Cellular IoT module designed for both LTE-M and NB-IoT

By Heather Hamilton, contributing writer

Nordic Semiconductor rolls out the first device of its nRF91 series, packing lots of security features into a small, low-power IoT module. Touted as offering more security features than similar modules in the market today, the nRF9160 cellular IoT module features Arm’s TrustZone and CryptoCell security. The nRF9160 System-in-Package (SiP) is drop-in–ready with GCF, FCC, and CE certifications, enabling deployment in cellular networks and cellular IoT products worldwide.

Nordic said that the nRF9160 is the first cellular IoT module to include Arm’s TrustZone and CryptoCell security for internet-level encryption and application protection. Both technologies are designed for energy-efficient embedded IoT products.

The module is small, measuring only 10 × 16 × 1 mm, which is suited for wearable consumer and medical devices. Despite its size, it offers a complete solution for cellular connections and IoT applications. Target applications include asset monitoring and tracking, utility metering, industrial connectivity and predictive maintenance, smart city and infrastructure, agrotech, and medical devices.

To achieve the high level of integration, Nordic partnered with Qorvo to achieve a SiP that looks closer to an integrated chip than a module, leveraging Qorvo’s RF front end, advanced packaging, and MicroShield technology. The module supports global operation with a single SiP variant thanks to Nordic’s multimode LTE-M/NB-IoT modem, SAW-less transceiver, and Qorvo’s custom RF front-end solution.

Nordic claims that the nRF9160 is the first IoT module to use Arm’s Cortex M-33 CPU core and is supported by 1 MB of Flash and 256 kB of RAM on-board memory. Other features include a broad range peripheral set, analog and digital interfaces, 32 GPIOs, a standalone modem with full LTE capability, and a multi-band RF front end.

The nRF9160 SiP also has integrated GPS support, which allows both GPS and cellular data to be used for more accurate positioning, said the company.

The module is supported by a development kit, SiP module samples, LTE-M firmware, and an SDK with an application example for cloud connectivity. Designed to give engineers a jumpstart with sensor-to-cloud IoT applications, they also have access to Nordic’s cloud-based nRF Connect for Cloud management tool, PC-based nRF Connect for Desktop tool, and Segger Embedded Studio.

NB-IoT and GPS functionality is in limited sampling and will be available for evaluation through firmware updates in the first quarter of 2019. The nRF9160 is available now through global distributors, including Digi-Key Electronics, Mouser Electronics, and Premier Farnell.

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