microphone input
• 5v to 1.7v operation

The nRF52840 is available in a 73-pin 7x7mm AQFN package, and supported by the nRF52840 Preview Development Kit. View the Product Specification for more details!

Click below to view the product on our website, download the product specification or check out the nRF52840 Preview DK:

	nRF52840 product page
	nRF52840 Preview DK product page