nrf command line tools ubuntu

3 min read 12-12-2024

Meta Description: Unlock the power of Nordic Semiconductor's nRF command-line tools on your Ubuntu system. This comprehensive guide covers installation, configuration, and practical usage for flashing firmware, managing devices, and more. Learn how to streamline your nRF development workflow with these essential tools. (158 characters)

Getting Started with nRF Command Line Tools on Ubuntu

The Nordic Semiconductor nRF command-line tools are indispensable for developers working with nRF52 and nRF53 series devices. These tools provide a powerful and efficient way to interact with your hardware, simplifying tasks like flashing firmware, debugging, and managing device settings. This guide will walk you through installing and using these tools on your Ubuntu system.

Installing the nRF Command Line Tools

The easiest way to install the nRF Command Line Tools is through the nrfconnect package manager. This method ensures you have the latest versions and simplifies updates. Here's how:

Install Prerequisites: Ensure you have the necessary dependencies. You'll likely need to install curl and potentially other build tools depending on your system's configuration. You can achieve this using the following command:
```
sudo apt update && sudo apt install curl build-essential
```
Download and Install nrfconnect: Use curl to download the installation script and execute it. Pay close attention to the output, as it may provide additional instructions or warnings.
```
curl -fsSL https://www.nordicsemi.com/Software-and-tools/Software/nRF5-SDK/Download/nrf-connect-installer | sh
```
Add nRF Connect to your PATH: This allows you to run the tools from anywhere in your terminal. Add the following line to your ~/.bashrc (or ~/.zshrc if you use Zsh):
```
export PATH="$PATH:/opt/nrfconnect/bin"
```
Then, source the file to apply the changes immediately:
```
source ~/.bashrc
```
Verify Installation: Check if the installation was successful by running:
```
nrf connect --version
```
You should see the version number of the nrf connect command-line interface (CLI).

Working with nRF Connect CLI

Now that the tools are installed, let's explore some common use cases.

Flashing Firmware

One of the most frequent tasks is flashing firmware onto your nRF device. Assuming you have compiled your firmware and have a .hex file, you can use the following command:

nrfjprog --program <path_to_your_firmware.hex> --chiperase

Replace <path_to_your_firmware.hex> with the actual path to your HEX file. The --chiperase flag erases the chip before programming. You might need to specify the correct communication port (-s <COM_port>) depending on your setup.

Managing Devices

The CLI provides functionalities to manage your nRF devices. For instance, you can check the device's memory, read and write registers, and much more. Explore the available commands using nrfjprog --help for a detailed list of options.

Other Useful Commands

nrfutil: This tool is used for various operations, such as generating keys, signing firmware, and working with different nRF devices. Run nrfutil --help to learn more about its capabilities.
Debugging: While beyond the scope of a brief introduction, the nRF command-line tools integrate well with debuggers (like J-Link or ST-Link) for advanced debugging scenarios. Refer to the Nordic Semiconductor documentation for detailed guides on setting up debugging.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Permission Errors: If you encounter permission errors, ensure you're running the commands with sudo.
Device Not Found: Double-check that your device is correctly connected and that you're using the appropriate communication port.
Incorrect Firmware: Ensure the HEX file is compatible with your device and has been compiled correctly.

Conclusion

The nRF command-line tools are essential for efficient development with Nordic Semiconductor's nRF devices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully install and utilize these powerful tools on your Ubuntu system, significantly streamlining your workflow and enabling a more productive development experience. Remember to consult the official Nordic Semiconductor documentation for the most up-to-date information and advanced usage scenarios.