u-blox NINA-W15 User manual

alone multiradio modules.

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NINA-W15 series

Stand-alone multiradio modules with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Data sheet

Abstract

This technical data sheet describes the NINA-W15 series standNINA‑W15 modules come with pre-flashed application software, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth dual-mode (Bluetooth BR/EDR and Bluetooth Low Energy). NINA-W15 has several important

embedded security features, including secure boot which ensures that only authenticated software can run on the module. This makes NINA-W15 ideal for critical IoT applications where security is important.

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

u-blox or third parties may hold intellectual property rights in the products, names, logos and designs included in this document. Copying, reproduction, modification or disclosure to third parties of this document or any part thereof is only permitted wit The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u implied, is given, including but not limited to, with respect to the accuracy, corr purpose of the information. This document may be revised by u documents, visit www.u Copyright © u

Document information

Title

NINA-W15 series

Subtitle Stand-alone multiradio modules with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Document type

Document number

Data sheet

UBX-18006647

Revision and date R08 18-Mar-2021

Disclosure restriction C1-Public

Product status

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

Corresponding content status

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:

u-connectXpress

Product name Type number

NINA-W151 NINA-W151-00B-01 1.0.0 06 UBX-19051875 Initial production

NINA-W151-02B-00 3.0.0 07 N/A Initial production

NINA-W151-03B-00 4.0.0 07 N/A In Development

NINA-W152 NINA-W152-00B-01 1.0.0 06 UBX-19051875 Initial production

NINA-W152-02B-00 3.0.0 07 N/A Initial production

NINA-W152-03B-00 4.0.0 07 N/A In Development

NINA-W156 NINA-W156-03B-00 4.0.0 06 N/A Engineering sample

software version

Hardware version

PCN reference Product status

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h the express written permission of u-blox.

-blox assumes no liability for its use. No warranty, either express or ectness, reliability and fitness for a particular

-blox at any time without notice. For the most recent

-blox.com.

-blox AG.

NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

Document information ............................................................................................................................. 2

Contents ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

1 Functional description ....................................................................................................................... 6

1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

1.2 Applications ................................................................................................................................................. 6

1.3 Block diagram .............................................................................................................................................. 7

1.4 Product variants .......................................................................................................................................... 7

1.4.1 NINA-W151 .......................................................................................................................................... 7

1.4.2 NINA-W152 .......................................................................................................................................... 7

1.4.3 NINA-W156 .......................................................................................................................................... 7

1.5 Radio performance ..................................................................................................................................... 8

1.6 Software options ......................................................................................................................................... 8

1.6.1 AT command support ........................................................................................................................ 8

1.6.2 Software upgrade ............................................................................................................................... 8

1.7 IEEE 802.11d and additional regulatory domains ................................................................................ 9

1.7.1 NINA-W15 IEEE 802.11d implementation description .............................................................. 9

1.8 MAC addresses ......................................................................................................................................... 10

2 Interfaces ........................................................................................................................................... 11

2.1 Power supply .............................................................................................................................................. 11

2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC) ............................................................................................................. 11

2.1.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO) ...................................................................... 11

2.2 Low Power Clock ........................................................................................................................................ 11

2.3 System functions ...................................................................................................................................... 11

2.3.1 Module power on ............................................................................................................................... 11

2.3.2 Module power off .............................................................................................................................. 12

2.3.3 Module reset ...................................................................................................................................... 12

2.3.4 ACTIVE mode ..................................................................................................................................... 12

2.3.5 STANDBY mode ................................................................................................................................ 12

2.3.6 SLEEP mode ...................................................................................................................................... 12

2.3.7 STOP mode ........................................................................................................................................ 13

2.4 Boot strapping pins .................................................................................................................................. 13

2.5 RF antenna interface ................................................................................................................................ 14

2.5.1 Internal antenna ................................................................................................................................ 14

2.5.2 External RF antenna interface ....................................................................................................... 14

2.6 IO signals ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

2.6.1 Drive capability .................................................................................................................................. 15

2.6.2 System status IO signals ................................................................................................................ 15

