nRF52840 no upload, no bootmode, no folder, just red and blue led on

Products & Technology XIAO
13

It looks like you’re facing an issue with entering DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode on your Seeed XIA nRF52840 Plus boards and uploading a sketch. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Ensure Correct Bootloader

  • Check Bootloader Version: In your Arduino IDE, make sure the bootloader version selected under Tools > Bootloader matches the one on your device. If it’s incorrect, you’ll need to upgrade or change the bootloader setting.

2. Proper DFU Mode Entry

  • Manually Enter DFU Mode: Try this method to force DFU mode:
    1. Disconnect the device from your PC.
    2. Hold down the RESET button while plugging it back into the PC.
    3. Release the RESET button after a few seconds (this should trigger the DFU mode).
  • You may also need to short the DFU pin (typically pin 29 on the nRF52840) and RESET pin and then release both to enter DFU mode.

3. Try Different USB Ports and Cables

  • A faulty USB cable or port can sometimes cause issues during the upload process. Try using a different USB cable and/or a different USB port, especially one directly connected to the motherboard (avoid USB hubs).

4. Reinstall nRF Tools

  • Reinstall nrfutil and related tools: The error message points to nrfutil and issues with the serial connection. Try reinstalling the necessary drivers and tools:
    • Uninstall and reinstall nrfutil (the DFU tool).
    • Ensure that the correct serial drivers for the nRF52840 are installed. You can find them on the Seeed website or from Nordic Semiconductor.

5. Check COM Port and Baud Rate

  • Ensure that the COM4 port is open and available before uploading. If you suspect issues with the COM port, try changing the port or resetting the COM settings in the Device Manager (Windows).
  • Double-check that the baud rate is set to 115200 and that flow control is off (as mentioned in your error message).

6. Use nRF Connect or nRF Command Line Tools

  • If nrfutil continues to fail, try using the nRF Connect desktop app to check if it recognizes the device. If it does, you can update the firmware directly using nRF Connect.

7. Test with Example Code Again

  • After ensuring that your device is in DFU mode and the tools are correctly installed, try uploading a basic sketch again like the Blink example.

8. Check Device Manager

  • In Device Manager (on Windows), ensure that your device is showing up correctly. If the device is not recognized, try reinstalling the drivers or using a different port.

If none of these work, it might be worth checking with Seeed Studio’s support to see if there are any known issues with the device or firmware version you’re using.