Raytac Corporation, A Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LoRa Module Maker based on Nordic nRF54; nRF53: nRF52; nRF51; nRF7002 Semtech Specification: SX1262 Bluetooth Specification: BT5.4 ; BT5.3; BT5.2. Wi-Fi Specification: Wi-Fi 6 LoRa Specification: LoRaWAN
Following up – Part 1: Bootloader & Application (Click for article link),
We will be focusing on:
Part 2: Combining and merging built files
in this article.
IC: nRF52832
DK: PCA10040 (for nRF52832)
SDK: 16.0.0
Softdevice: s132_nrf52_7.0.1_softdevice.hex
IDE: Keil C
PC: Win 10
Part 2: Combining and merging built files
Here are the guidelines for users to implement Secure DFU OTA(over-the-air) while using nRF52832 Solution modules. (Click on link for Raytac nRF52832 module series)
IC: nRF52832
DK: PCA10040 (for nRF52832)
SDK: 16.0.0
Softdevice: s132_nrf52_7.0.1_softdevice.hex
IDE: Keil C
PC: Win 10
Below are the guidelines to implement Secure DFU OTA by using Raytac’s nRF52832 modules, SDK16.0.0.
It consists of 2 parts:
Part 1: Bootloader & Application
Part 2: Combining and merging built files (Article link)
In this article, we will be focusing on Part 1: Bootloader & Application.
Following up - Part A: Bootloader (Click for article link) and Part B: Application (Click for article link)
We will be focusing on:
Part C: Combining & merging built files
in this article.
IC: nRF52840
DK: PCA10056 (for nRF52840)
SDK: 17.1.0
Softdevice: s140_nrf52_7.2.0_softdevice.hex
IDE: Keil C
PC: Win 10
Part C: Combining & merging built files
Step 1. Execute the combine batch file in bootloader (nrf52840_bootloader_setting_merge.bat) and generate file of nrf52840_bootloader_secure_combin_settings.hex :
@echo off
title = [ J-Link Tool ] %CD%
set nrfDir=C:\Program Files (x86)\Nordic Semiconductor\nrf5x\bin
set BS= nrf52840_bootloader_secure_settings.hex
set BL= nrf52840_xxaa_s140.hex
set BSBLCombind= nrf52840_bootloader_secure_combin_settings.hex
set path=%nrfDir%;%path%
pause
echo -----------merge image file-------------------
mergehex.exe -m %BS% %BL% -o %BSBLCombind%
pause
Step 2. Create a Final.hex file by 3-in-1 batch file(nrf52840_3in1_merge.bat)
※Note : This hex file is created for the production line to pre-load firmware into modules prior to shipment.
@echo off
title = [ J-Link Tool ] %CD%
set nrfDir=C:\Users\user\Desktop\Nordic BLE\nRF5_merge tools\nRF52 bin
set SD= s140_nrf52_7.2.0_softdevice.hex
set BLT= nrf52840_bootloader_secure_combin_settings.hex
set APP= nrf52840_xxaa.hex
set SD_BLT=SD_BLT.hex
set Finalfile=Final.hex
set path=%nrfDir%;%path%
pause
echo -----------merge image file-------------------
mergehex.exe -m %SD% %BLT% -o %SD_BLT%
pause
mergehex.exe -m %SD_BLT% %APP% -o %Finalfile%
pause
Step 3. Create a DFU(OTA).zip file of nrf52840_xxaa.zip
※Note : This zip file is created for end device DFU(OTA) implementation.
nrfutil pkg generate --hw-version 52 --sd-req 0x100 --application-version 0xFF --application
nrf52840_xxaa.hex --key-file private.pem nrf52840_xxaa.zip
The DFU OTA zip file: nrf52840_xxaa.zip will be derived.
※Note :
The "0x100" appeared in the above DOS code(in red font) is the FWID(Firmware ID) for s140_nrf52_7.2.0_softdevice.hex;
FWID can be found from the soft device documents on the Nordic website.
Step 4: Run DFU OTA (On mobile in this example)
4A. Install the nRF Connect APP on mobile, with DFU OTA file: nrf52840_xxaa.zip.
4B. Send nrf52840_xxaa.zip via email to mobile device after combination is done on PC, then download it.
4C. Open nRF Connect APP and run connection;
4D. Execute DFU and select "Distribution packet(ZIP)", thus starting the DFU OTA process.
4E. Start DFU OTA → exit the APP after DFU OTA is completed → restart the mobile device.