2.6.3 System control IO signals ............................................................................................................... 15

2.6.4 UART IO signals ................................................................................................................................ 15

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2.7 Data and command interfaces ............................................................................................................... 16

2.7.1 UART ................................................................................................................................................... 17

2.7.2 RMII ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

2.7.3 SPI ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

3 Pin definition...................................................................................................................................... 19

3.1 Pin assignment .......................................................................................................................................... 19

4 Electrical specifications ................................................................................................................. 22

4.1 Absolute maximum ratings .................................................................................................................... 22

4.1.1 Maximum ESD ratings ..................................................................................................................... 22

4.2 Operating conditions ................................................................................................................................ 22

4.2.1 Operating temperature range ........................................................................................................ 23

4.2.2 Supply/Power pins ............................................................................................................................ 23

4.2.3 RESET_N pin ...................................................................................................................................... 23

4.2.4 Digital pins.......................................................................................................................................... 23

4.2.5 Current consumption ....................................................................................................................... 24

4.2.6 Wi-Fi radio characteristics.............................................................................................................. 25

4.2.7 Bluetooth radio characteristics ..................................................................................................... 25

4.2.8 Bluetooth low energy characteristics ........................................................................................... 26

4.2.9 Antenna radiation patterns ............................................................................................................ 26

5 Mechanical specifications ............................................................................................................. 29

5.1 NINA-W151 Mechanical specification .................................................................................................. 29

5.2 NINA-W152 Mechanical specification .................................................................................................. 30

5.3 NINA-W156 Mechanical specification .................................................................................................. 31

6 Qualification and approvals .......................................................................................................... 32

6.1 Country approvals ..................................................................................................................................... 32

6.2 European Union regulatory compliance ............................................................................................... 32

6.2.1 Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU .......................................................................... 32

6.2.2 Compliance with the RoHS directive ............................................................................................ 32

6.3 FCC/IC Compliance ................................................................................................................................... 32

6.3.1 FCC Compliance ................................................................................................................................ 32

6.3.2 FCC statement .................................................................................................................................. 33

6.3.3 RF exposure statement ................................................................................................................... 33

6.3.4 End-product user manual instructions ........................................................................................ 33

6.3.5 End-product labeling requirements .............................................................................................. 34

6.3.6 End product compliance .................................................................................................................. 35

6.4 Japan radio equipment compliance ...................................................................................................... 36

6.5 NCC Taiwan compliance .......................................................................................................................... 36

6.5.1 Taiwan NCC Warning Statement .................................................................................................. 36

6.5.2 NINA-W151 labeling requirements for end product ................................................................. 36

6.5.3 NINA-W152 labeling requirements for end product ................................................................. 37

6.6 KCC South Korea compliance ................................................................................................................. 37

6.7 Brazil compliance ...................................................................................................................................... 37

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6.8 Australia and New Zealand regulatory compliance ........................................................................... 38

6.9 South Africa regulatory compliance ..................................................................................................... 38

6.10 Safety Compliance .................................................................................................................................... 38

6.11 Bluetooth qualification information ...................................................................................................... 39

7 Antennas ............................................................................................................................................ 40

7.1 Antenna accessories ................................................................................................................................ 41

7.2 Approved antennas .................................................................................................................................. 41

7.2.1 Single band antennas ...................................................................................................................... 41

7.2.2 Dual-band antennas ......................................................................................................................... 44

8 Product handling .............................................................................................................................. 46

8.1 Packaging ................................................................................................................................................... 46

8.1.1 Reels .................................................................................................................................................... 46

8.1.2 Tapes ................................................................................................................................................... 46

8.2 Moisture sensitivity levels ....................................................................................................................... 48

8.3 Reflow soldering ........................................................................................................................................ 48

8.4 ESD precautions ........................................................................................................................................ 48

9 Labeling and ordering information ............................................................................................. 49

9.1 Product labeling ......................................................................................................................................... 49

9.2 Explanation of codes ................................................................................................................................ 50

9.3 Ordering information ................................................................................................................................ 50

