u-blox NINA-B4 User manual

Used together with the respective module data sheets that describe the pinout and module
range module in an end product. With several supporting examples, the
connectXpress module software in production
NINA-B4 series
Stand-alone Bluetooth 5.1 low energy modules
System integration manual
Abstract
functions, this manual provides a functional overview combined with best-practice design guidelines for integrating the short­document explains how applications are developed for NINA-B4 open cpu solutions using the Nordic SDK. It also describes the options for flashing the u­environments.
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NINA-B4 series - System integration manual
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Document information

Title
NINA-B4 series
Subtitle Stand-alone Bluetooth 5.1 low energy modules
Document type
Document number
System integration manual
UBX-19052230
Revision and date R06 22-Jan-2021
Disclosure restriction C1-Public
Document status Description
Functional sample Draft For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
In development / Prototype
Engineering sample Advance information Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Initial production Early production information Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Mass production / End of life
Objective specification Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Production information Document contains the final product specification.
This document applies to the following products:
Product name Document status
NINA-B400 Early Production Information
NINA-B401 Prototype NINA-B406 Early Production Information
NINA-B410 Early Production Information NINA-B411 Prototype
NINA-B416 Early Production Information
For information about the related hardware, software, and status of listed product types, refer to
the respective data sheets [2][3].
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, including but not limited to, with respect to the accuracy, correctness, reliability and fitness for a particular
-blox.com.
-blox.com.
-blox AG.
-blox AG.
to, with respect to the accuracy, correctness, reliability and fitness for a particular
-blox.
-blox.
-blox assumes no liability for its use. No warranty, either express or
-blox assumes no liability for its use. No warranty, either express or
parties of this document or any part thereof is only
-blox at any time without notice. For the most recent
-blox at any time without notice. For the most recent
thereof is only
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual

Contents

Document information ............................................................................................................................. 2
Contents ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1 Functional description ....................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Applications ................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.3 Block diagrams ............................................................................................................................................ 7
1.3.1 NINA-B40 .............................................................................................................................................. 7
1.3.2 NINA-B41 .............................................................................................................................................. 8
1.4 Product description .................................................................................................................................... 9
1.4.1 NINA-B40 series .................................................................................................................................. 9
1.4.2 NINA-B41 series .................................................................................................................................. 9
1.5 Hardware options ........................................................................................................................................ 9
1.6 Software options ....................................................................................................................................... 10
1.6.1 Open CPU............................................................................................................................................ 11
1.6.2 u-connectXpress software ............................................................................................................. 11
1.7 Bluetooth device address ........................................................................................................................ 12
1.8 Pin configurations and functions .......................................................................................................... 12
1.8.1 NINA-B40 pins ................................................................................................................................... 12
1.8.2 NINA-B41 pins ................................................................................................................................... 13
1.9 Low power clock ........................................................................................................................................ 13
1.9.1 External crystal ................................................................................................................................. 14
1.9.2 Internal oscillator .............................................................................................................................. 14
1.9.3 External clock source ....................................................................................................................... 14
2 Design-in ............................................................................................................................................. 15
2.1 NINA family migration design................................................................................................................. 15
2.2 Supply interfaces ...................................................................................................................................... 15
2.2.1 Main supply input ............................................................................................................................. 15
2.2.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO) ...................................................................... 15
2.2.3 VCC application circuits .................................................................................................................. 15
2.3 Antenna interface ..................................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.1 External antenna selection ............................................................................................................. 17
2.3.2 NINA-B4x6 design-in ........................................................................................................................ 21
2.4 NFC interface ............................................................................................................................................. 22
2.4.1 Battery protection ............................................................................................................................ 23
2.5 Debug interface ......................................................................................................................................... 23
2.6 General layout guidelines ........................................................................................................................ 24
2.6.1 General considerations for schematic design and PCB floor-planning ................................. 24
2.6.2 Layout and manufacturing ............................................................................................................. 24
2.6.3 Thermal guidelines ........................................................................................................................... 25
2.6.4 ESD guidelines ................................................................................................................................... 25
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2.7 Product testing .......................................................................................................................................... 26
2.7.1 u-blox in-series production tests ................................................................................................... 26
2.7.2 OEM manufacturer production test ............................................................................................. 27
3 Open CPU software ......................................................................................................................... 28
3.1 Nordic SDK ................................................................................................................................................. 28
3.1.1 Getting started with the Nordic SDK ............................................................................................ 28
3.1.2 Bluetooth device (MAC) address and other production data .................................................. 31
3.1.3 Definition of Low Frequency clock source ................................................................................... 31
3.2 Flashing open CPU software .................................................................................................................. 31
3.2.1 Flashing over the SWD interface ................................................................................................... 31
3.2.2 Flashing over the UART interface ................................................................................................. 32
4 u-connectXpress software ............................................................................................................ 34
4.1 Flashing NINA-B41 u-connectXpress software .................................................................................. 34
4.1.1 Software flashing using s-center .................................................................................................. 34
4.1.2 Software flashing using AT command ......................................................................................... 35
4.2 Low frequency clock source .................................................................................................................... 37
5 Handling and soldering ................................................................................................................... 38
5.1 Packaging, shipping, storage, and moisture preconditioning ......................................................... 38
5.2 Handling ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
5.3 Soldering ..................................................................................................................................................... 38
5.3.1 Reflow soldering process ................................................................................................................ 38
5.3.2 Cleaning .............................................................................................................................................. 39
5.3.3 Other remarks ................................................................................................................................... 40
Appendix .................................................................................................................................................... 41
A Glossary .............................................................................................................................................. 41
Related documents ................................................................................................................................ 43
Revision history ....................................................................................................................................... 44
Contact ....................................................................................................................................................... 45
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art
that enable customer applications to
M4 with FPU. With 512 kB flash and 128 kB RAM, these modules offer
art
that enable customer applications to
512 kB flash and 128 kB RAM, these modules offer
art
B40 variants are open CPU modules that enable customer applications to
M4 with FPU. With 512 kB flash and 128 kB RAM, these modules offer
B406 has
specifically designed for embedded

