u blox NINAB1 User Manual
Abstract
This technical data sheet describes the NINA-B1 series stand-alone
Bluetooth low energy modules. With embedded Bluetooth low
energy profiles and services, these modules are tailored for OEMs
who wish to embed their own application on top of the available
BLE stack and/or to embed Bluetooth services/attributes on top of
the integrated software stack and tools using ARM mbed IDE.
www.u-blox.com
UBX-15019243 - R05
NINA-B1 series
Stand-alone Bluetooth low energy
modules
Data Sheet
Document Information
Title
NINA-B1 series
Subtitle
Stand-alone Bluetooth low energy modules
Document type
Data Sheet
Document number
UBX-15019243
Revision and date
R05
17-Jun-2016
Document status
Early Production Information
Document status explanation
Objective Specification
Document contains target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Advance Information
Document contains data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Early Production Information
Document contains data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Production Information
Document contains the final product specification.
Product name
Type number
ROM/FLASH version
PCN / IN reference
NINA-B111
NINA-B111-00B-00
1.0.0
TBD
NINA-B112
NINA-B112-00B-00
1.0.0
TBD
This document applies to the following products:
NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
u-blox reserves all rights to this document and the information contained herein. Products, names, logos and designs described herein may in
whole or in part be subject to intellectual property rights. Reproduction, use, modification or disclosure to third parties of this document or
any part thereof without the express permission of u-blox is strictly prohibited.
The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for the use of the information. No warranty, either
express or implied, is given, including but not limited, with respect to the accuracy, correctness, reliability and fitness for a particular purpose
of the information. This document may be revised by u-blox at any time. For most recent documents, visit www.u-blox.com.
Copyright © 2016, u-blox AG.
u-blox® is a registered trademark of u-blox Holding AG in the EU and other countries. ARM® is the registered trademark of ARM Limited in
the EU and other countries.
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NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
Contents
Contents .............................................................................................................................. 3
1 Functional description .................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Product features ................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Block diagram ....................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3.1 NINA-B111 .................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3.2 NINA-B112 .................................................................................................................................... 7
1.4 Product description ............................................................................................................................... 7
1.5 AT command support ........................................................................................................................... 8
1.6 Supported features ............................................................................................................................... 8
2 Interfaces ...................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Power management ............................................................................................................................. 9
2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC) ........................................................................................................... 9
2.1.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO) ........................................................................... 9
2.2 RF antenna interfaces ........................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.1 2.4 GHz Bluetooth low energy (ANT) ............................................................................................. 9
2.2.2 Near Field Communication (NFC) ................................................................................................... 9
2.3 System functions .................................................................................................................................. 9
2.3.1 Module power-on ......................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.2 Module power-off ....................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.3 Standby mode ............................................................................................................................. 10
2.3.4 Sleep mode ................................................................................................................................. 10
2.3.5 Module reset ............................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.6 Real Time Counter (RTC) ............................................................................................................. 11
2.4 Serial interfaces .................................................................................................................................. 11
2.4.1 Asynchronous serial interface (UART)........................................................................................... 11
2.4.2 Serial peripheral interface (SPI) ..................................................................................................... 11
2.4.3 I2C interface................................................................................................................................. 11
2.5 GPIO ................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.6 Analog interfaces ................................................................................................................................ 12
2.6.1 ADC ............................................................................................................................................ 12
2.6.2 Comparator................................................................................................................................. 12
2.6.3 Low power comparator ............................................................................................................... 12
2.6.4 Analog pin options ...................................................................................................................... 13
2.7 NINA-B11x firmware features ............................................................................................................. 13
2.7.1 System status signals ................................................................................................................... 13
2.7.2 System control signals ................................................................................................................. 13
2.7.3 UART signals ............................................................................................................................... 13
3 Pin definition .............................................................................................................. 14
3.1 Pin assignment ................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Pin assignment in the NINA-B11x firmware ......................................................................................... 16
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NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
4 Electrical specifications .............................................................................................. 18
4.1 Absolute maximum ratings ................................................................................................................. 18
4.1.1 Maximum ESD ratings ................................................................................................................. 18
4.2 Operating conditions .......................................................................................................................... 18
4.2.1 Operating temperature range ...................................................................................................... 18