Secure DFU OTA for nRF52840 solution modules: Guide to create hex/zip file for implementation
Detailed links of articles:
Part A: Bootloader (Click for article link)
Part B: Application (Click for article link)
Part C: Combining and merging built files (Click for article link)
Technical guidelines provided by R&D Manager: Mr. MW Lee
Edited by Sales Manager: Mr. Tony Yin
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子股份有限公司
Bluetooth & WiFi module maker based on Nordic nRF54, nRF53, nRF52, nRF7002 solution
BT5.4 &BT5.3 & BT5.2 & BT5.1 Qualified, FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/RCM/SRRC/NCC Pre-Certified.
Bluetooth Solution: nRF54, nRF5340, nRF52840, nRF52833, nRF52832, nRF52820, nRF52811, nRF52810, nRF52805, nRF51822
WiFi Solution: nRF7002
Here are the guidelines for users to implement Secure DFU OTA(over-the-air) while compiling using nRF52840 Solution modules.
(Click on link for Raytac nRF52840 module series)
IC: nRF52840
DK: PCA10056 (for nRF52840)
SDK: 17.1.0
Softdevice: s140_nrf52_7.2.0_softdevice.hex
IDE: Keil C
PC: Win 10
Below are the following steps to implement Secure DFU OTA by using nRF52840 chip set, SDK17.1.0.
It consists of 3 parts:
Part A: Bootloader
Part B: Application (Click here for article link)
Part C: Combining and merging built files (Will be released after Part B)
In this article, we will be focusing on Part A: Bootloader.
Following up-Part A: Bootloader (Click for article link)
We will be focusing on:
Part B: Application
in this article.
IC: nRF52840
DK: PCA10056 (for nRF52840)
SDK: 17.1.0
Softdevice: s140_nrf52_7.2.0_softdevice.hex
IDE: Keil C
PC: Win 10
Part B: Application
Path: nRF5_SDK_17.1.0_ddde560\examples\ble_peripheral\ble_app_uart\pca10056\s140\arm5_no_packs
Before building Application code , some amendments need to be made regarding DFU-related settings and code inside Application:
Step 1.
1A. Add code in definition in C/C++ :
BL_SETTINGS_ACCESS_ONLY NRF_DFU_SVCI_ENABLED NRF_DFU_TRANSPORT_BLE=1
(Total 3 steps definitions need to be set up)
1B. Add “include path” in C/C++
1C. Add the .c files inside red frame in (Screenshots 1 & 2)
and the 2 groups of (nRF_DFU & nRF_SVC)(Screenshot 3) under Project(Screenshot 4)
1D. Add code into main.c file in Application (..\examples\ble_peripheral\ble_app_uart\main.c)
(Please refer to: main.c file at: ..\examples\ble_peripheral\ ble_app_buttonless_dfu)
1E. The code of file: sdk_config.h (..\examples\ble_peripheral\ble_app_uart\pca10056\s140\config\
sdk_config.h) inside Application needs to be modified.
1F. Adjust the IRAM1 value in Target after implementing DFU service:
Check on the IRAM1 Value of *p_app_ram_start to be modified from default: 0x20002AE8 0x3D518 to 0x20002AF8 0x3D508, as shown in the red frame in the bottom right corner.
In this case, the program should run successfully.
1G: Create a file of: nrf52840_xxaa.hex after building application code files.
Step 2. Create a bootloader setting file of nrf52840_bootloader_secure_settings.hex : (via DOS)
nrfutil settings generate --family NRF52840 --application nrf52840_xxaa.hex --application-version 3 -- bootloader-version 2 --bl-settings-version 1 nrf52840_bootloader_secure_settings.hex --no-backup
※Stay tuned for #3 – Part C: Combining and merging built files in the next article,
scheduled release in next week(05/06/2024).
Technical guidelines provided by R&D Manager: Mr. MW Lee
Edited by Sales Manager: Mr. Tony Yin
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子股份有限公司 A company of Abietec
Bluetooth & WiFi module maker based on Nordic nRF54, nRF53, nRF52, nRF7002 solution
BT5.4 &BT5.3 & BT5.2 & BT5.1 Qualified, FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/RCM/SRRC/NCC Pre-Certified.
