Here are the guidelines for users to implement Secure DFU OTA(over-the-air) while usingnRF52832 Solution modules.(Click on link for Raytac nRF52832 module series)
Step 1. Execute the combine batch file in bootloader (nrf52840_bootloader_setting_merge.bat) and generate file ofnrf52840_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.
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
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.hexafter building application code files.
Step 2. Create a bootloader setting file of nrf52840_bootloader_secure_settings.hex :(via DOS)
Raytac Corporation is excited to extend our warm welcome to you once again at Embedded World 2024, scheduled to be held from April/9/2024 to April/11/2024 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre, Germany.
As IoT and Bluetooth Low Energy gain momentum, they emerge as essential catalysts for future development. Following Nordic Semiconductor’s lead in wireless technology, Raytac remains committed to releasing a wide range of modules to meet developers’ needs.
This year, we’re also introducing Wi-Fi modules AN 7002 alongside the nRF 7002 and nRF 54 series modules, so stay tuned for what’s to come.
Based on your requirements, we will showcase more applications of modules at the exhibition, as well as demonstrate how Raytac Corporation can save your time and expenses during the development stage and overall costs.
Raytac Corporation is delighted to invite you joining our team at:
HALL 3 Booth 3-111 M2M Area
To be a part of this dynamic convergence of ideas, innovations, and opportunities.
For more information and details into Raytac Corporation at embedded world 2024 can now be found in the preview of our digital event platform from following link:
Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) – Certification program --Flex Track & Derivative
(The least effort option for Wi-Fi certification)
Source: https://www.wi-fi.org/certification
After reading through the article of WFA (Wi-Fi Alliance) QuickTrack program, you may try to seek for a seamless option that least effort made for a Wi-Fi certificate.
Raytac Corp. has took this into consideration already!
Raytac Corp. is working on the FlexTrack package as a source product so that end product developer can apply a Derivative program to grant a WFA certificate by leveraging Raytac Corp. WFA source product – NRF5340 & NRF7002 IC combo solution (MDBT53 & AN7002 Module)
Let Raytac Corp. do the work ahead of your request, the FlexTrack program is provided with a fix option, the necessary Wi-Fi compliance & conformance have been done by Raytac Corporation, Raytac Corp. will get a WFA Certificate that you (end product developer) can simply leverage it and apply Derivative program seamlessly for getting your own Wi-Fi certificate ID as long as you’re the member of Wi-Fi alliance.
What benefits you (end product developer) by sticking to Raytac Corp. FlexTrack (Source product) program?
No-Testing required: Raytac Corp. has granted the Wi-Fi certificate ID using source product (MDBT53 & AN7002 Module) , you simply leverage Raytac Corp. Wi-Fi certified ID and apply the solution to your end product when you’re working on the certification process ; No-testing is required.
Faster time-to-market end device (Wi-Fi) : By using Raytac Corp. available WFA source product , you can get through the certification process easily without being in the process of a series of tests as long as you’re the member of Wi-Fi alliance. This helps your Wi-Fi end device get launched at the earliest.
Seamless Connectivity & Least resource required : Without involving in a series of complicate Wi-Fi compliance and conformance test, it delivers the seamless connectivity and the least effort would be took for end product developer to get Wi-Fi certificate ID.
Waive cost on Wi-Fi conformance test: it significantly decreases the cost for your project budget without getting through a series Wi-Fi compliance & conformance test.
If you stick to Raytac Corp. combo solution (source product )- MDBT53 & AN7002 Module, given the Wi-Fi components are pre-certified in the FlexTrack solution, you (end product developer) will be able to use the minimal resource and least effort to get Wi-Fi certificate ID for your Wi-Fi end device.
Which membership level shall be applied in Wi-Fi alliance for being Derivative?
If you agree with Raytac Corp. FlexTrack program and are confident in the Raytac Corp. combo solution(source product )- MDBT53 & AN7002 Module , Wi-Fi Implementer membership would extend this benefit for you. Being the Implementer membership and participate in the Derivative program, this is the perfect option for the budget sensitive company.
Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) – Certification program --QuickTrack
-Collaboration between Solution provider & End product developer
Source: https://www.wi-fi.org/certification
Raytac Corp. is officially a member of Wi-Fi Alliance now!
Before stepping into Wi-Fi module selection and adoption, Wi-Fi regulatory compliance will be essential for you to know.
Let's dig into the Wi-Fi certification program and investigate the possibility of WFA Qualified Solution (provided by Solution Provider) & WFA certificate (obtained by end product developer).
What benefits you (end product developer) by working with Rayta Corp. (Solution Provider) for QuickTrack program?
Faster time-to-market : By using available WFA Qualified Solution (provided by solution provider) to waive (or partially waive) compliance test criteria/decrease testing days for end product (Wi-Fi Device), shorter development days would be took before product launch.
Reduce test and certification costs: it significantly reduces the cost and certification days for your project with minimal resource by working with Raytac Corp. (Solution Provider) using available WFA Qualified Solution.
