NINA-B4 series Stand-alone Bluetooth 5.1 low energy modules System integration manual Abstract Used together with the respective module data sheets that describe the pinout and module functions, this manual provides a functional overview combined with best-practice design guidelines for integrating the short-range module in an end product. With several supporting examples, the document explains how applications are developed for NINA-B4 open cpu solutions using the Nordic SDK.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Document information Title NINA-B4 series Subtitle Stand-alone Bluetooth 5.1 low energy modules Document type System integration manual Document number UBX-19052230 Revision and date R09 Disclosure restriction C1-Public 3-Sep-2021 Document status Description Functional sample Draft For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later. In development / Prototype Objective specification Target values.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Contents Document information ................................................................................................................................ 2 Contents .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 1 Functional description ...................................................................................................................
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 2.6 Antenna interface .....................................................................................................................................20 2.6.1 External antenna selection ............................................................................................................. 22 2.6.2 NINA-B4x6 design-in ........................................................................................................................ 26 2.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 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.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 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-art 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.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 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-B4 series - System integration manual 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.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 1.4 Product description For the latest data, see also the data sheet for the respective product family [2] [3]. 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.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual The structure of any software running on either NINA-B4 module variant includes the following components: • • • Radio stack Bootloader (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 bootloader software, developed using the Nordic SDK, in an open-CPU configuration on the module.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 1.6.1 Open CPU For more information about each option, see also the NINA-B3 series system integration manual [26]. The open CPU architecture of NINA-B40 series modules allows module integrators to build their own applications. Table 5 describes the possible connectivity and application support that is enabled with NINA-B40 hardware in the recommended Nordic SDK environment.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Feature Support Security Secure boot Secure Simple Pairing 128-bit AES encryption Bluetooth low energy secure connections Throughput over UART 780 Kbit/s Table 6: u-connectXpress software support See also u-connectXpress software. 1.6.3 u-connectLocate software u-connectLocate is direction finding software from u-blox. The software runs on all NINA-B41x module variants that are enabled for Bluetooth Direction Finding.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 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 information about the pin assignments, see also 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.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Table 7 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.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 2 Design-in 2.1 NINA family migration design NINA-B4 modules are based on the Nordic nRF52833 system on chip (SoC). The modules are compatible with the pin out of NINA-B3 modules. This means that application designs based on NINA-B3 modules can be easily upgraded for use with NINA-B4. As the pin out supported in NINA-B1, NINA-B2, and NINA-W1 series modules share a common footprint, these modules can be positioned interchangeably in application designs.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual For further information about current consumption and other performance data, see also the electrical specifications in the respective product datasheet [2][3]. It is best practice to include bypass capacitors on the supply rails close to the NINA-B4 series module. Depending on the design of the power routing on the host system, capacitance might not be needed. 2.2.3.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 2.4 Serial interfaces ⚠ As NINA B4 can be used with both the u-connectXpress and open CPU based applications based on the Nordic SDK, the available interfaces and pin mapping vary. See also Pin configurations and functions. 2.4.1 Universal Asynchronous Serial Interface (UART) NINA B4 provides a Universal Asynchronous Serial Interface (UART) for data communication.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 2.4.3 I2C interface The (NINA-B40 only) Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) interface can be used to transfer or receive data on a 2-wire bus network. NINA-B40 can operate as both master and slave on the I2C bus using both standard (100 kbps) and fast (400 kbps) transmission speeds. The interface uses the SCL signal to clock instructions and data on the SDA signal. External pull-up resistors are required for the I2C interface.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 2.5.1 Analog interfaces NINA-B40 modules have 40 GPIO pins, 10 of which can be multiplexed to analog functions. The following analog functions are available for use: • • • 1x 8-channel ADC 1x Analog comparator* 1x Low-power analog comparator* *Only one of the comparators can be used simultaneously. NINA-B40 modules have no support for analog or digital interfaces.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 2.5.1.4 Analog pin options Table 13 shows the supported connections of the analog functions. ☞ An analog pin may not be simultaneously connected to multiple functions.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual UBX-19052230 - R09 C1-Public Design-in Page 21 of 60
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 2.6.1 External antenna selection Designers are encouraged to consider one of the u-blox certified antennas and follow the layout requirements outlined below: • External antennas, such as linear monopole antennas: o External antennas do not impose any physical restrictions on the design of the PCB where the module is mounted. o Radiation performance depends mostly on the type of antenna used in the application product.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Item Requirements Remarks Efficiency > -1.5 dB ( > 70% ) recommended > -3.0 dB ( > 50% ) acceptable The radiation efficiency is the ratio of the radiated power against the power delivered to the antenna input; the efficiency is a measure of how well an antenna receives or transmits. Maximum Gain +3 dBi Although higher gain antennas can be used, these must be evaluated and/or certified.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual ☞ A de-facto standard for SMA connectors implies the usage of reverse polarity connectors (RPSMA) on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth end products to make it more difficult for end users to replace the antenna with higher gain versions that exceed the regulatory limits.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Figure 6 shows the design options for PCB transmission lines, where: • Microstrip is a trace coupled to a single ground plane, separated by dielectric material. • Coplanar microstrip is a trace coupled to ground plane and adjacent conductors, separated by dielectric materials). • Stripline is a trace sandwiched between two parallel ground planes, separated by dielectric materials).