1 Functional description

1.1 Overview

The NINA-B4 series is comprised of small, standalone Bluetooth low energy wireless modules featuring full Bluetooth 5.1.
Based on the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52833 chip that includes an integrated RF core and powerful Arm® Cortex®-M4 processor with FPU, NINA-B4 modules include the S140 SoftDevice radio stack that operates as a Bluetooth 5.1 low energy central and peripheral protocol stack solution – as well as in Thread, Zigbee 802.15.4, and Nordic proprietary modes (NINA-B40 only).
For a flexible and innovative approach to application design, two conceptually different architecture solutions are available: u-connectXpress (B41) or open cpu (B40). End-user products based on either architecture are developed on pre-certified u-blox reference designs that are qualified with the regional regulatory bodies for your chosen product markets. This approach to application development provides good opportunity for less compliance testing, lower development cost, and reduced time to market.
With an operational temperature range that spans from -40 up to +105°C, NINA-B4 modules are ideal for harsh industrial or lighting applications that must operate at high ambient temperatures. NINA­B41 also caters towards applications in smart buildings, smart cities, industrial automation systems, sensor networks and asset tracking solutions.
Featuring Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD) transceivers, the NINA-B40 series supports the Bluetooth 5.1 Direction Finding service. The service can be used for indoor positioning, wayfinding, and asset tracking.
NINA-B4 modules integrates internal power management circuitry requiring only a single supply voltage in the range of 1.7 – 3.6 V. The broad supply range also makes the modules particularly useful in battery powered systems.
With the same pinout, physical size, and mechanical design of NINA-B3 modules, NINA-B4 offers a natural upgrade path for existing NINA applications.
Table 1 describes the various models in the NINA-B40 series.
Model Description
NINA-B400 Bluetooth 5.1 module that includes a powerful Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU and delivers state-of-the-
power performance. All NINA-B40 variants are open CPU modules run on the built-in Arm® Cortex®­respectable capacity for customer applications on top of the Bluetooth Low Energy stack.
NINA-B400 has a U.FL connector for use with an external antenna.
NINA-B401 Bluetooth 5.1 module that includes a powerful Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU and delivers state-of-the-
power performance. All NINA-B40 variants are open CPU modules run on the built-in Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU. With respectable capacity for customer applications on top of the Bluetooth Low Energy stack.
NINA-B401 has an RF pin for use with an external antenna.
NINA-B406 Bluetooth 5.1 module that includes a powerful Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU and delivers state-of-the-
power performance. All NINA­run on the built-in Arm® Cortex®­respectable capacity for customer applications on top of the Bluetooth Low Energy stack. NINA­an internal PCB trace antenna with an extensive range. The antenna is devices.
Table 1: NINA-B40 series
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art
art
art
specifically
Table 2 describes the different models in the NINA-B41 series.
Model Description
NINA-B410 Bluetooth 5.1 module that includes a powerful Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU and delivers state-of-the-
power performance. All NINA-B41 variants have u-connectXpress software pre-flashed. NINA-B410 has a U.FL connector for use with an external antenna.
NINA-B411 Bluetooth 5.1 module that includes a powerful Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU and delivers state-of-the-
power performance. All NINA-B41 variants have u-connectXpress software pre-flashed. NINA-B411 has an RF pin for use with an external antenna.
NINA-B416 Bluetooth 5.1 module that includes a powerful Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU and delivers state-of-the-
power performance. All NINA-B41 variants have u-connectXpress software pre-flashed. NINA-B416 has an internal PCB trace antenna with an extensive range. The antenna is
designed for embedded devices.
Table 2: NINA-B41 series
Already globally certified for use with an internal antenna or range of external antennas, the time,
cost, and effort spent on deploying NINA-B4 modules into customer applications is reduced significantly.

