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UBX-18006649 - R01
Abstract
This technical data sheet describes the NINA-B2 series stand-alone
Bluetooth® dual-mode modules. The NINA-B2 modules come with
pre-flashed application software, Bluetooth dual-mode (Bluetooth
BR/EDR and Bluetooth low energy). The module has a number of
important security features embedded, including secure boot, which
ensures that only authenticated software can run on the module.
This makes NINA-B2 ideal for critical IoT applications where security
is important.
NINA-B2 series
Stand-alone Bluetooth dual-mode
modules
Data Sheet
NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
Document Information
Title
NINA-B2 series
Subtitle
Stand-alone Bluetooth dual-mode modules
Document type
Data Sheet
Document number
UBX-18006649
Revision and date
R01
16-Mar-2018
Disclosure restriction
Product Status
Corresponding content status
Functional Sample
Draft
For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
In Development /
Prototype
Objective Specification
Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Engineering Sample
Advance Information
Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Initial Production
Early Prod. Information
Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Mass Production /
End of Life
Production Information
Final product specification.
Product name
Type number
u-blox connectivity software version
PCN reference
Product status
NINA-B221
NINA-B221-00B-00
1.0.0
N/A
In Development
NINA-B222
NINA-B222-00B-00
1.0.0
N/A
In Development
This document applies to the following products:
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 © 2018, 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-B2 series - Data Sheet
Contents
1 Functional description .................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Applications .......................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Product features ................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Block diagram ....................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Product variants .................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5.1 NINA-B221 .................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5.2 NINA-B222 .................................................................................................................................... 6
1.6 Radio performance ............................................................................................................................... 7
1.7 Software options .................................................................................................................................. 7
1.7.1 AT command support .................................................................................................................... 7
1.7.2 Software upgrade ......................................................................................................................... 7
1.8 MAC addresses ..................................................................................................................................... 8
1.9 Power modes ........................................................................................................................................ 8
2 Interfaces ...................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Power supply ........................................................................................................................................ 9
2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC) ........................................................................................................... 9
2.1.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO) ........................................................................... 9
2.2 Low Power Clock .................................................................................................................................. 9
2.3 Module reset ........................................................................................................................................ 9
2.4 Boot strapping pins............................................................................................................................... 9
2.5 RF antenna interface ........................................................................................................................... 10
2.5.1 Internal antenna .......................................................................................................................... 10
2.5.2 External RF antenna interface ...................................................................................................... 10
2.6 IO signals ............................................................................................................................................ 11
2.6.1 System status IO signals ............................................................................................................... 11
2.6.2 System control IO signals ............................................................................................................. 11
2.6.3 UART IO signals ........................................................................................................................... 11
2.7 Data interfaces ................................................................................................................................... 11
2.7.1 UART ........................................................................................................................................... 11
3 Pin definition .............................................................................................................. 13
3.1 Pin assignment ................................................................................................................................... 13
4 Electrical specifications .............................................................................................. 15
4.1 Absolute maximum ratings ................................................................................................................. 15
4.1.1 Maximum ESD ratings ................................................................................................................. 15
4.2 Operating conditions .......................................................................................................................... 15
4.2.1 Operating temperature range ...................................................................................................... 15
4.2.2 Supply/Power pins ....................................................................................................................... 16
4.2.3 RESET_N pin ................................................................................................................................ 16
4.2.4 LPO clock .................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2.5 Digital pins .................................................................................................................................. 17
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NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
4.2.6 Current consumption .................................................................................................................. 17
4.2.7 Bluetooth radio characteristics ..................................................................................................... 17
4.2.8 Bluetooth low energy characteristics ........................................................................................... 18
5 Mechanical specifications .......................................................................................... 19
5.1 NINA-B221 Mechanical specification ................................................................................................... 19
5.2 NINA-B222 Mechanical specification ................................................................................................... 20
6 Qualification and approvals ...................................................................................... 21
6.1 Country approvals .............................................................................................................................. 21