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual • Avoid stubs on the transmission lines; impedance matching components on the transmission line should be placed with the connected pad over the trace. • Avoid unnecessary component on RF traces. 2.6.2 NINA-B4x6 design-in NINA-B4x6 modules include an internal PCB trace antenna that is integrated on the module PCB using antenna technology from Proant AB. The RF signal is completely internal and not connected to any module pin.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Figure 7: Extended host ground plane outside NINA-B4x6 Figure 8: NINA-B4x6 keep out area 2.7 ⚠ NFC interface As the pins for the NFC interface in NINA-B40 series modules can be used as normal GPIOs, it is important that all NFC pins are correctly configured in the software. Connecting an NFC antenna to pins that are configured for GPIO can damage the module. In NINA-B41 series modules, NFC pins are always set to "NFC mode".
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Two external capacitors should be used to tune the resonance of the antenna circuit to 13.56 MHz. The required tuning capacitor value is given by the below equations: an antenna inductance of Lant = 2 μH will give tuning capacitors in the range of 130 pF on each pin. For good performance, match the total capacitance on NFC1 and NFC2.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Figure 10 shows the pinout of the 10-pin, 50 mil pitch connector used on the EVK-NINA-B40x. This compact debug header can also be used on a host board design. Other solutions, such as test points or spring-loaded connectors (Tag-Connect-pads [19]), can be used as well. Keep in mind that the GND and VDD_IO references are needed for the SWD interface to work. Figure 10: Cortex debug connector pin out for SWD 2.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual • • • • • • • • • Minimize the routing length. Ensure that the maximum allowable length for high-speed buses is not exceeded. Longer traces generally degrade signal performance. Track impedance matched traces. Consult with your PCB manufacturer early in the project for proper stack-up definition. Separate the RF and digital sections of the board. Ground splitting is not allowed under the module.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Contact discharges are performed at conductive surfaces, while air discharges are performed at insulating surfaces. Indirect contact discharges are performed on the measurement setup horizontal and vertical coupling planes as defined in CENELEC EN 61000-4-2. ☞ For the definition of integral antenna, removable antenna, antenna port, and the device classification, refer to the ETSI EN 301 489-1.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Figure 11: Automatic test equipment for module testing 2.10.2 OEM manufacturer production test As production testing is already performed by u-blox, OEM manufacturers do not need to take any further RF performance measurements or repeat any test of the software or interfaces during production.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual ☞ Although a Bluetooth scan and subsequent comparative signal test approach is appropriate for “go/no go” evaluation, this type of testing does not measure RF performance. A basic RF functional test of the device that includes checking the antenna can be performed with standard Bluetooth low energy devices configured as remote stations.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 3 Open CPU software NINA-B40 series modules are used in an open CPU configuration allows customer applications to be developed in a Nordic SDK environment in the NINA-B4 module. 3.1 Nordic SDK The Nordic nRF SDK includes a broad selection of drivers and libraries that provide a rich development environment for a broad range of devices and applications. The SDK is delivered in zip container file for easy installation.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual An example of what a custom board support file could look like for the EVK-NINA-B4 can be found in the u-blox short range GitHub repository [20]. The custom board can then be selected by adding a define of the symbol BOARD_CUSTOM to your build. You can add the BOARD_CUSTOM define statement in SEGGER Embedded Studio by following the instructions below: 1. 2. Right-click the Project in “Project Explorer”.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 6. Modify the “BOARD_” definition to define the BOARD_CUSTOM. Figure 14: Modifying the board definition in SEGGER Embedded Studio 3.1.2 Bluetooth device (MAC) address and other production data The open CPU (B40x) variants of the NINA-B4 modules are provided with a unique, public Bluetooth device (MAC) address programmed. If required, this address can be used by the customer application.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 3.1.3 Definition of Low Frequency Clock source NINA-B4x modules are delivered without an external low frequency crystal oscillator (LFXO). To configure the software correctly for your configuration, follow the steps in the RC oscillator configuration application note [21]. EVK NINA-B40x is delivered with an external low frequency crystal oscillator mounted. 3.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual In the nRF Connect Programmer, drag and drop the hex files you want to program into the GUI, as shown in Figure 15, and then write them to the module using the GUI. Figure 15 Selecting hex files in nRF Connect Programmer 3.2.2 Flashing over the UART interface To flash NINA-B40 modules over the UART interface, the module must be pre-loaded with a bootloader based on DFU bootloader examples included in the Nordic Semiconductor nRF5 SDK.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 3.2.2.1 Building applications to be flashed using the bootloader To flash an application to the module without destroying the master boot record (MBR) that is preflashed in the factory, the start address in flash must be changed to 0x27000 (for applications with S140 SoftDevice) or 0x1000 (applications without SoftDevice).