Appendix .................................................................................................................................................... 51

A Glossary .............................................................................................................................................. 51

Related documents ................................................................................................................................ 53

Revision history ....................................................................................................................................... 54

Contact ....................................................................................................................................................... 55

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

1 Functional description

1.1 Overview

NINA-W15 series stand-alone multiradio modules integrate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth BR/EDR and Bluetooth low energy in a compact form factor. The modules support simultaneous operation on Wi-Fi and

Bluetooth dual-mode and can therefore serve as a gateway between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

NINA‑W15 modules come with pre-flashed application software, supporting Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and dual-mode Bluetooth (Bluetooth BR/EDR v4.2+EDR and Bluetooth Low Energy v4.2) in the 2.4 GHz

ISM band. The host system can set up and control the module through the AT command interface.

Intended applications include telematics, industrial automation, connected buildings, wireless sensors, point-of-sales, and medical devices.

NINA-W15 is assessed to comply with RED and is certified as a modular transmitter in the following countries US (FCC), Canada (IC / ISED RSS), Japan (MIC), Taiwan (NCC), South Korea (KCC), Australia

/ New Zealand (ACMA), Brazil (Anatel), South Africa (ICASA). The modules are 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 and 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

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

Baseband

accelerations

Quad SPI

VCC_IO

VCC (3.0- 3.6 V)

40 MHz

Reset

UART

SPI

LPO**

RMII

1.3 Block diagram

PIFA Antenna

(NINA-W152)

ANT (NINA-W151)

BPF*

(NINA-W156)

PCB trace antenna

PLL

* Only on NINA-W151 and NINA-W152 ** Only on NINA-W156

Figure 1: Block diagram of NINA-W15 series

Linear voltage regulators

Wi-Fi baseband

Bluetooth

Cryptographics

hardware

EFUSE

ROM

SRAM (4Mbit)

Flash (16Mbit)

GPIO

IO Buffers

2x Xtensa 32-bit LX6 MCU

External LPO is a planned feature for NINA-W156, not supported in the current software.

1.4 Product variants

NINA‑W15 series modules come with pre-flashed application software, supporting Wi-Fi

802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth BR/EDR and Bluetooth Low Energy v4.2 in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. The host system can set up and control the module through the AT command interface. See u-connectXpress

AT commands manual [3] for more information about AT commands.

1.4.1 NINA-W151

NINA-W151 has no internal antenna. Instead, the RF signal is available at a module pin for routing to an external antenna or antenna connector. The module outline is smaller compared to the module variants with antenna, only 10.0 x 10.6 mm. The module height is 2.2 mm.

1.4.2 NINA-W152

NINA-W152 has an internal PIFA antenna mounted on the module. The RF signal is not connected to any module pin. The module outline is 10.0 x 14.0 mm and the height 3.8 mm.

1.4.3 NINA-W156

NINA-W156 has an internal PCB trace antenna, using antenna technology licensed from ProAnt AB. The RF signal is not connected to any module pin. The module outline is 10.0 x 14.0 mm and the height

2.2 mm.

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

1.5 Radio performance

NINA-W15 modules support Wi-Fi and conform to IEEE 802.11b/g/n single-band 2.4 GHz operation, Bluetooth BR/EDR and Bluetooth Low Energy, as explained in Table 1.

Wi-Fi Bluetooth BR/EDR Bluetooth Low Energy

IEEE 802.11b/g/n IEEE 802.11d

Band support Station mode:

2.4 GHz, channel 1-13 Access Point mode:

2.4 GHz, channel 1-11

Typical conducted output power

15 dBm

Typical radiated output power

18 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)

* Maximum support for 802.11d depends on the region.