6.2 European Union regulatory compliance .............................................................................................. 21
6.2.1 Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU .............................................................................. 21
6.2.2 Compliance with the RoHS directive ............................................................................................ 21
6.3 FCC/IC Compliance............................................................................................................................. 21
6.4 Japan radio equipment compliance ..................................................................................................... 25
6.5 NCC Taiwan compliance ..................................................................................................................... 26
6.5.1 Taiwan NCC Warning Statement ................................................................................................. 26
6.5.2 NINA-B221 labeling requirements for end product ...................................................................... 26
6.5.3 NINA-B222 labeling requirements for end product ...................................................................... 26
6.6 Safety compliance ............................................................................................................................... 27
6.7 Bluetooth qualification information .................................................................................................... 27
7 Antennas ..................................................................................................................... 28
7.1 Antenna accessories ........................................................................................................................... 28
7.2 Approved antennas ............................................................................................................................ 29
7.2.1 Single band antennas .................................................................................................................. 29
7.2.2 Dual-band antennas .................................................................................................................... 32
7.3 NINA-B222 radiation patterns ............................................................................................................. 33
8 Product handling ........................................................................................................ 34
8.1 Packaging ........................................................................................................................................... 34
8.1.1 Reels ........................................................................................................................................... 34
8.1.2 Tapes .......................................................................................................................................... 34
8.2 Moisture sensitivity levels .................................................................................................................... 36
8.3 Reflow soldering ................................................................................................................................. 36
8.4 ESD precautions .................................................................................................................................. 36
9 Labeling and ordering information ........................................................................... 37
9.1 Product labeling .................................................................................................................................. 37
9.2 Explanation of codes........................................................................................................................... 38
9.3 Ordering information .......................................................................................................................... 38
Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 39
A Glossary ...................................................................................................................... 39
Related documents........................................................................................................... 40
Contact .............................................................................................................................. 41
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NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
1 Functional description
1.1 Overview
The NINA-B2 series are small, stand-alone Bluetooth dual-mode modules designed for ease-of-use and
integration in professional applications. The modules are delivered with u-blox connectivity software that
provides support for both peripheral and central roles, Serial Port Profile, GATT client and server, beacons, u -blox
Bluetooth low energy Serial Port Service – all configurable from a host using AT commands.
The NINA-B2 modules provide top grade security, thanks to secure boot, which ensures the module only boots
up with original u-blox software. Intended applications include industrial automation, wireless-connected and
configurable equipment, point-of-sales, and health devices. The NINA-B2 series is globally certified for use with
the internal antenna or a range of external antennas.
1.2 Applications
Internet of Things (IoT)
Bluetooth networks
Telematics
Point-of-sales
Medical and industrial networking
Access to laptops, mobile phones, and similar consumer devices
Home/building automation
Ethernet/Wireless Gateway
1.3 Product features
Table 1: NINA-B2 series main features summary
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1.4 Block diagram
Flash (16Mbit)
Linear voltage regulators
IO Buffers
SRAM (4Mbit)
Cryptographics
accelerations
Quad SPI
VCC_IO
VCC (3.0- 3.6V)
40 MHz
Reset
UART
LPO (32.768 kHz, 0.7V)
EFUSE
*
Planned feature and not supported in Software 1.0
GPIO
ANT (NINA-B221)
Antenna
(NINA-B222)
NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
BPF
Figure 1: Block diagram of NINA-B2 series
1.5 Product variants
RF
PLL
Bluetooth
baseband
hardware
ROM
2xXtensa 32-bit LX6 MCU
The NINA-B2 series modules come with pre-flashed application software, supporting Bluetooth BR/EDR and
Bluetooth low energy v4.2. The host system can set up and control the module through the AT command
interface. See u-blox Short Range AT Commands Manual [3] for more information about AT commands.
1.5.1 NINA-B221
The NINA-B221 modules do not use the internal antenna and thus the PCB outline has been trimmed to
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.
1.5.2 NINA-B222
The NINA-B222 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.
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NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
Bluetooth BR/EDR
Bluetooth low energy
Bluetooth v4.2+EDR
Maximum number of slaves: 7
Bluetooth 4.2 BLE dual-mode
Band support
2.4 GHz, 79 channels
Band support
2.4 GHz, 40 channels
Maximum conducted output power
5 dBm
Maximum conducted output power
5 dBm
Maximum radiated output power
8 dBm EIRP*
Maximum radiated output power
8 dBm EIRP*
Conducted sensitivity
-90 dBm
Conducted sensitivity
-90 dBm
Data rates:
1 / 2 / 3 Mbit/s
Data rates:
1 Mbit/s
1.6 Radio performance
The NINA-B221 and NINA-B222 modules support Bluetooth BR/EDR and Bluetooth low energy as explained in
Table 2.
*
RF power including maximum antenna gain (3 dBi).
Table 2: NINA-B2 series Bluetooth characteristics
1.7 Software options
The NINA-B2 series modules come with the pre-flashed application software, supporting Bluetooth BR/EDR and
Bluetooth low energy. The host system can set up and control the module through the AT command interface.
The NINA-B2 modules provide top grade security, thanks to secure boot, which ensures the module boots up
only with original u-blox software. This makes NINA-B2 ideal for critical IoT applications where security is
important.
1.7.1 AT command support
You can configure the NINA-B221 and NINA-B222 modules with the u-blox s-center toolbox software using AT
commands. See u-blox Short Range AT Commands Manual [3] for information about supported AT commands.
