IRNAS nRF-test-tool
Compact and scalable multi-channel provisioning and test system for nRF91 and nRF52 series
Last updated
Compact and scalable multi-channel provisioning and test system for nRF91 and nRF52 series
Last updated
nRF test tool is a solution developed by IRNAS an innovation lab for advanced IoT devices as an unified solution for production testing, programming and provisioning of products based on Nordic Semiconductor nRF52 and nRF91 series.
Compact 19" rack form-factor, stackable
Multiple programming banks with 4 channels each
Banks perform concurrent programming
Simple scaling of provisioning and testing throughput
Seamless integration with release CI/CD systems
This is key for nRF9160 solutions where only modem firmware upgrade takes 50s and additional provisioning and testing steps are required. An example timing breakdown is shown below, totaling in the range of 70s.
Setup with 4 banks of 4 targets each handles 16 target per cycle. Cycle duration estimated is 280s. Multiple setups in parallel are used to further increase the thoughput.
Production throughput is increased by a two-stage configuration, 4 channels per bank increasing time between insertions/connection and multiple banks increasing parallel throughput.
Each channel connects to one target device
4 channels per bank are programmed in sequence
All banks are programmed in parallel, typically up to 4 banks per rack
Important secondary use for the solution is in Continuous Integration (CI) solutions for automatic testing of firmware releases. This means one can host a number of devices which get automatically provisioned and tested from code repositories and build systems. Key advantages:
Device performance tracking
Device debugging and log collection
Release power consumption validation and testing
Full 19" rack solution is customizable with the number of banks and interfaces connections for specific projects.
Intel NUC x86 computer running Linux
USB interface for serial/QR scanner
USB interface for additional measurement equipment
optional full remote control via dockerized balena.io fleet control solution
Python based automatic testing and provisioning software
adaptable for project specific requirements
Customized front-panel interconnect for interfacing with target boards (tag-conect, edge connectors and other custom solutions)
Support for 4 target boards in parallel (each target nRF52+nRF91)
Simultaneous UART communication with all targets
Single channel J-link switchable between the targets
Real-time power consumption measurement
Quad channel UART interface
Analog signal measurement
Reset, power cycle and fixed power supply options
BLE scanning and testing (coming up shortly)
Power sources:
Profiler: Nordic Semiconductor PPK2 as power profiler
Static: Dedicated adjustable source (typical 3.6V)
Software selected power source: Profiler/Static
Dual SWD (only one SWD connection at a time active per bank)
UART (dedicated per channel)
with FET disconnect for accurate low-power measurement
Status LED red/green (software controlled from Python)
Quad 12bit ADC per channel (AIN1-AIN4, 0-3.3V)
Dual Digital Input per channel (3.3V level)