Optimizing functionality on nRF52 – Introducing Raytac bluetooth module with enabled Access Port Protection

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:

• Raytac Corporation APProtection Bluetooth Module Series:

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.)

• Module Appearance: The third edition features an additional black dot in the bottom left corner of the metal shell for easy identification of its purpose.

• While the device with readback protection enabled, issuing ERASEALL command is a must and the only method to unlock the device before proceeding with programming.

• It is recommended to use nRF_SDK v17.1.0 or later versions to write code for the third edition

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

• For further clarity on the differences between the second edition IC Bluetooth modules and the third edition IC Bluetooth modules, the following table and links are provided for reference
  
  
  
  

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

Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) – Certification program --QuickTrack

 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?

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.

1. Chipset
2. Wi-Fi Component Firmware Version
3. Driver
4. RF Architecture
5. Wi-Fi Component Operation System
6. Physical Interface
7. RF Components
8. 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.

Source: https://www.wi-fi.org/membership

https://www.wi-fi.org/membership/membership-benefits

 

Raytac Corp. is about to launch Wi-Fi module AN7002Q in 2024 ;

Keep your attention to the blog post recently.

 

Edited by Sales Manager: Jocelyn Tsai

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

Criteria for Choosing Internal or External Oscillator

Bluetooth modules typically have options for a 32MHz Internal Oscillator (or some called internal crystal oscillator) and a 32.768KHz External Oscillator. The choice between the two is often influenced by specific application requirements, power consumption, accuracy, and cost considerations. Here are some basic differences between Internal and External Oscillators:

• Internal Oscillator:(32MHz)
• Function: The internal oscillator is embedded within the module and generates the clock signal for the Bluetooth module. This internal oscillator is typically smaller, lightweight, and reduces dependence on external components.
• Advantages: Simplifies design, saves space, and reduces costs.
• Disadvantages: Some applications may require higher clock stability, which the internal oscillator may not provide to the desired level of precision.
• External Oscillator:(32.768KHz)
• Function: An external oscillator is an independent oscillator externally connected to the module, offering higher clock stability and accuracy.
• Advantages: Provides higher clock stability, suitable for applications with stricter timing requirements.
• Disadvantages: Requires additional components, may occupy more space, and increases costs.

Criteria for choosing Internal or External Oscillator:

• If the application has modest clock precision requirements, and cost and space are critical factors, choosing the internal oscillator may be suitable.
• If the application demands higher timing precision, an external oscillator should be considered for its enhanced clock stability.

Benefits from switching between external and internal oscillator:

• Increased Performance Requirements: If the application's performance requirements increase, a higher-precision oscillator, such as an external oscillator, may be needed.
• Insufficient Clock Stability: If timing stability issues arise during Bluetooth communication, upgrading to an external oscillator can provide better clock stability.
  
  

Followings are the instructions we can use to switch between internal oscillator and external oscillator for nRF5 SDK (v17.10) and NCS SDK (v2.5.2).

Keil (Keil μVision) and SES (Segger Embedded Studio) are another method commonly used Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) in the field of embedded systems development.

Choosing to use the internal crystal oscillator requires program modifications. Please refer to the following instructions for making these changes in the Keil and SES development environments.


Keil

SES

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 & BT5.0 & BT4.2 Qualified, FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/RCM/SRRC/NCC/WPC/UKCA 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

New Distribution Partnership in India Region - Millennium Semiconductors

 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

info@millenniumsemi.com

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

Navigating RF Certification: A Guide to DTM and Radio Testing

 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.

https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.nordic.infocenter.sdk5.v15.2.0%2Fnrf_radio_test_example.html&cp=4_0_0_4_5_29_0&anchor=nrf_radio_test_example_commands

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