** RF power including maximum antenna gain (3 dBi).

Table 1: NINA-W15 series Wi-Fi and Bluetooth characteristics

Bluetooth v4.2+EDR Maximum number of Peripherals: 5

Band support

2.4 GHz, 79 channels

Typical conducted output power

- 1 Mbit/s: 5 dBm

- 2/3 Mbit/s: 5 dBm

Typical radiated output power

- 1 Mbit: 8 dBm EIRP

- 2/3 Mbit/s: 8 dBm EIRP

Conducted sensitivity

-88 dBm

Data rates: 1 / 2 / 3 Mbit/s

** **

Bluetooth 4.2 Bluetooth LE dual-mode

Band support

2.4 GHz, 40 channels

Typical conducted output power

5 dBm

Typical radiated output power

8 dBm EIRP

Conducted sensitivity

-88 dBm

Data rates: 1 Mbit/s

1.6 Software options

NINA‑W15 series modules come with the pre-flashed application software, supporting IEEE

802.11b/g/n single-band 2.4 GHz operation, Bluetooth BR/EDR and dual-mode Bluetooth. The host

system can set up and control the module through the AT command interface. NINA-W15 modules provide top grade security, thanks to secure boot, which ensures the module boots up only with original u-blox software. The modules addionally provide end-to-end security on the wireless link with the latest 802.11i (WPA2) standard and enterprise security that provides a secure connection to the infrastructure. This makes NINA-W15 ideal for critical IoT applications where security is important.

1.6.1 AT command support

You configure the NINA-W151, NINA-W152 and NINA-W156 modules with the u-blox s-center toolbox software using AT commands. See u-connectXpress 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.

1.6.2 Software upgrade

Information on how to upgrade the software for the NINA-W15 series is provided in the NINA-W1 series system integration manual [1].

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

1.7 IEEE 802.11d and additional regulatory domains

NINA-W15 series modules support the IEEE 802.11d wireless network standard, which extends the original IEEE 802.11 specification to include support for “additional regulatory domains”.

NINA-W15-based devices configure automatically to operate in accordance regulatory domains.

By passively scanning (listening) for beacons available wireless networks, NINA-W15 modules identify

the channels supported by each network and determine the best access point with which to connect. The modules configure automatically to operate in accordance with the policies and regulations of the

regional domain in which they operate.

Passive scans are performed once on startup and then once every hour. After the first passive scan the channel list will be filtered to according to 802.11d.

1.7.1 NINA-W15 IEEE 802.11d implementation description

When used as Wi-Fi stations, NINA-W1 modules passively scan access point (AP) beacons at startup. A new scan is performed every hour to update the regulatory domain. The algorithm is restarted when the module is turned on or reset. It is not possible to override the algorithm described by

reconfiguring the device.

The beacons include information elements that describe the country name, data rates, channel quantity, signal strength, and maximum transmission level of the wireless network that they represent. Based on the information received from the beacons, the modules compare APs and choose which one to use. NINA-W1 modules configure automatically to operate on all bands supported in the regulatory domain of the chosen AP, as shown in Table 2.

NINA-W15 supports the following three domains:

• FCC: This is the regulatory body for products used in the US. If the scan results include country information pertaining solely to the FCC the regulatory domain is set to FCC.

• ETSI: This is the regulatory domain for the products sold primarily in Europe. If at least three scan results contain country information pertaining to non-FCC countries, and no other contrary information is received, the regulatory domain is set to ETSI.

• WORLD: In this domain, NINA-W1 modules operate on all channels supported both by FCC, ETSI, and most other countries in the world. This is the initial regulatory domain. If subsequent scans contain country information for both FCC and non-FCC countries, the regulatory domain is always

set to WORLD. In this state is shown as WORLD-FINAL. This state is not exited until the device is reset.

The state transition diagram shown in describes the algorithm for selecting the current regulatory domain.

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

Scan complete

No non-FCC AP

Scan complete

Both FCC and non less than three non

Entry start scan

tart scan every hour

Scan complete

No FCC AP

At least three non-FCC AP

ETSI

Scan complete

FCC AP found

WORLD

-FCC AP or

-FCC AP

WORLD-FINAL

At least one FCC AP

FCC

Scan complete

Non-FCC AP found

Figure 2: NINA-W15 series IEEE 802.11d state transition diagram

Table 2 shows the channels that are supported in the different regulatory domains.

