u blox NINAW13 Integration manual
Abstract
This technical data sheet describes the NINA-W13 series stand-alone
Wi-Fi modules. The NINA‑W13 modules come with pre-flashed
application software, supporting 802.11b/g/n in the 2.4 GHz ISM
band. 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 NINAW13 ideal for critical IoT applications where security is important.
www.u-blox.com
UBX-17006694 - R04
NINA-W13 series
Stand-alone Wi-Fi modules
Data Sheet
NINA-W13 series - Data Sheet
Document Information
Title
NINA-W13 series
Subtitle
Stand-alone Wi-Fi modules
Document type
Data Sheet
Document number
UBX-17006694
Revision and date
R04
05-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-W131
NINA-W131-00B-00
1.0.0
N/A
Initial Production
NINA-W132
NINA-W132-00B-00
1.0.0
N/A
Initial Production
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-W13 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-W131................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5.2 NINA-W132................................................................................................................................... 6
1.6 Radio performance ............................................................................................................................... 6
1.7 Software options .................................................................................................................................. 7
1.7.1 AT command support .................................................................................................................... 7
1.7.2 Software upgrade ......................................................................................................................... 7
1.8 MAC addresses ..................................................................................................................................... 7
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
2.7.2 RMII ............................................................................................................................................ 12
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
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NINA-W13 series - Data Sheet
4.2.5 Digital pins .................................................................................................................................. 17
4.2.6 Current consumption .................................................................................................................. 17
4.2.7 Wi-Fi radio characteristics ............................................................................................................ 18
5 Mechanical specifications .......................................................................................... 19
5.1 NINA-W131 Mechanical specification ................................................................................................. 19
5.2 NINA-W132 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-W131 labeling requirements for end product ..................................................................... 26
6.5.3 NINA-W132 labeling requirements for end product ..................................................................... 26
6.6 Safety Compliance .............................................................................................................................. 26
7 Antennas ..................................................................................................................... 27
7.1 Antenna accessories ........................................................................................................................... 27
7.2 Approved antennas ............................................................................................................................ 28
8 Product handling ........................................................................................................ 33
8.1 Packaging ........................................................................................................................................... 33
8.1.1 Reels ........................................................................................................................................... 33
8.1.2 Tapes .......................................................................................................................................... 33
8.2 Moisture sensitivity levels .................................................................................................................... 35
8.3 Reflow soldering ................................................................................................................................. 35
8.4 ESD precautions .................................................................................................................................. 35
9 Labeling and ordering information ........................................................................... 36
9.1 Product labeling .................................................................................................................................. 36
9.2 Explanation of codes........................................................................................................................... 37
9.3 Ordering information .......................................................................................................................... 37
Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 38
A Glossary ...................................................................................................................... 38
Related documents........................................................................................................... 40
Contact .............................................................................................................................. 41
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NINA-W13 series - Data Sheet
1 Functional description
1.1 Overview
The NINA-W13 series is a small stand-alone wireless MCU module that integrates a powerful microcontroller
(MCU) and a radio for wireless communication. The NINA‑W13 modules come with pre-flashed application
software, supporting 802.11b/g/n in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. The host system can set up and control the module
through the AT command interface. This greatly reduces the time and complexity to add Wi-Fi connectivity to
the end product.
Intended applications include telematics, low power sensors, connected factories, connected buildings
(appliances and surveillance), point-of-sales, and health devices. The modules will initially be certified for the US,
Europe, and Canada. Certifications for other countries are planned. The modules will be qualified for
professional grade operation, supporting an extended temperature range of –40 °C to +85 °C.
1.2 Applications
Internet of Things (IoT)
Wi-Fi 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-W13 series main features summary
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1.4 Block diagram
Flash (16Mbit)
Linear voltage regulators
Wi-Fi baseband
IO Buffers
SRAM (4Mbit)
Cryptographics
accelerations
Quad SPI
VCC_IO
VCC (3.0- 3.6V)
40 MHz
Reset
UART
RMII
*
LPO (32.768 kHz, 0.7V)
EFUSE
*
Planned feature and not supported in Software 1.0
GPIO
ANT (NINA-W131)
Antenna
(NINA-W132)
NINA-W13 series - Data Sheet
BPF
Figure 1: Block diagram of NINA-W13 series
1.5 Product variants
RF
PLL
hardware
ROM
2xXtensa 32-bit LX6 MCU
The NINA‑W13x modules come with pre-flashed application software, supporting 802.11b/g/n in the 2.4 GHz
ISM band. 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 info about AT commands.