4.2.2 Supply/Power pins ....................................................................................................................... 19
4.2.3 Current consumption .................................................................................................................. 19
4.2.4 RF performance ........................................................................................................................... 19
4.2.5 RESET_N pin ................................................................................................................................ 20
4.2.6 Digital pins .................................................................................................................................. 20
5 Mechanical specifications .......................................................................................... 21
6 Qualification and approvals ...................................................................................... 22
6.1 Compliance with the RoHS directive ................................................................................................... 22
6.2 European Union regulatory compliance .............................................................................................. 22
6.3 Safety Compliance .............................................................................................................................. 22
6.4 FCC and IC Compliance ...................................................................................................................... 22
6.4.1 IC compliance.............................................................................................................................. 22
6.4.2 Conformité aux norms d´IC ......................................................................................................... 22
6.4.3 FCC statement ............................................................................................................................ 23
6.4.4 Labeling requirements for end product ........................................................................................ 24
6.4.5 FCC and IC IDs ............................................................................................................................ 24
6.5 NCC Taiwan compliance ..................................................................................................................... 24
6.5.1 Taiwan NCC Warning Statement ................................................................................................. 24
6.5.2 NINA-B111 labeling requirements for end product ...................................................................... 25
6.5.3 NINA-B112 labeling requirements for end product ...................................................................... 25
6.6 Bluetooth qualification information .................................................................................................... 25
7 Antennas ..................................................................................................................... 26
Approved antennas list ........................................................................................................................... 26
7.1 ................................................................................................................................................................ 26
8 Product handling ........................................................................................................ 28
8.1 Packaging ........................................................................................................................................... 28
8.1.1 Reels ........................................................................................................................................... 28
8.1.2 Tapes .......................................................................................................................................... 28
8.2 Moisture sensitivity levels .................................................................................................................... 30
8.3 Reflow soldering ................................................................................................................................. 30
8.4 ESD precautions .................................................................................................................................. 30
9 Labeling and ordering information ........................................................................... 31
9.1 Product labeling .................................................................................................................................. 31
9.2 Explanation of codes........................................................................................................................... 31
9.3 Ordering information .......................................................................................................................... 32
Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 33
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NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
A Glossary ...................................................................................................................... 33
Related documents........................................................................................................... 34
Revision history ................................................................................................................ 34
Contact .............................................................................................................................. 35
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NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
1 Functional description
1.1 Overview
The NINA-B1 stand-alone Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth Smart) module is a compact module with very low
power consumption and is suitable for applications using coin cell batteries. The Bluetooth low energy stack is
embedded in the module. This module is offered in professional grade for applications such as health care, asset
tracking, connected cities, home automation, smart energy, manufacturing and telematics. It offers Apple iOS
and Google Android connectivity for applications requiring this. The NINA-B1 embeds firmware with the u-blox
Serial Port Service for replacing serial cables or accessing UART devices using Bluetooth low energy technology.
The NINA-B1 is tailored for those who wish to embed a customer developed application and/or Bluetooth
services/attributes on top of the integrated software stack and tools. The NINA-B1 is a stand-alone product with
no additional hardware required. Additional sensors such as temperature sensor, accelerometers, LEDs etc., can
be connected directly to the module. The NINA-B1 sample code package includes sample projects for accessing
the LEDs, temperature sensor, accelerometers etc., on the application board.
The modules are fully Bluetooth qualified and provide global modular approval. They are also compliant with
safety and medical standards.
1.2 Product features
Table 1: NINA-B1 series main features summary
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1.3 Block diagram
Item
NINA-B111
NINA-B112
Bluetooth version
4.2
4.2
Band support
2.4 GHz, 40 channels
2.4 GHz, 40 channels
Maximum conducted output power
+4 dBm
+4 dBm
Maximum radiated output power (EIRP)
+7 dBm (with approved antennas)
+6 dBm
Sensitivity
-95 dBm
-95 dBm
Data rate
1 Mbps GFSK
1 Mbps GFSK
Module size
10.0x10.6 mm
10.0x14.0 mm
32.768 kHz
Integrated
1.7 – 3.6 V (VCC_IO)
External Reset
UART
SPI
ADC
NFC
32 MHz
DC/DC
/LDO
System
power
1.3 V
ANT-pin
1.7 – 3.6 V (VCC)
(NINA-B111)
(NINA-B112)
GPIO(s)
Antenna
NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
Bluetooth Low Energy
RF Transceiver
with
Integrated Stacks
Application
Processor
Memory
Figure 1: Block diagram of NINA-B1
1.3.1 NINA-B111
The NINA-B111 modules do not use the internal antenna and thus the PCB has been trimmed to allow for a
smaller module (10.0 x 10.6 mm). Instead of an internal antenna, the RF signal is available at a module pin for
routing to an external antenna or antenna connector.
1.3.2 NINA-B112
The NINA-B112 modules use an integrated antenna mounted on the PCB (10.0 x 14.0 mm). The RF signal pin is
not connected to any signal path.
