Programming M1-N1 using ST-Link compatible USB dongle

Summary

The following article provides a means to program Nordic nRF9160 based SigCell M1-N1 using ST-Link-Compatible Programmer & Emulator / Debugging USB dongle.

Image from: Adafruit

Note: This article details using ST-Link-Compatible Programmer & Emulator / Debugging USB dongle to program Nordic nRF9160.

It is not about using STMicroelectronics ST-LINK/V2 in-circuit debugger/programmer for STM8 and STM32;  Information about ST-LINK/V2 can be found here and here   

Essential equipment

SigCell M1-N1

ST-Link V2 USB Dongle

4x Male-Female Jumpers

Windows PC

1. Convert STLINKV2 to J-Link

Plug STLINKV2  dongle to a Windows PC. It will be shown in the Windows Device Manager as shown below:

• Follow the procedure from SEGGER for Converting ST-LINK On-Board Into a J-Link
  • Download  and Install USB driver (STSW-LINK009) for ST-LINK/V2 from SEGGER
  • Download and install SEGGER J-Link software package. V5.12b or later is required. Latest version is recommended. 
  • Download and Install the modified SEGGER STLink_Reflash utility
    • Connect ST-LINK dongle to PC
    • Select "Upgrade to J-Link"
    • Wait for operation to complete
    • Quit the command line utility.

This is a command line utility to convert ST-LINK on-board version into a J-Link-OB by replacing the firmware.

Workaround STLink_Reflash issues

• NOTE: You may encounter issues when using STLink Reflash utility from SEGGGER. You may see an error as shown below.

• Use the attached modified STLink_Reflash. Install STLinkReflash_modified.exe by running as Administrator, and follow the steps to "Upgrade to J-Link" as described above.

Now STLinkV2 is properly converted to J-Link. Ensure to close the STLinkFlasher programmer command line utility by selecting `[0] Quit`.

Device Manager should now show ST-Link V2 USB dongle as `J-Link driver` as shown in the picture below.

2. Connect M1-N1 to ST-Link V2 USB Dongle

Disconnect STLINKV2 USB dongle from PC before connecting to M1-N1 Tag-Connect

Connect M1-N1 to 

Note: The pin visible through the slot is Pin 5.

ST-LINK V2 Dongle(Converted to J-Link)	M1-N1 (Tag-Connect)
RST (Pin1)	nRESET (Pin3)
SWCLK (Pin2)	SWCLK (Pin4)
SWIM (Pin3)	Do not connect to M1-N1
SWDIO (Pin4)	SWDIO (Pin2)
GND (Pin5 or Pin6)	GND (Pin5)
3.3V (Pin7, Pin8)	Do not connect to M1-N1
5V (Pin9, Pin10)	Do not connect to M1-N1

NOTE: Do not connect Vcc pins from USB Dongle to M1-N1. Power M1-N1 externally via TC or LPC connector.

3. Flash firmware into M1-N1

• After finishing the wiring, plug ST-Link-V2 USB dongle to PC.
• Provide power to M1-N1.
• Be sure to assert high PWR_ON pin of M1-N1, to enable the power supply.

Refer to M1-N1 data-sheet for Pin description to power M1-N1.

Firmware can be now flashed using nRF Connect programmer OR nRF command line.

Steps to program using nRF Connect programmer are described here. Start at this step: "Open nRF Connect software suite. Open Programmer"

Purchasing USB Dongle

ST-Link-Compatible Programmer & Emulator / Debugging USB dongle can be purchased from the following places:

Adafruit

Amazon