1.2 Applications

Industrial automation
Smart buildings and cities
Low power sensors
Wireless-connected and configurable equipment
Point-of-sales
Health devices
Real-time Location, RTLS
Indoor positioning
Asset tracking
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VCC_IO (1.7
VCC (1.7 Reset
2x UART
GPIO
I2C
PWM I2S
comparator
NFC
32.768 kHz
nRF52833
USB 2.0
QDEC
PDM

1.3 Block diagrams

Block diagrams of the NINA-B40 and NINA-B41 module designs are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

1.3.1 NINA-B40

A block diagram of the NINA-B40 open-cpu module design showing the alternative U.FL connector (B400), antenna pin (B401), and PCB trace antenna (B406) solutions is shown in Figure 1.
NINA-B400 modules include a U.FL connector for connecting an external antenna. The module size
is 10 x 15 x 2.2 mm.
NINA-B401 modules include an ANT pad on the footprint for connecting an external antenna. The
module size is 10 x 11.6 x 2.2 mm.
NINA-B406 module support an internal PCB trace antenna using antenna technology from Proant
AB. The module size is 10 x 15 x 2.2 mm.
(NINA-B400)
U.FL antenna connector
(NINA-B401)
Antenna pin
(NINA-B406)
PCB trace antenna
1.3 V
Nordic Semiconductor
System
power
RF
128 kB
RAM
PLL
DC/DC and LDO regulators
Bluetooth LE
baseband
512 kB flash
RTC, timers
and counters
PLL
with FPU
Arm® Cortex®-M4
USB device
ADC and
Passive NFC tag
SPI
IO buffers
Analog
– 3.6 V)
– 3.6 V)
32 MHz
Figure 1: NINA-B40 series block diagram
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VCC_IO (1.7
VCC (1.7 Reset
2x UART
GPIO
comparator
NFC
32.768 kHz
nRF52833

1.3.2 NINA-B41

A block diagram of the NINA-B4 u-connect module design showing the alternative U.FL connector (B410), antenna pin (B411), and PCB trace antenna (B416) solutions is shown in Figure 2.
NINA-B410 modules support a U.FL connector to accommodate an external antenna. The module
size is 10 x 15 x 2.2 mm.
NINA-B411 modules have a footprint arrangement that includes an ANT pad for connecting an
external antenna. The module size is 10 x 11.6 x 2.2 mm.
NINA-B416 modules support an internal PCB trace antenna using antenna technology from
Proant AB. The module size is 10 x 15 x 2.2 mm.
(NINA-B410)
U.FL antenna connector
(NINA-B411)
Antenna pin
(NINA-B416)
PCB trace antenna
1.3 V
Nordic Semiconductor
System
power
RF
128 kB
RAM
PLL
DC/DC and LDO regulators
Bluetooth LE
baseband
512 kB flash
RTC, timers
and counters
PLL
with FPU
Arm® Cortex®-M4
USB device
ADC and
Passive NFC tag
IO buffers
– 3.6 V)
– 3.6 V)
32 MHz
Figure 2: NINA-B41 series block diagram
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1.4 Product description

Please see the data sheet for the respective product family [2] [3] for the latest data.