Regulatory domain Band Tx channels

WORLD 2.4 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

ETSI 2.4 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

FCC 2.4 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Table 2 Channel list for supported regulatory domains

⚠ Channels 12 and 13 are not allowed in Taiwan. A device that is put on the Taiwanese market must

make these channels unavailable to an end-user.

The maximum output power is reduced on some channels depending on regulatory requirements. For example, frequency band edge requirements can limit the output power on channels close to

band edges.

1.8 MAC addresses

The NINA-W15 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).

MAC address Assignment

Module 1, address 1 Wi-Fi 00

Module 1, address 2 RMII/Ethernet 01

Module 1, address 3 Bluetooth 10

Module 1, address 4 Reserved 11

Module 2, address 1 Wi-Fi 00

Module 2, address 2 RMII/Ethernet 01

Module 2, address 3 Bluetooth 10

Module 2, address 4 Reserved 11

Table 3: Example MAC addresses assignment for two modules

Last bits of MAC address Example

D4:CA:6E:90:04:90

D4:CA:6E:90:04:91

D4:CA:6E:90:04:92

D4:CA:6E:90:04:93

D4:CA:6E:90:04:94

D4:CA:6E:90:04:95

D4:CA:6E:90:04:96

D4:CA:6E:90:04:97

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

2 Interfaces

2.1 Power supply

The power for NINA-W15 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 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)

NINA-W15 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-W15 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. NINA-W15 modules support only 3.3 V as IO voltage level currently.

2.2 Low Power Clock

External LPO is a planned feature not supported in the current software.

NINA-W15 does not have an internal low power oscillator (LPO), which is required for lowest power modes. An external 32.768 KHz LPO signal can be supplied externally via the LPO_CLK pin of the

NINA-W156 module if low power modes are required. NINA-W152 and NINA-W151 do not support an external LPO clock.

2.3 System functions

NINA-W15 series modules are power efficient devices capable of operating in different power saving modes and configurations. Different sections of the modules can be powered off when they are not needed, and complex wake up events can be generated from different external and internal inputs.

Sections 2.3.1to 2.3.7 describe the system power modes, power-on/off, reset behavior, and boot strapping options.

The following system power modes are available:

• Automatic:

o ACTIVE mode o STANDBY mode

• Manual:

o SLEEP mode o STOP mode

2.3.1 Module power on

You can switch on or reboot the NINA-W15 series modules in one of the following ways:

• Rising edge on the VCC pin to a valid supply voltage

• Issuing a reset of the module (see section 2.3.3)

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If the u-connectXpress software has been configured to start in AT mode, +STARTUP is sent over the UART interface when the software has booted and is ready to accept commands.

2.3.2 Module power off

There is no dedicated pin to power down the NINA-W15 series modules. Instead, the “STOP” power mode can be used to keep the module in the deepest power save mode. STOP mode is more power efficient than holding the module in reset.

2.3.3 Module reset

NINA-W15 series modules can be reset (rebooted) in any of the following ways:

• RESET_N low. Normally set high by an internal pull-up, a logical low state on this signal low causes a “hardware” reset of the module. RESET_N should be driven by an open drain, open collector, or contact switch.

• NINA-W15 modules can be reset using the

Holding the module in reset does not result in the lowest power consumption. For optimal power reduction, set the module in “Stop mode”, as described in section 2.3.7.

AT+CPWROFF command.

2.3.4 ACTIVE mode

In this mode the module is actively transmitting or receiving data over one or more of its interfaces;

2.4 GHz radio, UART, and so on. The module CPU is operating at its highest clock speed. The module

seamlessly switches between ACTIVE mode and STANDBY automatically without user involvement.

2.3.5 STANDBY mode

In this mode the module “idles” and performs only background activities. As radio and physical connections are maintained, no packets are lost in this mode. When necessary, the module

automatically enters ACTIVE mode without delay.

The user can further decrease current consumption in STANDBY mode by:

• Enabling Automatic Frequency Adaption (AFA)

• Increasing the Bluetooth low energy connection interval

• Increase the DTIM listen interval (Wi-Fi Station mode only)

• Storing and sending data in concentrated bursts

Automatic Frequency Adaption (AFA) allows the internal clocks to be automatically reduced whenever possible. AFA is configured using the

AT+UPWRMNG command.

