Overview
The Nordic Semiconductor NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7 is a highly integrated System-in-Package (SiP) designed for low-power cellular IoT applications. This compact module incorporates an Arm Cortex-M33 application processor, a full LTE modem, RF Front End (RFFE), and a power management system. It supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, and GPS, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of single-device low-power cellular IoT designs. The NRF9160 SiP is part of Nordic Semiconductor's nRF9160 series, which marks the company's expansion into cellular network solutions beyond its traditional Bluetooth LE and short-range radio applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nordic Semiconductor ASA |
| MFG Part # | NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7 |
| Dimensions | 16 mm x 10 mm x 1.04 mm |
| Interface Type | I2C, I2S, SPI, UART |
| Maximum Operating Temperature | +85°C |
| Minimum Operating Temperature | -40°C |
| Moisture Sensitive | Yes |
| Mounting Style | SMD/SMT |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Output Power | 23 dBm |
| Protocol | LTE-M, NB-IoT, GPS |
| Microcontroller | Arm Cortex-M33, 64 MHz, 1 MB Flash, 256 KB RAM |
| Supply Current Transmitting | 365 mA |
Key Features
- Integrated LTE Modem and GNSS: Supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, and GPS for comprehensive cellular and location services.
- Arm Cortex-M33 Microcontroller: A 64 MHz single-core processor with 1 MB of flash memory and 256 KB of RAM, ensuring robust application processing.
- Security Features: Includes Arm TrustZone and Arm CryptoCell for enhanced security and cryptographic operations.
- Multiple Interfaces: Supports I2C, I2S, SPI, and UART interfaces for versatile connectivity.
- Low Power Consumption: Designed for low-power operation, making it suitable for battery-powered IoT devices.
- Compact Design: Measured at 16 mm x 10 mm x 1.04 mm, it is highly integrated and space-efficient.
Applications
- Industrial IoT: Suitable for applications such as asset tracking, metering (gas/water/electricity), and smart home/building automation.
- Healthcare: Used in wireless medical and healthcare devices due to its low power and secure communication capabilities.
- Consumer Electronics: Ideal for wireless mobile phone accessories, smart home devices, and other consumer IoT products.
- Navigation and Tracking: Supports GPS and cellular connectivity, making it useful for navigation and tracking applications.
- Smart Cities and Infrastructure: Can be used in various smart city initiatives such as smart lighting, traffic management, and environmental monitoring.
Q & A
- What is the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7?
The NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7 is a System-in-Package (SiP) from Nordic Semiconductor, integrating an Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller, LTE modem, RF Front End, and power management for low-power cellular IoT applications.
- What protocols does the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7 support?
The module supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, and GPS protocols.
- What is the operating temperature range of the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7?
The operating temperature range is from -40°C to +85°C.
- What are the key interfaces supported by the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7?
The module supports I2C, I2S, SPI, and UART interfaces.
- What is the supply voltage range for the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7?
The supply voltage range is from 3.0 V to 5.5 V.
- Does the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7 include security features?
Yes, it includes Arm TrustZone and Arm CryptoCell for enhanced security.
- What are the dimensions of the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7 module?
The dimensions are 16 mm x 10 mm x 1.04 mm.
- What type of microcontroller is used in the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7?
The module uses an Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller with a 64 MHz clock speed, 1 MB of flash memory, and 256 KB of RAM.
- Is the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7 moisture sensitive?
Yes, it is moisture sensitive.
- What are some typical applications for the NRF9160-SICA-B1A-R7?
Typical applications include industrial IoT, healthcare, consumer electronics, navigation, and smart city infrastructure.