Bluetooth Solution: nRF54, nRF5340, nRF52840, nRF52833, nRF52832, nRF52820, nRF52811, nRF52810, nRF52805, nRF51822
WiFi Solution: nRF7002
http://www.raytac.com
email: service@raytac.com
Tel: +886-2-3234-0208
Definition of Approtect (Access Port Protection):
In Nordic Semiconductor products, the enhanced APprotect feature has been integrated into the nRF52 series microcontrollers. APprotect (Access Port Protection) is a crucial security feature designed to safeguard the device's application, compiled code, with read-back protection mechanism, against unauthorized access and modifications. This protection is essential for preventing unauthorized access and software tampering.
Effectively leveraging the improved Approtect feature on nRF52 series microcontrollers to enhance device application security and reliability is a significant concern for current developers and engineers.
This year, Raytac Corporation has launched low-energy Bluetooth modules for the third edition IC nRF52840 APprotection Solution and nRF52832 APprotection Solution.
These modules not only retain the functionalities of the original nRF52840 and nRF52832 low-energy Bluetooth modules but also comprehensively upgrade security by adding the APprotect feature to prevent hackers from accessing and rewriting programs without authorization.
Here is a detailed explanation of the nRF52 third edition low-energy Bluetooth modules by Raytac Corporation:
The encoding principle is to use 'EN' after the original model number to represent 'encrypted' instead of 'V2'.
For example, in the nRF52840 series, the Raytac model MDBT50Q-1MV2 has "V2" replaced with "EN" for the third edition, hence the third edition model is named MDBT50Q-1MEN.
MDBT50Q Ceramic Antenna Series:
MDBT50Q-1MEN:
Equipped with a ceramic antenna module suitable for long-distance or complex environment wireless transmission.
MDBT50Q-P PCB Antenna Series:
MDBT50Q-P1MEN:
Equipped with a PCB antenna module suitable for general environment wireless transmission.
Designed for external antenna requirements,
MDBT50Q-U1MEN:
This module features a u.FL connector for external antenna use, suitable for ultra-long-distance wireless transmission.
Specification：
[nRF52840] MDBT50Q-1MEN & MDBT50Q-P1MEN Spec (Ver.A)
[nRF52840] MDBT50Q-U1MEN Spec (Ver.A)
Development Board:
MDBT50Q-DB : An excellent choice for those who want to delve deeper into and conduct more tests with the Nordic nRF52840. This development and debugging board based on the MDBT50Q-1MV2 (ceramic antenna) module has all GPIOs of the module pulled out, facilitating rapid connection to other devices for firmware development and verification using jumper wires.
The same encoding principle applies to the nRF52832 series, and the MDBT42Q series follows suit.
MDBT42Q Ceramic Antenna Series:
MDBT42Q-512KEN comes with a ceramic antenna module, suitable for long-distance or complex environment wireless transmissions.
MDBT42Q-P PCB Antenna Series:
MDBT42Q-P512KEN features a PCB antenna module, suitable for general environment wireless transmissions.
MDBT42Q-U512KEN , designed for external antenna requirements, comes with a u.FL connector module suitable for ultra-long-distance wireless transmissions.
Specification：
[nRF52832] MDBT42Q-512KEN & MDBT42Q-P512KEN Spec (Ver.A)
[nRF52832] MDBT42Q-U512KEN Spec (Ver.A)
Development Board:
MDBT42Q-DB development board is based on the MDBT42Q-512KV2 (ceramic antenna) module and is designed for development and debugging purposes.
Other Reference Links:
Nordic 3rd Party Modules/Modems(Raytac's modules are all qualified Nordic 3rd Party Bluetooth low energy module, please go following website for more detailed information.)
Credit to Nordic Infocenter website:
https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/comp_matrix_nrf52840/COMP/nrf52840/nRF52840_ic_rev_sdk_sd_comp_matrix.html
Credit to Nordic Infocenter website:
https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/comp_matrix_nrf52832/COMP/nrf52832/ic_rev_sdk_sd_comp_matrix.html
Edited by Sales Manager: Ms. Mandy Chao
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子股份有限公司
Bluetooth & WiFi module maker based on Nordic nRF54, nRF53, nRF52, nRF7002 solution
BT5.4 &BT5.3 & BT5.2 & BT5.1 Qualified, FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/RCM/SRRC/NCC Pre-Certified. Bluetooth Solution: nRF54, nRF5340, nRF52840, nRF52833, nRF52832, nRF52820, nRF52811, nRF52810, nRF52805, nRF51822 WiFi Solution: nRF7002
www.raytac.com
email:service@raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
Raytac Corporation, a globally recognized third-party Bluetooth module supplier endorsed by Nordic Semiconductor, has announced a strategic collaboration with Millennium Semiconductor, a specialized electronic agent, starting from November 2023. The establishment of this partnership aims to jointly expand into the Indian market and provide comprehensive services to customers in different regions. Raytac Corporation has consistently focused on the wireless field, earning a reputation as a leading provider of Bluetooth Low Energy modules with outstanding technological capabilities. Additionally, Raytac offers the latest WiFi + BLE modules and a complete range of solutions from Nordic.