1.4 Product description
Table 2: NINA-B1 series characteristics summary
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NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
Feature
Description
BLE v4.2 stack
Embedded Bluetooth low energy stack for next generation Bluetooth solutions.
GATT based services
The u-blox Low Energy Serial Port Service as well as generic GATT server and GATT client services.
NINA-B11x firmware
Includes the u-blox Serial Port Service and allows configuration of the module using AT commands sent over
the UART interface.
Firmware update Over The
Air (FOTA)
Firmware module update over a wireless connection using BLE.
Firmware update Over AT
command (FOAT)
Firmware module update over AT command interfaces (UART).
The feature can be enabled and configured using AT commands.
Power saving
The NINA-B1 series modules support different power saving modes. The power saving configuration is by
default disabled, but it can be enabled and configured using AT commands. See section 2.3 and the NINA-B1
series System Integration Manual [1] for more information on the different power saving modes.
Battery monitor
Can be used to read the voltage of the VCC pin and will automatically issue warnings and/or power-down
the module if the voltage is too low.
Android connectivity
Supports Bluetooth low energy connections with Android devices (Android 4.3 & higher)
iOS connectivity
Supports Bluetooth low energy connections with iOS devices
1.5 AT command support
You can configure NINA-B1 modules through u-blox s-center toolbox software using AT commands. The
s-center evaluation software is available free of charge and can be downloaded from the u-blox website.
1.6 Supported features
Table 3: NINA-B1 main supported features
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NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
2 Interfaces
2.1 Power management
2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC)
The NINA-B1 series uses an integrated DC/DC converter to transform the supply voltage presented at the VCC
pin into a stable system voltage. Due to this, the NINA-B1 modules are compatible for use in battery powered
designs.
2.1.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO)
All modules in the u-blox NINA series provide an additional voltage supply input for setting the I/O voltage level.
On the NINA-B1 series modules, the I/O voltage level is the same as the supply voltage and VCC_IO is internally
connected to the supply input. Therefore only a single supply voltage is needed for NINA-B1, which makes it
ideal for battery powered designs.
This may not be the case for modules in the NINA series that will be released in the future. A design that
should be pin compatible with other NINA-series modules should keep the VCC and VCC_IO supply rails
separate.
2.2 RF antenna interfaces
2.2.1 2.4 GHz Bluetooth low energy (ANT)
The two NINA-B1 model versions have their own 2.4 GHz antenna solutions respectively:
The NINA-B111 modules provide an antenna pin (ANT) with a nominal characteristic impedance of 50
Ω. This pin can be connected to an on-board antenna or antenna connector using a controlled
impedance trace. See the NINA-B1 series System Integration Manual [1] for more information.
The NINA-B112 modules use an integrated antenna solution; no additional components are required.
The ANT pin is internally disconnected on these models.
2.2.2 Near Field Communication (NFC)
The NINA-B1 series modules include a Near Field Communication interface, capable of operating as a 13.56 MHz
NFC tag at a bit rate of 106 kbps. As an NFC tag, data can be read from or written to the NINA-B1 modules
using an NFC reader; however the NINA-B1 modules are not capable of reading other tags or initiating NFC
communications. Two pins are available for connecting to an external NFC antenna: NFC1 and NFC2. See the
NINA-B1 series System Integration Manual [1] for more information and NFC antenna design considerations.
2.3 System functions
The NINA-B1 series modules are power efficient devices capable of operating in different power saving modes
and configurations. Different sections of the module can be powered off when not needed and complex wake
up events can be generated from different external and internal inputs. The radio part of the module operates
independently from the CPU.
The two main power saving modes are:
Standby mode
Sleep mode
Depending on the application, the module should spend most of its time in sleep mode to conserve battery life.
2.3.1 Module power-on
NINA-B1 modules can be switched on in one of the following ways and this will cause the module to reboot:
Rising edge on the VCC pin to a valid supply voltage
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NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
Issuing a reset of the module
A wake up event from sleep mode to active mode can be issued by:
Changing the state of any digital I/O pin, may be enabled /disabled for each pin.
If waking up from standby mode, an event can also be issued by:
The on-board Real Time Counter (RTC)
A programmable digital or analog sensor event. For example, rising voltage level on an analog
comparator pin
2.3.2 Module power-off
There is no dedicated pin to power off the NINA-B1 modules. You can configure any GPIO pin to enter or exit
the sleep mode (see section 2.3.4), which essentially powers down the module.
