diff --git a/scripts/west_commands/runners/jlink.py b/scripts/west_commands/runners/jlink.py
index 535e2bec2b5..b3575d2377e 100644
--- a/scripts/west_commands/runners/jlink.py
+++ b/scripts/west_commands/runners/jlink.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ def is_ip(ip):
     return True
 
 def is_tunnel(tunnel):
-    return tunnel.startswith("tunnel:")
+    return tunnel.startswith("tunnel:") if tunnel else False
 
 class ToggleAction(argparse.Action):
 
diff --git a/tests/drivers/spi/spi_controller_peripheral/boards/nrf52840dk_nrf52840.overlay b/tests/drivers/spi/spi_controller_peripheral/boards/nrf52840dk_nrf52840.overlay
index a1a0dc42a36..8ce5342be23 100644
--- a/tests/drivers/spi/spi_controller_peripheral/boards/nrf52840dk_nrf52840.overlay
+++ b/tests/drivers/spi/spi_controller_peripheral/boards/nrf52840dk_nrf52840.overlay
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@
 	zephyr,pm-device-runtime-auto;
 	dut_spi_dt: test-spi-dev@0 {
 		compatible = "vnd,spi-device";
+		spi-max-frequency = <DT_FREQ_M(8)>;
 		reg = <0>;
 	};
 };