1.4.1 NINA-B40 series

Item NINA-B400 NINA-B401 NINA-B406
Bluetooth version 5.1 5.1 5.1
Band support 2.4 GHz, 40 channels 2.4 GHz, 40 channels 2.4 GHz, 40 channels
Typical conducted output power +8 dBm +8 dBm -
Radiated output power (EIRP) +11 dBm (with typical
antenna)
RX sensitivity (conducted) -95 dBm -95 dBm -95 dBm
RX sensitivity, long range mode (conducted)
Supported 2.4 GHz radio modes Bluetooth Low Energy
Supported Bluetooth LE data rates 1 Mbps
Module size 10.0 x 15.0 mm 10.0 x 11.6 mm 10.0 x 15.0 mm
Table 3: NINA-B40 series characteristics summary
-102 dBm -102 dBm -102 dBm
IEEE 802.15.4 Proprietary 2.4 GHz modes
2 Mbps 500 kbps 125 kbps
+11 dBm (with typical antenna)
Bluetooth Low Energy IEEE 802.15.4 Proprietary 2.4 GHz modes
1 Mbps 2 Mbps 500 kbps 125 kbps
+11 dBm
Bluetooth Low Energy IEEE 802.15.4 Proprietary 2.4 GHz modes
1 Mbps 2 Mbps 500 kbps 125 kbps

1.4.2 NINA-B41 series

Item NINA-B400 NINA-B401 NINA-B406
Bluetooth version 5.1 5.1 5.1
Band support 2.4 GHz, 40 channels 2.4 GHz, 40 channels 2.4 GHz, 40 channels
Typical conducted output power +8 dBm +8 dBm -
Radiated output power (EIRP) +11 dBm (with typical
antenna)
RX sensitivity (conducted) -95 dBm -95 dBm -95 dBm
RX sensitivity, long range mode (conducted)
Supported 2.4 GHz radio modes Bluetooth Low Energy
Supported Bluetooth LE data rates 1 Mbps
Module size 10.0 x 15.0 mm 10.0 x 11.6 mm 10.0 x 15.0 mm
Table 4: NINA-B41 series characteristics summary
-102 dBm -102 dBm -102 dBm
IEEE 802.15.4 Proprietary 2.4 GHz modes
2 Mbps 500 kbps 125 kbps
+11 dBm (with typical antenna)
Bluetooth Low Energy IEEE 802.15.4 Proprietary 2.4 GHz modes
1 Mbps 2 Mbps 500 kbps 125 kbps
+11 dBm
Bluetooth Low Energy IEEE 802.15.4 Proprietary 2.4 GHz modes
1 Mbps 2 Mbps 500 kbps 125 kbps

1.5 Hardware options

Except for the different antenna solutions, NINA-B4 series modules use an identical hardware architecture based on nRF52833.
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1.6 Software options

NINA-B4 modules are integrated with an Arm® Cortex®-M4 application processor with FPU, 512 kB flash memory and 128 kB RAM.
The structure of any software running on either NINA-B4 module variant includes the following components:
Radio stack
Boot loader (optional)
Application software
Figure 3 shows the software architecture and implementation of software components for NINA-B40 and NINA-B41 modules:
NINA-B40 modules host the customer application and optional boot loader software, developed using the Nordic SDK, in an open-CPU configuration on the module. See also section 1.7.1.
NINA-B41 modules are pre-flashed with boot loader and u-connectXpress software that interfaces through an AT command interpreter for control by customer application software running on host MCUs. See also section 1.7.2.
Both module variants include the Nordic S140 SoftDevice Bluetooth low energy protocol stack that supports GATT client and server, central and peripheral roles, and multidrop connections.
Figure 3: NINA-B4 software structure
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1.6.1 Open CPU

The open CPU architecture of NINA-B40 series modules allows module integrators to build their own applications. Table 7 describes the possible connectivity and application support that is enabled with NINA-B40 hardware in the recommended Nordic SDK environment.
Feature Support
Development environment Nordic SDK (including Bluetooth Mesh
HomeKit, AirFuel, IoT, Thread, Zigbee)
HW interfaces 2 x UART
3 x SPI
40 x GPIO pins
8 x ADC channels
1 x USB
2 x I2C
1 x I2S
4 x PWM
1 x QDEC
Security Secure boot ready
Secure Simple Pairing
128-bit AES encryption
Bluetooth low energy secure connections
Table 5: Open CPU software support
For further information about Open CPU software, see chapter 3.