An under-voltage (brown-out) shutdown occurs on NINA-B1 modules when the VCC supply drops below the
operating range minimum limit. If this occurs, it is not possible to store the current parameter settings in the
module’s non-volatile memory. An over-temperature and under-temperature shutdown can be enabled on
NINA-B1 modules, and is initiated if the temperature measured within the module is outside operating
conditions. The temperature is measured by an integrated temperature sensor in the radio chip. For more details
see the NINA-B1 series System Integration Manual [1].
2.3.3 Standby mode
Standby mode is one of the power saving modes in NINA-B1 modules that essentially powers down the module
but keeps the system RAM intact and allows for a few low power digital interfaces (including SPI) and analog
functions to run continuously. It also allows for more complex, autonomous power-up events including periodic
RTC events and radio events.
The following events can be used to bring the module out of the standby mode:
External wake-up events
Internal wake-up events from RTC, radio, NFC and so on
Analog or digital sensor event (programmable voltage level or edge detection)
During standby mode, the module is clocked at 32 kHz, which is generated by an internal 32 kHz crystal
oscillator.
2.3.4 Sleep mode
Sleep mode is the deepest power saving mode of NINA-B1 modules. During sleep mode, all functionality is
stopped to ensure minimum power consumption. The module needs an external event in order to wake up from
sleep mode.
The following events can be used to wake up the module out of the sleep mode:
External event on a digital pin
External event on a low power comparator pin
Detection of NFC field
When using the NINA-B11x firmware, the module can be manually switched on or off with proper storage of
current settings using the UART DSR pin.
The module can be programmed to latch the digital values present at its GPIO pins during sleep. The module will
keep the values latched, and a change of state on any of these pins will trigger a wake up to active mode.
The module will always reboot after waking up from the sleep mode; however different sections of the RAM can
be configured to remain intact during and after going into the sleep mode.
2.3.5 Module reset
NINA-B1 modules can be reset in one of the following ways:
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NINA-B1 series - Data Sheet
Low level on the RESET_N input pin, normally high with internal pull-up. This causes an “external” or
“hardware” reset of the module. The current parameter settings are not saved in the module’s
non-volatile memory and a proper network detach is not performed.
Using the AT+CPWROFF command. This causes an “internal” or “software” reset of the module. The
current parameter settings are saved in the module’s non-volatile memory and a proper network detach
is performed.
2.3.6 Real Time Counter (RTC)
A key system feature available on the module is the Real Time Counter. This counter can generate multiple
interrupts and events to the CPU and radio as well as internal and external hardware blocks. These events can be
precisely timed ranging from microseconds up to hours, and allows for periodic BLE advertising events etc.,
without involving the main CPU. The RTC can be operated in power-on and standby modes.
2.4 Serial interfaces
NINA-B1 modules provide the following serial communication interfaces:
1x UART interface: 4-wire unbalanced asynchronous serial interface used for AT commands interface,
data communication and firmware upgrades using the FOAT feature.
3x SPI interfaces: Up to three serial peripheral interfaces can be used simultaneously.
2x I2C interfaces: Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) interface for communication with digital sensors.
All digital interface pins on the module are shared between the digital and analog interfaces and GPIOs.
Any function can be assigned to any pin that is not already occupied.
2.4.1 Asynchronous serial interface (UART)
The UART interface supports hardware flow control and baud-rates up to 1 Mbps. Other characteristics of the
UART interface are listed below:
Data lines (RXD as input, TXD as output) and hardware flow control lines (CTS as input, RTS as output)
are provided.
Hardware flow control or no flow control (default) is supported.
Power saving indication available on the hardware flow control output (CTS line): The line is driven to
the OFF state when the module is not ready to accept data signals.
Programmable baud-rate generator allows most industry standard rates, as well as non-standard rates
up to 1 Mbps.
Frame format configuration:
o 8 data bits
o Even or no-parity bit
o 1 stop bit
Default frame configuration is 8N1, meaning eight (8) data bits, no (N) parity bit, and one (1) stop bit.
2.4.2 Serial peripheral interface (SPI)
NINA-B1 supports up to 3 Serial Peripheral Interfaces that can operate in both master and slave mode with a
maximum serial clock frequency of 8 MHz in both master and slave modes. The SPI interfaces use 4 signals:
SCLK, MOSI, MISO and CS. When using the SPI interface in master mode, it is possible to use GPIOs as
additional Chip Select (CS) signals to allow addressing of multiple slaves.
2.4.3 I
The Inter-Integrated Circuit interfaces can be used to transfer or receive data on a 2-wire bus network. The
NINA-B1 modules can operate as both master and slave on the I2C bus using both standard (100 kbps) and fast
(400 kbps) transmission speeds. The interface uses the SCL signal to clock instructions and data on the SDL
signal.
2
C interface
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