The s-center evaluation software supporting the AT commands is also available free of charge and can be
downloaded from the u-blox website.
1.7.2 Software upgrade
Information on how to upgrade the software for NINA-B2 series is provided in section 2.6.2 and in the NINA-B2
series System Integration Manual [1].
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NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
MAC address
Assignment
Last bits of MAC address
Example
Module 1, address 1
Bluetooth
00
D4:CA:6E:90:04:90
Module 1, address 2
Reserved
01
D4:CA:6E:90:04:91
Module 1, address 3
Reserved
10
D4:CA:6E:90:04:92
Module 1, address 4
Reserved
11
D4:CA:6E:90:04:93
Module 2, address 1
Bluetooth
00
D4:CA:6E:90:04:94
Module 2, address 2
Reserved
01
D4:CA:6E:90:04:95
Module 2, address 3
Reserved
10
D4:CA:6E:90:04:96
Module 2, address 4
Reserved
11
D4:CA:6E:90:04:97
1.8 MAC addresses
The NINA-B2 module series has four unique consecutive MAC addresses reserved for each module and the
addresses are stored in the configuration memory during production. The first Bluetooth address is available in
the Data Matrix on the label (see section 9.1).
Table 3: Example MAC addresses assignment for two modules
1.9 Power modes
The NINA-B2 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. For the lowest current consumption
modes, an external LPO clock is required (see section 2.2).
See the u-blox Short Range AT Commands Manual [3] and NINA-B2 series System Integration Manual [1] for
more information about power modes.
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NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
Pin
State during boot
Default
Behavior
Description
36
0
VDD_SDIO=3.3V
Voltage of Internal Flash
1
10 kΩ pull-up
VDD_SDIO=1.8V
(VDD_SDIO should always be 1.8 V)
27, 25
00 Download Boot
Booting Mode, see section
1.7 for information about
01 Reserved, do not use
2 Interfaces
2.1 Power supply
The power for NINA-B2 series modules is supplied through VCC and VCC_IO pins by DC voltage.
The system power supply circuit must be able to support peak power (add 20% as margin over the listed
type current consumption), as during operation, the current drawn from VCC and VCC_IO can vary
significantly based on the use cases.
2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC)
The NINA-B2 series modules use an integrated Linear Voltage converter to transform the supply voltage
presented at the VCC pin into a stable system voltage.
2.1.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO)
All modules in the NINA-B2 series provide an additional voltage supply input for setting the I/O voltage level.
The separate VCC_IO pin enables integration of the module in many applications with different voltage levels
(for example, 1.8 V or 3.3 V) without any level converters. The NINA-B2 modules support only 3.3 V as IO
voltage level currently.
2.2 Low Power Clock
The NINA-B2 series module does not have an internal low power oscillator (LPO), which is required for low
power modes. An external 32.768 KHz LPO signal can be supplied externally via the LPO_CLK pin if low power
modes are required.
The low power clock voltage level is lower (0/0.7 V) compared to the digital signal levels and a
voltage divider can be required (see section 4.2.4).
2.3 Module reset
The NINA-B2 series modules can be reset (rebooted) in one of the following ways:
Low level on the RESET_N pin, which is normally set high by an internal pull-up. This causes
“hardware” reset of the module. The RESET_N signal should be driven by an open drain, open collector
or contact switch. When RESET_N is low (off), the chip works at the minimum power.
The NINA-B2 series modules can be reset using an AT command (see the u-blox Short Range AT
Commands Manual [3]). This causes a “software” reset of the module.
2.4 Boot strapping pins
There are several boot configuration pins available on the module that needs to have the correct settings during
boot. It is important that they are in the default state (marked with bold in Table 4) during startup for normal
operation. The default state is automatically selected (with internal pull-ups or pull-downs) if the pins are left
unconnected.
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NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
Pin
State during boot
Default
Behavior
Description
10
Pull-up*, Pull-down
*
Normal Boot from internal Flash
software upgrade.
11
Normal Boot from internal Flash
32
0
Silent
Debugging Log on U0TXD
during booting
1
Pull-up*
U0TXD Toggling
32, 28
00
Falling-edge input, falling-edge output
Timing of SDIO Slave
01
Falling-edge input, rising-edge output
10
Rising-edge input, falling-edge output
11
Pull-up*, Pull-up
*
Rising-edge input, rising-edge output
*
About 30 kΩ
Table 4: NINA-B2 series boot strapping pins
2.5 RF antenna interface
The RF antenna interface of the NINA-B2 series supports Bluetooth BR/EDR and Bluetooth low energy on the
same RF antenna signal. The module is equipped with a 2.4 GHz bandpass filter between the radio chip and RF
antenna interface (see section 1.4).