The product lineup includes series such as nRF54, nRF5340, nRF52840, nRF52833, nRF52832, nRF52820, nRF52811, nRF52810, nRF52805, nRF51822, all of which have obtained qualifications for BT5.4, BT5.3, BT5.2, and BT5.1. Furthermore, the nRF7002 represents the first device in our array of distinct Wi-Fi products, seamlessly combining with Nordic's established ultra-low power technologies. Raytac Corporation's modules have received Bluetooth (QDID/DID/BQB) and regulatory certifications from various countries and regions, including FCC (USA), CE (Europe), IC (Canada),TELEC (Japan), KC (Korea), SRRC (China), NCC (Taiwan), RCM (Australia/New Zealand), and others.
In addition to delivering excellent performance and transmission distances, Raytac Corporation's modules are relatively compact in size, offering a diverse range of module series choices. This flexibility empowers developers to design without being constrained by module dimensions. Furthermore, the inclusion of AT Command by Raytac facilitates a quick entry for developers into the realms of Bluetooth and the Internet of Things.
Millennium Semiconductors India Private Limited,
17/18/19, 2nd Floor, Mahalaxmi Heights, Mumbai-Pune Road, Pimpri, Pune 411 018, Maharashtra, INDIA.
+91 20 67177100 / 151, +91 9130015701
Edited by Sales Manager: Ms. Mandy Chao
Raytac Corporation
勁達國際電子股份有限公司
Bluetooth & WiFi module maker based on Nordic nRF54, nRF53, nRF52, nRF7002 solution
BT5.4 &BT5.3 & BT5.2 & BT5.1 Qualified, FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/RCM/SRRC/NCC Pre-Certified. Bluetooth Solution: nRF54, nRF5340, nRF52840, nRF52833, nRF52832, nRF52820, nRF52811, nRF52810, nRF52805, nRF51822 WiFi Solution: nRF7002
www.raytac.com
email:service@raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
RF Test – DTM & Radio Test
When launching new products, there is a requirement for RF testing, and two methods are commonly used:
DTM (Direct Test Mode) and Radio Test.
Nordic's SDK provides two RF testing programs: DTM (Direct Test Mode) and Radio Test. While both methods can test RF indicators, they have some distinctions. DTM follows the Bluetooth specification's Direct Test Mode data format (referenced in Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.2, Vol. 6, Part F.), primarily for Bluetooth certification tests.
On the other hand, Radio Test focuses on the chip's radio indicators, making it more suitable for FCC and ETSI certifications.
Let's delve into detailed explanations for DTM and Radio Test programs.
DTM(Direct Test Mode)
The Bluetooth Association offers a feature for testing RF characteristics. Nordic has incorporated DTM firmware into the SDK according to SIG standard documents. Customers only need to modify the Baud Rate and UART TX/RX pins to conduct RF tests.
1. Download and install nRF Connect for desktop software and nRF5 SDK from the Nordic website.
nRF Connect for desktop download:
https://www.nordicsemi.com/Software-and-tools/Development-Tools/nRF-Connect-for-desktop/Download
nRF5 SDK download:
https://www.nordicsemi.com/Software-and-tools/Software/nRF5-SDK/Download#infotabs
2. Install the Direct Test Mode program in the nRF Connect for desktop software.
3. Extract the SDK package, open the DTM example code from
nRF5_SDK_vxx\examples\dtm\direct_test_mode\ board number\blank, modify TX and RX pins based on the target board's definitions, then compile.
Download the program to the target board connected to the PC.
(Select the appropriate sample code based on the IC/module for testing, referring to the board number below. )
| IC P/N | board number |
| NRF52832 | pca10040 |
| NRF52810 | pca10040e |
| NRF52840 | pca10056 |
| NRF52811 | pca10056e |
| NRF52833 | pca10100 |
| NRF52820 | pca10100e |
RF testing is performed using UART TX/RX commands.
