NRF52840 Enhanced ShockBurst Support

[tannewt]

Nordic's legacy protocol support that is commonly used with the inexpensive modules of the same name. The nRF52840 can also speak the same protocol.

[uhrheber]

This protocol is named "Enhanced ShockBurst":
http://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.nordic.infocenter.sdk5.v15.2.0%2Fesb_users_guide.html&cp=4_0_0_5_1

[saspa]

Is there any way that I can help out in implementing this? I'm interested in using the ESB on the NRF52840 for a low latency HID project (BLE is capped at 7.5ms latency). I was looking at the Nordic's ESB protocol docs/examples and was hoping if I could implement it for circuitpython since @dhalbert seems to be busy implementing more important features 👍 . I own a NRF52840DK and the NRF52840 dongle if that is helpful at all.

[tannewt]

@saspa We'd love your help! How can we help you get started on it?

[saspa]

Maybe you could link me to some examples of how to port the nrf code into python? I was looking at
https://circuitpython.readthedocs.io/en/latest/docs/common_hal.html
and
https://circuitpython.readthedocs.io/en/latest/docs/design_guide.html

Sorry I'm new to circuitpython but I have some basic knowledge in C and Python.

[tannewt]

Sure! The Discord #circuitpython channel is a good place to get real-time help as well.

I'd suggest by starting with the API portion first. Posting a set of example code here is a good way to brainstorm it.

Once you have an idea then you can create the Python -> C translation in ports/nrf/bindings (like this). I'd suggest copying an existing module that's similar to what you want. Then you can add the C implementation into ports/nrf/common-hal. (Look there for existing examples too.)

Does that help? I can give better answers to specific questions.

Thanks for taking this on!

[uhrheber]

No offence, by why does it have to be Discord?
Did anybody ever read their terms of use?
You grant them the right to record and use your uploaded content as they please.
At the same time, they deny every liability.
According to this, they could take what you said or wrote, translate it to another language, publish it elsewhere, and you'd still be reliable for it.
Thanks, but no thanks. I'll stay with irc.

[tannewt]

@uhrheber We use it because its way easier than the alternatives. For those who don't want to use it then communicating on GitHub issues is totally fine.

[C47D]

Does this still need help to be implemented?

I checked the Nordic documentation about ESB and maybe the API on circuitpython should be similar, i don't own any Nordic kits but i would like to help.

-carlos

[tannewt]

Yup! Getting dev board for the nRF52840 is the best way to start. It includes debugging onboard which makes it easier. If you need links to it let me know and I can help.