1.6.2 u-connectXpress software

NINA-B41 modules are pre-flashed with u-connectXpress and boot loader software that interfaces through an AT command interpreter to control customer application software running on host MCUs. Table 8 describes the feature support in the u-connectXpress software.
Feature Support
Bluetooth u-blox Low Energy Serial Port Service (SPS)
GATT server and client using AT commands Beacons
2 Mbit/s modulation 125 Kbit/s modulation long range functionality
Advertising extensions
Configuration over air Wireless transmission of AT commands to
control the module
Extended Data Mode™
HW interfaces 2 x UART, GPIO Configuration AT commands
Support tools s-center
Operating modes Central role (7 simultaneous links)
Security Secure boot
For simultaneous AT commands and data, and multiple simultaneous data streams
Peripheral role (6 simultaneous links)
Simultaneous central and peripheral roles
(8 in total, where max 4 as peripheral and max 7 as central)
LE 1M PHY
LE 2M PHY
LE CODED PHY
Advertising extensions
LE data length extension
Secure Simple Pairing 128-bit AES encryption
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Feature Support
Bluetooth low energy secure connections
Throughput over UART 780 Kbit/s
Table 6: u-connectXpress software support
For further information about u-connectXpress software, see chapter 4.

1.7 Bluetooth device address

You can scan the data matrix barcode on the module label to retrieve the Bluetooth device address. For more information about the Bluetooth device address for NINA-B40x, see also section 3.1.2.

1.8 Pin configurations and functions

1.8.1 NINA-B40 pins

The pin functions of the versatile NINA-B40 open CPU should be selected with consideration to the pin-out and nRF52833 multiplexing. The pin assignments for NINA-B40 are shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4: NINA-B40 pin assignments
For more detailed information about pin assignment, see the NINA-B40 series data sheet [2].
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1.8.2 NINA-B41 pins

The u-connectXpress software running on NINA-B41 modules has fixed pin multiplexing that implements a given set of features like the UART connection. The pin assignments for NINA-B41 are shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5: NINA-B41 pin assignments
For more detailed information about pin assignment, see the NINA-B41 series data sheet [3].

1.9 Low power clock

NINA-B4 modules use a 32.768 kHz low power clock to enable different sleep modes.
The clock can be generated from either of the following sources:
Internal oscillator
External crystal (LFXO)
External clock source such as a crystal oscillator (TCXO)
The u-connectXpress software automatically senses the clock input and uses the source from the external crystal – if one is available. Otherwise, the software uses the source from the internal oscillator. This automatic sense functionality adds some additional time delay during startup (about 1s). If the startup time is critical or more detailed settings are needed, set the low power clock settings using AT commands. See also section 1.10.
To reach the lowest sleep current consumption of the NINA-B4 module, an external crystal or external clock source shall be used. The internal oscillator gives higher sleep current but of course a leaner BOM. For more information about sleep and other power modes, see the respective data sheet [2] [3].
Sections 1.10.1 to 1.10.3 describe the different hardware options for the low power clock source and explain the implications the clock choices have on both the cost and performance of NINA-B4 modules. For practical guidance on how to configure the oscillator on nRF5 open CPU modules, see reference [21].
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1.9.1 External crystal

NINA-B4 modules have two input pins for connecting an external low-frequency crystal (LXFO) as source for the low power clock. This setup enables NINA-B4 modules to run with the lowest overall power consumption.
Table 3 describes the details of the crystal used on EVK-NINA-B4.
Component Value Note
Crystal oscillator 32.768 kHz – 20 ppm EPSON FC-12M used on NINA-B4 EVK
Table 7: Components used on the NINA-B4 EVK evaluation kit
The specifications for external LFXO sources are described in the electrical specifications of the
respective data sheet [2][3].

1.9.2 Internal oscillator

Choosing to use NINA-B4 modules with the internal oscillator makes for a leaner BOM reduces the cost to end users. This choice of oscillator adversely provides slightly higher sleep mode power consumption.
When using the internal oscillator, pins XL1 and XL2 must be connected to ground. In NINA-B40 these pins can be reassigned and used for GPIO.
To ensure that the clock is stable at +/- 250ppm, the customer application software must check
the calibration of the internal oscillator at least once every 8 seconds.

1.9.3 External clock source

As an alternative to using an external crystal, an external clock source generated from a host CPU or a TCXO can be used. The clock source can be either a low-swing or full-swing signal.
The electrical parameters are stated in the respective product data sheets [2] and [3].
Pin name Parameter Min Typ Max Unit Remarks
XL1 Input characteristic:
Peak to Peak amplitude
XL2 - - - - Connect to GND
Table 8: Electrical parameters for a low-swing clock
Pin name Parameter Min Typ Max Unit Remarks
XL1
XL2 - - - - - Connect to GND
Table 9: Electrical parameters for a full-swing clock
Input characteristic: Low-level input
Input characteristic: high-level input
200 1000 mV Input signal must not swing outside
supply rails.
0 0.3*VCC V
0.7*VCC VCC V
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