IRNAS nRF-test-tool

Compact and scalable multi-channel provisioning and test system for nRF91 and nRF52 series

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.

Key Features

• 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.

nRF9160 modem firmware upgrade:              51s
nRF9160 application code flash and verify:   5s
nRF52 flash and verify:                      3s
system test and power validation            3-5s

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

Continuous Integration solution features

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

Technical features

Full 19" rack solution is customizable with the number of banks and interfaces connections for specific projects.

Per rack features

• 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)

Per bank features

• 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)

Per channel features

• 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)