Use multiprotocol wireless modules to simplify IoT product design and certification
development environment (IDE) in which to run the nRF Connect SDK. It is also possible to use the nRF Connect SDK to upload an alternative Bluetooth LE or 2.4GHz proprietary protocol to the nRF52840. (Refer to comments above about the impact this has on module certification.) The nRF Connect SDK works with the nRF52840 DK development kit (Figure 6). The hardware features the nRF52840 SoC and supports prototype code development and testing. Once the application software is ready, the nRF52840 DK can act as a J-LINK programmer to port the code to the Setebos-I radio module’s nRF52840’s flash memory via the module’s ‘SWDCLK’ and ‘SWDIO’ pins. Application software built using Nordic’s development tools is designed to run on the nRF52840’s embedded Arm Cortex-M4 MCU.
Figure 5: Example of an ID label appended to the Setebos-I module to show that it has passed CE and FCC RF certification. Certification can generally be inherited by the end product without retesting through some simple paperwork. Image source: Würth Elektronik
into a paperwork exercise rather than an extensive retesting task – providing they don’t use additional wireless devices such as Wi-Fi. The same is generally true when obtaining the Bluetooth listing. Once certified, products using the module carry a label indicating FCC, CE, and other relevant ID numbers (Figure 5).
stack, or one from an alternative commercial supplier, they will need to start the certification programs from scratch for the regions of intended operation. Development tools for the Setebos-I radio module For advanced developers, Nordic’s nRF Connect SDK offers a comprehensive design tool for building application software for the nRF52840 SoC. The nRF Connect for VS Code extension is the recommended integrated
Module makers typically go to the extent of obtaining RF
certification (and Bluetooth listing if appropriate) for their modules for the regions in which they intend to sell the products. Würth Elektronik has done this for the Setebos-I radio module, though it must be used with the factory firmware. In the case of Bluetooth operation, the module is pre-certified, provided it is used with Nordic’s S140 Bluetooth LE factory stack or a stack supplied via the company’s nRF Connect SDK software development kit. The Würth and Nordic firmware is robust and proven for any application. But if the designer decides to reprogram the module with either an open-standard Bluetooth LE or 2.4GHz proprietary
Figure 6: Nordic’s nRF52840 DK can be used to develop and test application software. The development kit can then be used to program other nRF52840 SoCs, such as
the one used on the Setebos-I module. Image source: Nordic Semiconductor
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