The SDK program defaults to certain positions, but users can modify these two pin positions according to their product design without changing the Baud Rate setting.
| UART Pin | nRF51 | nRF52 |
| TXD | P0.09 | P0.06 |
| RXD | P0.11 | P0.08 |
4. Use nRFConnect DTM for testing by adjusting UART TX/RX pins.
Please refer to Video tutorial from link below:
https://github.com/NordicSemiconductor/pc-nrfconnect-dtm/blob/master/resources/screenshot.gif
Radio Test
Nordic provides a tool for simpler RF testing, allowing the configuration of radio-related data such as TX power, frequency, TX carrier, and TX modulation carrier through a Command List. It doesn't include testing for RX sensitivity; if needed, users must either write a program for this test or use DTM for testing.
1. Open from nRF5_SDK_vxx\examples\peripheral\radio_test\board number\blank
(Based on the IC/module for testing, referring to the board number below.)
| IC P/N | board number |
| NRF52832 | pca10040 |
| NRF52810 | pca10040e |
| NRF52840 | pca10056 |
| NRF52811 | pca10056e |
| NRF52833 | pca10100 |
| NRF52820 | pca10100e |
2. This test also utilizes a Command-based approach to send instructions for different parameter tests. Compared to DTM, Radio Test is more flexible, offering a wider range of RF parameters to test.
The connection method between the target board and PC, serial port modifications, and the approach with DTM are identical.
3. Use the command-Line interface (CLI) through the serial port to control and test the output power, bitrate, and channel settings of the radio parameters during testing.
Additionally, configure the CLI to enable the 32 MHz high-frequency crystal oscillator.
The application allows setting scanning mode with intervals ranging from 1 millisecond to 99 milliseconds (per 1 millisecond) for each channel.
4. Refer to the Nordic CLI commands documentation for the command testing method.
5.Testing
Lastly, we can utilize Spectrum to test PCBA RF characteristics.
Edited by Sales Manager: Ms. Vicky Huang
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF528
About SRRC Certification:
SRRC, or the State Radio Regulation Committee, is a mandatory certification required by the National Radio Management Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China. All wireless products sold within China must obtain certification, commonly referred to as SRRC certification, which involves approval of the wireless transmission equipment model.
SRRC Document No. 129:
Document No. 129 introduces various interference avoidance technical requirements for wireless transmission equipment, including "pre-transmission scanning," "monitoring and avoidance," and "Medium Utilization (MU)" for equivalent occupancy rate.
a. "Pre-transmission scanning" and "monitoring and avoidance" mechanisms involve monitoring and listening to the wireless channel before or during signal transmission. By setting appropriate detection threshold levels, the channel's occupancy status is determined to select an idle channel for access.
b. The "equivalent occupancy rate" mechanism requires wireless transmission equipment to self-adjust based on parameters such as "Duty Cycle" and "transmission power," ensuring the "equivalent occupancy rate" remains at a lower level (not exceeding 10%).
1. Certificate Validity Period:
Enforced from October 15, 2023. During this period, both old and new policies can be applied. Certificates obtained under the old regulation (Document No. 353) are valid until December 31, 2025. However, certificates obtained by complying with the requirements of Document No. 129 will be valid for 5 years.
2. Sample Requirements:
2.1 The quantity of conducted samples prepared according to the old regulation remains unchanged: 5 samples.
2.2 The major change introduced by Document No. 129 is the addition of interference avoidance technical requirements. The interference avoidance test items include:
1. Maximum channel occupancy time
2. Minimum channel idle time
3. Minimum silence period duration
4. Detection of unused signals
5. Detection threshold
6. Short control signal duty cycle
7. Equivalent occupancy rate.
Differences between Old and New Regulations:
Edited by Sales Manager: Ms. Vicky Huang
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 so
WHY Nordic’s DK cannot DETECT Raytac’s modules?
Some tips to fix this problem
Nordic’S board no : PCA10056 (nRF52840)
Raytac’s board no : MDBT50Q-DB-40 (nRF52840)
1. Update the version of nRF Command Line Tools from below link
https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-tools/nRF-Command-Line-Tools/Download?lang=en#infotabs
2. Update the version of jlink driver from below link.
https://www.segger.com/downloads/jlink/JLink_Windows_V780c_x86_64.exe
3. Update the version of nRF Connect for desktop.
nRF connect for desktop V4.1.2
Programmer V3.0.9
4. Add jumper wire for GND shown as the below red arrow to avoid the different power reference between these 2 boards.
5. Make sure that IDE cable connects correctly. Red edge of IDE cable should connect to PIN 1 of both boards.
6. Supply power to VDD of Raytac’s demo board before flashing.
Edited by Sales Manager: Ms. Gracie Chuang
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF52810 & nRF52805)
http://www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