Enabling AFA limits the maximum baud rate of the UART interface to 1 Mbaud.

For more information about how to use AT commands for configuring u-connectXpress software,

see the u-connectXpress AT commands manual

[3] and u-connectXpress software user guide [6].

2.3.6 SLEEP mode

For radio modes that support SLEEP mode, the module operates with even lower power consumption

than that required in STANDBY mode.

As the module functionality is limited in this mode, it must be activated manually by the host.

In SLEEP mode, radio and peer connections are maintained, but incoming data or URCs are not sent over the UART until SLEEP mode is deactivated, hence incoming data or URCs may be lost.

Enable SLEEP mode control using command mode.

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AT&D3 and toggle the UART DSR pin to enter/leave SLEEP

NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

SLEEP mode is supported in the following radio modes:

• Wi-Fi Station

• Radio turned off

To further decrease power consumption in SLEEP mode, the following software settings can be used:

• Enabling Automatic Frequency Adaption (AFA)

• Increasing the Bluetooth Low Energy connection interval

• Increase the DTIM listen interval (Wi-Fi Station mode only)

Enabling AFA can put limits on certain module functions, maximum UART baud rate, and so on.

Check the u-connectXpress AT commands manual acceptable for your application.

[3] to determine which clock speeds are

See the u-connectXpress AT commands manual [3] and u-connectXpress software user guide [6]

for more information on how to use AT commands for configuring the u-connectXpress software.

2.3.7 STOP mode

STOP mode is the deepest power saving mode of NINA-W15 modules. To ensure minimum power consumption during STOP mode, all functionality is stopped and all existing connections are dropped.

The system RAM is not retained. The module always reboots during the wake up from STOP mode.

The user must manually enter the STOP mode with one of the following methods:

• Enable STOP mode control using command STOP mode.

• Use command capable of controlling STOP mode are shown in Table 6.

• Use command

If the u-connectXpress software is configured to start in AT mode, the the UART interface when the module is ready to accept commands.

AT+USTOP to configure which GPIO pin is used to enter/leave STOP mode. The GPIOs

AT+USTOP to configure a timer to automatically wake up after a delay set by the user.

AT&D4 and toggle the UART DSR pin to enter/leave

+STARTUP command is sent over

For more information on how to use AT commands to configure the u-connectXpress software,

see the u-connectXpress AT commands manual

[3] and u-connectXpress software user guide [6].

2.4 Boot strapping pins

Table 4 shows boot configuration pins on the module that must be set correctly during boot.

Boot strap pins are configured to their default state internally on the module and generally must NOT be set externally. Exceptionally, pin 32 can be connected to GND to turn off printouts during start-up.

After the system has booted, pin 32 is reconfigured to the SPI chip-select signal SPI_CS.

Pin 27 is a boot strap pin but is also the RMII clock line. For more information about how to use the RMII interface, see the NINA-W1 series system integration manual [1].

Pin 36 controls the voltage level of the internal flash during startup. After the system has booted this pin is reconfigured as the SPI slave data output signal SPI_MISO. This signal must NOT be pulled down by an external MCU or circuitry. After the module has booted, the RMII_CLK, UART_RXD,

SPI_DRDY and SPI_SCLK are used to determine which command interfaces to activate. See section

2.7 for more information.

Pin State during boot Default Behavior Description

27 0 ESP boot mode (factory boot) ESP Factory boot Mode/RMII clock line.

1 Pull-up* Normal boot from internal flash

32 0 Silent Printout on U0TXD during boot

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

Pin State during boot Default Behavior Description

1 Pull-up* U0TXD toggling

36 0 VDD_SDIO=3.3 V (not allowed) Internal flash voltage

1 10 kΩ pull-up VDD_SDIO=1.8 V

(VDD_SDIO should always be at 1.8 V)

*About 45 kΩ

Table 4: NINA-W15 series boot strapping pins

2.5 RF antenna interface

The RF antenna interface of the NINA-W15 series supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth BR/EDR and Bluetooth Low Energy on the same antenna. The different communication protocols are time divided on the antenna to switch between the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi data. Although communication using these different protocols generally transparent in the application, these protocols are never active in the

module antenna at exactly the same time.

