Making the latest LTE technology accessible for a range of applications

It has been announced that the nRF9160 SiP from Nordic Semiconductor is making the latest LTE technology accessible for a wide range of applications and developers, now available from Rutronik UK. Through the high integration and pre-certification for global operation, it solves complex wireless design challenges and enables developers to make easy use of this cellular technology.

By integrating an application MCU, LTE modem, RF front end and power management in a 10x16x1mm package, the nRF9160 System in Package (SiP) offers a compact solution for cellular IoT on the market. Targeting asset-tracking applications, the SiP is available with optional built-in GPS support. It combines location data from the cellular network with GPS satellite trilateration to allow precise positioning of the device. The globally compatible LTE modem supports the following bands: US: B2, B4, B5, B12, B13; EU/APAC: B3, B8, B20, B28.

Additionally, the nRF9160 SiP has an integrated Arm Cortex M33-CPU and features Arm TrustZone and Arm CryptoCell security technology. The device includes a broad range of digital and analog interfaces and peripherals for single device design possibilities. All necessary modem firmware, RTOS and application software are provided to implement a full IoT design.

Together with the SiP Nordic also released a corresponding development kit for configuration and prototyping. It allows access to all I/O and interfaces via connectors and comes with a 4FF SIM card slot. For a direct start of development a SIM card with 10MB credit is included. For larger volumes, Rutronik UK also offers special M2M SIM contracts. The board also integrates an nRF52840 SoC for Bluetooth 5, ANT, 802.15.4 and 2.4GHz proprietary applications. For the 802.15.4 interface ZigBee and Thread stacks are available free of charge. Plus, it has four LEDs, two buttons and two switches that are user-programmable.

Target applications include device connection to the Internet via cellular radio, logistics and asset tracking, metering, smart city, smart infrastructure, smart industry, smart agriculture, wearables and medical.