Avoid testing redundancies: Raytac Corp. (Solution Provider) has pre-certified the core Wi-Fi architecture and protocols in Wi-Fi module AN7002Q, the necessary qualification tests has been conducted. You (end product developer) don’t need to test on those same criteria for end product (Wi-Fi Device) if Raytac Wi-Fi module is implemented in your end device.
Allow flexibility of Wi-Fi functionality change: In case those minor change of Wi-Fi feature which is not relates to core/essential/architecture change may be raised someday in the future , QuickTrack program delivers the qualified product base (Source product) and lower cost with conformance test (QuickTrackTool) responding to the minor change.
How QuickTrack certification program works?
QuickTrack certification program shall be completed by 2 different parties, one is solution provider and the other is end product developer.
(Refer to the following image)
As a Solution Provider, Raytac would proceed the essential and fundamental Wi-Fi protocol/compliance test and develop this into a Qualified solution so that end product developer can leverage this solution as a base (Source Product) to obtain a certificate entitled to end product developer.
Please note the conformance check (named QuickTrack Tool) would be required before Wi-Fi alliance certifies the application.
Conformance check (QuickTrack Tool) will be reviewed for the 8 Wi-Fi components.
Chipset
Wi-Fi Component Firmware Version
Driver
RF Architecture
Wi-Fi Component Operation System
Physical Interface
RF Components
Antenna
When you adopt Raytac WFA Qualified solution, the core/essential/architecture components are pre-certified in the solution, in most of cases, no further conformance test is required, you (end product developer) will be granted to obtain the certificate after a couple of days applying process.
Raytac leaves the right to Wi-Fi alliance for the conformance review (run QuickTrackTool).
Which membership level shall be applied in Wi-Fi alliance for being QuickTrack?
If you agree with QuickTrack program and are willing to participate in the partnership as end product developer with Raytac Corp. (solution provider), Implementer membership will be cost effective option for you.
Company like Raytac Corp. served as solution provider or require professional Wi-Fi alliance support, company own/multiple programs oriented or needs tasks management shall refer to the membership of top one - Contributor.
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.
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.
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 numberbelow. )
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.
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.
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
The Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors(BoD) has granted its approval for a 15% increase in member fees, effective from January 1,2024. This decision comes after careful consideration of the organization's financial situation and the need to cover the rising costs of current and futrue member services throughout 2024.
Feel free to explore the mission and operations of the Bluetooth SIG by visiting the provided web pages below:
Bluetooth Core Specification 5.4 released in 2023 introduces four significant capabilities to the existing specifications.
1. Periodic Advertising with Response(PAwR)
PAwR is one of the key feature. Prior to Bluetooth 5.4, connectionless bidirectional communication is not possible. PAwR now allows bidirectional transfer of data in connectionless mode between a single central device and a large number of multiple devices (up to 32,640) in a star network topology.
2. Encrypted Adverting Data (EAD)
EAD provides a standardized approach to the secure broadcasting of data in advertising packets and enables the encrypted data over-the-star network to be decrypted only by devices that have shared the key material previously. This security feature protects PAwR communications to safeguard against data tampering, human error, and data leaks.
3. LE GATT Security Levels Characteristic(SLC)
When a GATT Client attempts to access a server attributes (characteristics, descriptors), attributes permissions are checked. If permissions are insufficient, the access is denied and all GATT features will not work properly. With SLC, the client can upgrade its security level to reattempt access of the previous failed operation. SLC enables devices to identify the security mode and level for all their GATT functionality.
4. Advertising Coding Selection
For LE Coded PHY, a Forward Error Correction (FEC) algorithm is used which results in significantly longer transmission distances. FEC parameter (S) uses one of two values (S=2 or S=8) and controls how much data is made to fix errors and how much Bluetooth range may be achieved. Prior to Bluetooth 5.4, specifying the value of the S coding parameter was not impossible. Bluetooth 5.4 allows the host to specify the value of the coding parameter S (S=2 or S=8) when the LE Coded PHY is selected for use with extended advertising.
Main beneficiary market of Bluetooth 5.4
The combination of these features enables ultra-low power, efficient radio usage and secure star networks that can be deployed in large scale ESL (Electronic Shelf Labels) and sensor applications with transferring a small amount of data. Devices accept slightly longer advertising-delay to exchange an extended battery life. It’s easy to see the retail industry as well as the market for ESL and shelf sensors will benefit greatly. ESL are devices that display pricing information for product on retail store shelves. They use small electronic paper displays powered by batteries and can replace traditional paper labels. Besides, ESL use wireless technology and a central hub device to transmit data, allowing retailers to automate pricing and replace traditional manual processes, and creating more efficient in-store operations.
Edited by Account Manager: Ms. Gracie Chuang
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司 A Bluetooth & WiFi module maker based on Nordic nRF53, nRF52, nRF70 solution www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208