The NINA-B2 series supports either an internal antenna (NINA-B222) or external antennas connected through an
antenna pin (NINA-B221).
2.5.1 Internal antenna
The NINA-B222 module has an internal (embedded) 2.4 GHz PIFA antenna. The internal antenna is a PIFA
antenna specifically designed and optimized for the NINA form factor.
Keep a minimum clearance of 5 mm between the antenna and the casing. Keep a minimum of 10 mm free
space from the metal around the antenna including the area below. If a metal enclosure is required, use
NINA-B221 and an external antenna.
It is recommended to place the NINA-B222 modules in such a way that the internal antenna is in the corner of
the host PCB (the corner closest to Pin 16 should be in the corner). The antenna side (short side closest to the
antenna), positioned along one side of the host PCB ground plane is the second best option. It is beneficial to
have a large solid ground plane on the host PCB and have a good grounding on the NINA-B222 module.
Minimum ground plane size is 24x30 mm but recommended is more than 50x50 mm.
See NINA-B2 series System Integration Manual [1] for more information about antenna related design.
The ANT signal is not available on the solder pins of the NINA-B222 module.
2.5.2 External RF antenna interface
The NINA-B221 module has an antenna signal (ANT) pin with a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω for using an
external antenna. The antenna signal supports both Tx and Rx.
The external antenna, for example, can be an SMD antenna (or PCB integrated antenna) on the host board. An
antenna connector for using an external antenna via a coaxial cable could also be implemented. A cable antenna
might be necessary if the module is mounted in a shielded enclosure such as a metal box or cabinet.
An external antenna connector (U.FL. connector) reference design (see NINA-B2 series System Integration
Manual [1]) is available and must be followed to comply with the NINA-B2 FCC/IC modular approvals.
Also see the list of approved antennas (section 7.2).
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NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
Mode
Status
RGB LED Color
GREEN
BLUE
RED
Data mode
IDLE
Green
LOW
HIGH
HIGH
Command mode
IDLE
Orange
LOW
HIGH
LOW
Data mode, Command mode
CONNECTING*
Purple
HIGH
LOW
LOW
Data mode, Command mode
CONNECTED*
Blue
HIGH
HIGH
LOW
2.6 IO signals
2.6.1 System status IO signals
The RED, GREEN and BLUE pins are used to signal the status. They are active low and are intended to be routed
to an RGB LED. See u-blox Short Range AT Commands Manual [3] for more information about connectivity
software signals IOs.
* = LED flashes on data activity
Table 5: System status indication
2.6.2 System control IO signals
The following input signals are used to control the system (see u-blox Short Range AT Commands Manual [3] for
more information about connectivity software signals IOs):
RESET_N is used to reset the system. See section 0 for detailed information.
If SWITCH_2 is driven low during start up, the UART serial settings are restored to their default values.
SWITCH_2 can be used to open a connection to a peripheral device.
If both SWITCH_1 and SWITCH_2 are driven low during start up, the system will enter the bootloader
mode.
If both SWITCH_1 and SWITCH_2 are driven low during start up and held low for 10 seconds, the
system will exit the bootloader mode and restore all settings to their factory defaults.
2.6.3 UART IO signals
In addition to the normal RXD, TXD, CTS, and RTS signals, the NINA-B221/NINA-B222 software adds the DSR
and DTR pins to the UART interface. Note that they are not used as originally intended, but to control the state
of the NINA module. Depending on the current configuration, the DSR pin can be used to:
Enter command mode.
Disconnect and/or toggle connectable status.
Enable/disable the rest of the UART interface.
Enter/wake up from sleep mode.
2.7 Data interfaces
2.7.1 UART
The NINA-B221 and NINA-B222 modules include a 6-wire UART for communication with an application host
processor (AT commands, Data communication, and software upgrades).
The following UART signals are available:
Data lines (RXD as input, TXD as output)
Hardware flow control lines (CTS as input, RTS as output)
Link status (DTR as output, DSR as input). The DTR/DSR signals behavior is adapted to the u-blox
connectivity software functionality and differs from the UART standard, see section 2.6.3 for additional
information.
Programmable baud-rate generator allows most industry standard rates, as well as non-standard rates
up to 921600 bps.
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NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
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.
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NINA-B2 series - Data Sheet
3 Pin definition
3.1 Pin assignment
The pinout as shown in Figure 2 describes the pin configuration used in the NINA-B221 and NINA-B222 u-blox
connectivity software modules.
Figure 2: NINA-B22x pin assignment (top view)
The grey pins in the center of the modules are GND pins. The lower part below the dotted line is the
antenna part of NINA-B222 and the outline of the NINA-B221 module ends at this line.
Some of the signals are boot strap signals (see Table 6). It is important that these signals are in the correct
state during startup (see section 2.4).
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