How to use NRF Wireless Module 24LE1

In our previous article we have learned the basic information on the NRF wireless module 24LE1. The next step after knowing all the theoretical aspects is how to use the module and burn codes into it to use in projects.

We know that before using any controller, we have to meet following basic requirements:

 Editor, compiler, debugger or IDE

 Libraries for microcontroller

 Burner for programming

 Burning software

 Microcontroller

We will be discussing all the requirements one by one for our module.

The IDE (Integrated Development Environment) fulfills our requirement of editing, compiling, and debugging.

Just to remind in short, editor is a tool in which we write and edit our program or source code.The High level programming language we generally use for microcontrollers like 8051, AVR is Embedded C. Compiler is a tool or program which translates source code from High level Language to Low level Language like assembly code or machine code. Informally we can say that our .C(High level Language) file is converted to .hex(Low level Language). Debugger is a tool use to debug the source code.

For the NRF, we will use KEIL ARM IDE tool to serve all our purposes. In Kiel we will write our code, compile our code and debug it whenever required.

After IDE, we will need libraries that contain information about internal functioning of our microcontroller. For our module we will use libraries provided by Nordic Semiconductor Ltd.

After libraries and IDE , we will burn our hex file generated from compiler into the hardware by the burner. We will use mpro burner, which will help us transferring the hex file from PC to the hardware. Pin connections for using the mpro burner are attached.

Programmer Pin #	Programmer pin description	NRF24LU1/NRF24LE1
1	VCC	VCC
2	VCC	VCC
3	RTS	RST
4	SMOSI	SMOSI
5	SSCK	SCK
6	PROG	PROG
7	SMISO	SMISO
8	SCSN	CSN
9	GND	GND
10	SND	GND

Fig – Connection of Mpro burner with nrf24LE1

Make sure the VCC output is right. If you choose 5V output but connect it to 3v3 device, you may damage your device.

If the signal connection is wrong, the software may be dead. Unplug the device and close the software. Check the wiring and start again.

We also need a software along with hardware burner, to choose hex file and set various parameters. We will use mpro software which is compatible with the mpro hardware burner. In the software, we will provide chip library which contains details about target microcontroller which is NRF24LE1 in our case. Both the software and its chip library can be downloaded from here.

After we have successfully burned the hex file in the controller, we are ready to use it just by giving the power supply. One great feature of the module is that it has inbuilt biasing circuit, so we need not to have attached anything externally.

Please note that the module works on 3.3V. Generally all other controller needs 5V as the biasing voltage. We have made our own PCB at our lab and we will use this PCB in our coming work . Please check out the whole process of using and burning below.

Please comment if you have any trouble using the module or burning it and do let us know your suggestions and feedbacks.

Download Section -:

NRF Chip Library and Software

Thank you