Exploring Alternative Methods for Operating the Nordic nRF52 Chipset with Arad Connectivity MN52 Series Module

Introduction

The Nordic nRF52 series is a powerful and versatile family of microcontrollers designed for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and other wireless applications. Combining the ease of use of the Arduino platform with the advanced capabilities of the nRF52 chip opens up a wide range of possibilities for developers and hobbyists alike. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and programming the nRF52 chip using the Arduino IDE, enabling you to leverage its features for your next IoT project. Whether you're looking to create a simple BLE beacon or a complex wireless sensor network, this introduction will provide the foundational knowledge you need to get started.

Step 0: introduction of Arad connectivity BLE Evaluation Board MN52H-C40

Step 1: Installing Arduino IDE (integrated development environment) on a Windows 11 computer

     1.1 To install Arduino IDE, the following walk-through video we can refer to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRkQzBWmLkc

1.2 The Arduino IDE package is available on the website.

https://support.arduino.cc/hc/en-us/articles/360019833020-Download-and-install-Arduino-IDE

Step 2: Flashing Arduino bootloader to EVB MN52H-C40 

To create an Arduino environment on MN52H-C40, first is to flash an Arduino bootloader. The operation as following:  

2.1 Download Nordic nRF Connect for Desktop from Nordic official website below and install.

https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-tools/nrf-connect-for-desktop/download

2.2 Introduction to Using Nordic: nRF Connect for Desktop: Programmer

For an introduction and tutorial on using Nordic: nRF Connect for Desktop: Programmer, please refer to the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeBvb645NZA&t=151s

2.3 Download Arduino bootloader The bootloader can be found at GitHub an open-source website. The link as below:

 https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_nRF52_Bootloader

2.4 Hardware Setup

     2.4.1 Hardware Setting chart

     2.4.2 Cable layout

2.5 Flash Arduino bootloader

2.5.1 Run nRF Connect for Desktop

2.5.2 Click on “Programmer” open icon

The operating page of Programmer

2.5.3 Click on “SELECT DEVICE” 

2.5.4 Select “J-Link”

2.5.5 Loading file “adm_b_nrf52840_1_bootloader-0.9.2_s140_6.1.1.hex”

2.5.6 Click on “Erase & write”

2.5.7 Check if the flash process completed successfully

Successful message as above showing:

“…Reading readback protection status for Application core completed”

Congratulations! You can now start developing the Arad Connectivity MN52H-C40 EVB using the Arduino IDE.

★ Source: Arad Connectivity Co., Ltd.  / The content of this article has obtained the authorization for promotion, release and reprint from Arad Connectivity Co.,Ltd.

    For more information on Bluetooth wireless modules and other product solutions, please visit our website or contact us by email.