NINA-W15 series modules support either an internal antenna (NINA-W152 and NINA-W156) or an external antenna connected through a dedicated antenna pin (NINA-W151).

2.5.1 Internal antenna

Both NINA-W152 and NINA-W156 have internal antennas specifically designed and optimized for the NINA module. The NINA-W152 module has a 2.4 GHz PIFA antenna and the NINA-W156 module has

a 2.4 GHz PCB trace antenna.

It is recommended to place the NINA-W152 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 (with the short side closest to the antenna) positioned along one side of the host PCB ground plane is the second-best option.

For the NINA-W156 module, place it in such a way that the PCB trace antenna is placed on the side edge of the host PCB and in the middle of the side.

For both NINA-W152 and NINA-W156, 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-W151 and an external antenna. It is beneficial to have a large solid ground plane on the host PCB and have a good grounding on the module. Minimum ground plane size is 24x30 mm but recommended is more than 50x50 mm.

See the NINA-W1 series system integration manual [1] for more information about antenna related design.

⚠ The ANT signal solder pin is unavailable on NINA-W152 and NINA-W156 modules.

2.5.2 External RF antenna interface

NINA-W151 modules have an antenna signal (ANT) pin for use with an external antenna.

An external SMD antenna (or PCB integrated antenna) can be used on the host board, and an antenna connector for using an external antenna through 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.

The signal has a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω and supports both Tx and Rx.

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. A list of approved antennas is shown in section 7.2.

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

A reference design for use with an external antenna connector (U.FL. connector) is described in

NINA W1 system integration manual NINA-W1 FCC/IC modular approvals.

[1]). The design must be followed to comply with the

2.6 IO signals

NINA-W15 series modules have a versatile pin-out. Overall, there are up to 16 GPIO pins for NINA-W151/W152 and 18 for NINA-W156.

2.6.1 Drive capability

All GPIO pins are normally configured for medium current consumption. Using this standard drive capability, a pin configured as output can source and an input sink a certain amount of current. See

section 4.2.4.

2.6.2 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-connectXpress AT commands manual [3] for more information about connectivity software signals IOs.

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

* = LED flashes on data activity

Table 5: System status indication

CONNECTING

CONNECTED

Purple HIGH LOW LOW

Blue HIGH LOW HIGH

The RED, GREEN and BLUE signals are disabled when the RMII interface is enabled.

2.6.3 System control IO signals

The following input signals are used to control the system (see u-connectXpress AT commands manual [3] for more information about connectivity software signals IOs):

• RESET_N is used to reset the system. See section 2.6 for detailed information.

• If SWITCH_1 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.

2.6.4 UART IO signals

In addition to the normal RXD, TXD, CTS, and RTS signals, the NINA-W15 software adds the DSR and DTR pins to the UART interface. Although not used as they were originally intended, these pins control

the state of the NINA-W15 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

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

Enabled Interfaces

• Enter/leave SLEEP mode

• Enter/leave STOP mode

If CTS/RTS flow control is disabled, those pins can be used as GPIOs.

2.7 Data and command interfaces

Although there are three data interfaces available on a NINA-W15 module (UART, RMII, and SPI), these cannot be used at the same time. AT commands are used to enable or disable the interfaces

manually.

After the module has booted, the module checks for activity on each interface to determine which one

should be used. Figure 3 shows the startup and interface selection procedure.

Enable UART

interface

Figure 3: Interface detection flow chart

Send +STARTUP on

UART interface

Ethernet

detected?

RMII + UART

yes

Start Ethernet detection

Stop Ethernet detection Disable RMII interface Start SPI detection Start UART detection

SPI

detected?

yes

Stop UART detection

Disable UART interface

SPI

UART

detected?

yes

Stop SPI detection

Disable SPI interface

UART

This process is active until an interface is successfully detected.

