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Update the nRF9151 Firmware

Overview

This guide describes how you can update the application firmware and modem firmware of the nRF9151 SiP on the nRF9151 Connect Kit through the Interface MCU.

Requirements

Before you start, check that you have the required hardware and software:

Tip

Python and pyOCD will be installed automatically after setting up your development environment in Getting Started Guide.

Installing pyOCD

To program the nRF9151 SiP, a tool that supports the CMSIS-DAP protocol should be installed. pyOCD v0.36.0 or newer is highly recommended.

The latest stable version of pyOCD may be installed via pip. Open up a terminal and run:

py -3 -m pip install -U pyocd

python3 -m pip install -U pyocd

python3 -m pip install -U pyocd

Connecting the board

Connect the nRF9151 Connect Kit to your computer with a USB-C cable.

Enter the following command to list the connected device:

pyocd list

You should see the output, similar to what is shown in the following:

Terminal
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#   Probe/Board              Unique ID               Target
----------------------------------------------------------------
0   ZEPHYR IFMCU CMSIS-DAP   820D9A5F0E38432F280DB   ✔︎ nrf91
    Makerdiary               nRF9151 Connect Kit

Updating the application firmware

To update the nRF9151 appication firmware using pyOCD, complete the following steps:

  1. Enter the following command to program the application firmware to the nRF9151 application core:

    pyocd load -t nrf91 <application.hex> # (1)!
    1. You can also use pyocd flash instead: 
      pyocd flash -t nrf91 <application.hex>

  2. The RGB LED blinks blue rapidly during programming.

  3. The application starts running after the firmware programming is completed. If not, press the DFU/RST button to reset the nRF9151 SiP.

Updating the modem firmware

The nRF9151 Connect Kit comes pre-programmed with the modem firmware mfw_nrf91x1_2.0.2.zip. To ensure optimal performance, you can update the modem firmware to the latest version.

Follow these steps to update the modem firmware:

  1. Download the latest modem firmware from the Nordic Semiconductor official website.
  2. Open a terminal window.
  3. Change to the directory where the new modem firmware is located.

  4. Enter the following command to program the new modem firmware on the nRF9151 SiP:

    pyocd cmd -t nrf91 -c 'nrf91-update-modem-fw -f mfw_nrf91x1_2.0.2.zip'

    If -f is specified, the modem firmware is written to the device, even if the correct version is already present.

  5. The RGB LED blinks blue rapidly during programming.

  6. To verify the modem firmware version, you can program a sample with AT commands, for example, AT Client, and then run the following command:

    AT+CGMR # (1)!
    1. This command retrieves the modem firmware revision identification.
      Terminal
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      mfw_nrf91x1_2.0.2
OK