1.5.1 NINA-W131
The NINA-W131 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-W132
The NINA-W132 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.
1.6 Radio performance
Both the variants of the NINA-W13 series modules support Wi-Fi and conform to IEEE 802.11b/g/n single-band
2.4 GHz operation.
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Wi-Fi
IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Band support
2.4 GHz, channel 1-11
Maximum conducted output power
16 dBm
Maximum radiated output power
19 dBm EIRP*
Conducted sensitivity
-96 dBm
Data rates:
IEEE 802.11b:
1 / 2 / 5.5 / 11 Mbit/s
IEEE 802.11g:
6 / 9 / 12 / 18 / 24 / 36 / 48 / 54 Mbit/s
IEEE 802.11n:
MCS 0-7, HT20 (6.5-72 Mbit/s)
*
RF power including maximum antenna gain (3 dBi).
Table 2: NINA-W13 series Wi-Fi characteristics
NINA-W13 series - Data Sheet
1.7 Software options
The NINA‑W13 series modules come with the pre-flashed application software, supporting 802.11b/g/n in the
2.4 GHz ISM band. The host system can set up and control the module through the AT command interface. The
NINA-W13 modules provide top grade security, thanks to secure boot, which ensures the module boots up only
with original u-blox software. In addition, they will provide end-to-end security on the wireless link with the
latest 802.11i (WPA2) standard and enterprise security to provide a secure connection to the infrastructure. This
makes NINA-W13 ideal for critical IoT applications where security is important.
1.7.1 AT command support
You can configure the NINA-W131 and NINA-W132 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-W13 series is provided in section 2.6.2 and in the NINAW13 series System Integration Manual [1].
1.8 MAC addresses
The NINA-W13 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 Wi-Fi MAC address is available in
the Data Matrix on the label (see section 9.1).
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NINA-W13 series - Data Sheet
MAC address
Assignment
Last bits of MAC address
Example
Module 1, address 1
Wi-Fi
00
D4:CA:6E:90:04:90
Module 1, address 2
RMII/Ethernet *
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
Wi-Fi
00
D4:CA:6E:90:04:94
Module 2, address 2
RMII/Ethernet*
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
*
RMII is a planned functionality not supported in the current software version.
Table 3: Example MAC addresses assignment for two modules
1.9 Power modes
The NINA-W13 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-W1 series System Integration Manual [1] for
more information about power modes.
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NINA-W13 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-W13 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 power consumption profile of the Wi-Fi technology.
2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC)
The NINA-W13 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-W13 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-W13 modules support only 3.3 V as IO
voltage level currently.
2.2 Low Power Clock
The NINA-W13 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-W13 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-W13 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-W13 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-W13 series boot strapping pins
2.5 RF antenna interface
The RF antenna interface of the NINA-W13 series supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. 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-W13 series supports either an internal antenna (NINA-W132) or external antennas connected through
an antenna pin (NINA-W131).
2.5.1 Internal antenna
The NINA-W132 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-W131 and an external antenna.
It is recommended to place the NINA-W132 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-W132 module.
Minimum ground plane size is 24x30 mm but recommended is more than 50x50 mm.
See NINA-W1 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-W132 module.
2.5.2 External RF antenna interface
The NINA-W131 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-W1 series System Integration
Manual [1]) is available and must be followed to comply with the NINA-W1 FCC/IC modular approvals.
Also see the list of approved antennas (section 7.2).
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NINA-W13 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-W131/NINA-W132 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-W131 and NINA-W132 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.
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NINA-W13 series - Data Sheet
Programmable baud-rate generator allows most industry standard rates, as well as non-standard rates
up to 921600 bps.
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.
2.7.2 RMII
RMII is not supported by the current software but is a planned feature.
The RMII (Reduced Media-Independent Interface) Ethernet interface is intended for connecting to an external
PHY.
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NINA-W13 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-W131 and NINA-W132 u-blox
connectivity software modules.
Figure 2: NINA-W13x 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-W132 and the outline of the NINA-W131 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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