+STARTUP is always printed on the UART TXD line.

During Ethernet detection, the NINA-W15 module looks for a clock signal on RMII_CLK. If Ethernet is detected, only the UART_RXD and UART_TXD signals are available on the UART interface.

If SPI detection is started, the NINA-W15 module toggles the SPI_DRDY signal periodically. Once the

SPI master has sent eight clock signals on the SPI_SCLK line, the SPI interface is considered active and the UART interface is subsequently disabled.

If an AT command is sent to the NINA-W15 module over the UART interface, the SPI_DRDY signal stops toggling and the SPI interface is disabled.

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NINA-W15 series - Data sheet

For more information on how to use these data and command interfaces, see the u-connectXpress software user guide [6] .

2.7.1 UART

NINA-W15 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). DTR/DSR signal behavior is adapted to the

u-connectXpress software functionality and differs from the UART standard. For more information about this, see section 2.6.4.

• Programmable baud-rate generator allows most industry standard rates, as well as non-standard rates up to 3 Mbit/s.

• Frame format configuration:

o 8 data bits o Even or no-parity bit o 1 stop bit

• Default frame configuration is 8N1 means eight (8) data bits, no (N) parity bit, and one (1) stop bit.

2.7.2 RMII

The RMII (Reduced Media Independent Interface) Ethernet interface is intended for connecting to an external PHY. The following signals are used:

• RMII_TXD0, RMII_TXD1 – Transmit data output bits 0 and 1.

• RMII_TXEN – Output signal used to indicate when data is being transmitted.

• RMII_RXD0, RMII_RXD1 – Receive data input bits 0 and 1.

• RMII_CRSDV – Carrier sense and RX data valid in signals, multiplexed on alternate clock cycles.

• RMII_CLK – 50 MHz clock input signal that must be supplied by an external oscillator or the

Ethernet PHY chip.

An MDIO (Management Data Input/Output) interface used for controlling the external PHY is also available:

• RMII_MDCLK – Management interface clock output signal

• RMII_MDIO – Management interface data input and output signal

The flow control (RTS and CTS) of the UART interface is multiplexed with the RMII interface and cannot be used simultaneously. The RED, GREEN and BLUE signals are also disabled when the RMII

interface is enabled because the BLUE signal is multiplexed with the RMII interface.

See NINA-W1 series system integration manual [1] for more information about how to use the RMII interface.

2.7.3 SPI

The serial peripheral interface of NINA-W15 only runs in “SPI slave mode”, meaning a host controller running in “SPI master mode” is intended to send commands to the NINA module.

The following signals are used:

• SPI_SCLK – Serial clock input signal

• SPI_MOSI – Serial data input signal

• SPI_MISO – Serial data output signal

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+ 38 hidden pages

u-blox NINA-W15 User manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Document information

Contents

1 Functional description

1.1 Overview

1.2 Applications

1.3 Block diagram

1.4 Product variants

1.4.1 NINA-W151

1.4.2 NINA-W152

1.4.3 NINA-W156

1.5 Radio performance

1.6 Software options

1.6.1 AT command support

1.6.2 Software upgrade

1.7 IEEE 802.11d and additional regulatory domains

1.7.1 NINA-W15 IEEE 802.11d implementation description

1.8 MAC addresses

2 Interfaces

2.1 Power supply

2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC)

2.1.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO)

2.2 Low Power Clock

2.3 System functions

2.3.1 Module power on

2.3.2 Module power off

2.3.3 Module reset

2.3.4 ACTIVE mode

2.3.5 STANDBY mode

2.3.6 SLEEP mode

2.3.7 STOP mode

2.4 Boot strapping pins

2.5 RF antenna interface

2.5.1 Internal antenna

2.5.2 External RF antenna interface

2.6 IO signals

2.6.1 Drive capability

2.6.2 System status IO signals

2.6.3 System control IO signals

2.6.4 UART IO signals

2.7 Data and command interfaces

2.7.1 UART

2.7.2 RMII

2.7.3 SPI