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 3.2.2.4 Hardware prerequisites for using the boot loader To use the pre flashed boot loader the HW pins for UART and SWITCH_2 need to be mapped according to Table 18. This is the same pin mapping used by the u-connectXpress software. Signal Pin mapping (nRF pin nr) UART_RX IO_23 (P0.29) UART_TX IO_22 (P1.05) UART_CTS (optional) IO_21 (P0.23) UART_RTS (optional) IO_20 (P0.31) SWITCH_2 IO_18 (P0.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 4 u-connectXpress software NINA-B41 modules come preflashed with the u-connectXpress software and a bootloader. To ensure that the module only boots with the original u-blox software, the secure bootloader initiates a signature verification on the flashed software binary before it is booted. NINA-B41 u-connectXpress software can be reflashed over the UART interface using AT commands or the s-center client software available from the u-blox website. 4.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 5. Select Tools > Software Update. 6. Check that the correct COM port is shown in “Settings”. Select File and choose the NINA-B41XCF-.json file from the unzipped u-connectXpress container. 7. Select Update. The module then reboots using the secure bootloader and flashing of both the SoftDevice and application starts automatically. 4.1.1.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Prerequisites As a prerequisite to updating software using AT commands, you must open the JSON file included in the download container and make note of the defined values to be parsed with the update command. You also need to copy the signatures given in the related txt files, as shown in Figure 18. This information is needed during the install. The defined values to include in the command, together with the signature file (NINA-B41X-SI-x.x.x-xxx.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Parameter Type Description String Permissions for using the firmware image. Permission flags are marked in UNIX style: "rwx" is the default flag for the u-connectXpress software. "rw" is the default flag for other binary images. Table 19: Defined values for update parameters 4.1.1.2.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 4.1.1.2.2 ☞ Updating u-connectXpress connectivity software only You can send AT text commands to NINA-B4 to execute tasks using open-source terminal emulator software that supports XMODEM, like TeraTerm or ExtraPuTTy. Alternatively, you can send all AT commands described in this section using the s-center software in AT mode. See also the s-center user guide [22].
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual +STARTUP AT+GMR "3.0.0-005" OK 4.1.1.2.3 Updating both the SoftDevice and u-connectXpress connectivity software The SoftDevice is updated with AT commands using dual-banked approach, and as a SoftDevice update overwrites the application currently flashed in the module it is also necessary to flash the ConnectivitySoftware application after the SoftDevice update.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 4. Store the SoftDevice signature. Enter the configuration action command s together with the SoftDevice values for defined in the NINA-B41X-CF-.json file and NINA B31X-SI-x.x.x-xxx.txt signature file. Note particularly that the of the SoftDevice is 1. See also Prerequisites and Command syntax.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 8. Prepare the bootloader to accept a file transfer using XMODEM protocol. Enter the configuration action command “x” with the ConnectivitySoftware values , , , and defined in the NINA-B41X-CF-.json file. > x 0 155260 ConnectivitySoftware rwx 0 NINA-B4 returns a series of ‘C’ characters for as long as the bootloader is running. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC 9.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 5 ⚠ Handling and soldering NINA-B4 series modules are Electrostatic Sensitive Devices that demand the observance of special handling precautions against static damage. Failure to observe these precautions can result in severe damage to the product. 5.1 ESD handling precautions As the risk of electrostatic discharge in the RF transceivers and patch antennas of the module is of particular concern, standard ESD safety practices are prerequisite.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual 5.3 Soldering ☞ No natural rubbers, hygroscopic materials or materials containing asbestos are employed. 5.3.1 Reflow soldering process NINA-B4 series modules are surface mounted devices supplied on a FR4-type PCB with gold-plated connection pads. The modules are manufactured in a lead-free process with lead-free soldering paste. The bow and twist of the PCB is maximum 0.75% according to IPC-A-610E.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Figure 20: Reflow profile ☞ ☞ Lower value of TP and slower ramp down rate (2–3 °C/sec) is preferred. After reflow soldering, optical inspection of the modules is recommended to verify proper alignment. 5.3.2 Cleaning Cleaning the modules is not recommended. Residues underneath the modules cannot be easily removed with a washing process.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual • The module contains components that are sensitive to ultrasonic waves. Use of any ultrasonic processes, such as cleaning, welding, and so on, can damage the module. Use of ultrasonic processes on an end product integrating this module will void the warranty.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Appendix A Glossary Abbreviation Definition ABS Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ADC Analog to Digital Converter ATE Automatic Test Equipment LE Bluetooth Low Energy CTS Clear To Send DCX Data/Command Signal DFU Device Firmware Update DDR Dual-Data Rate EMC Electro Magnetic Compatibility EMI Electro Magnetic Interference ESD Electro Static Discharge FCC Federal Communications Commission GATT Generic ATTribute profile GND Ground GPIO G
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition SMT Surface-Mount Technology SPI Serial Peripheral Interface SWD Serial Wire Debug Thread Networking protocol for Internet of Things (IoT) "smart" home automation devices to communicate on a local wireless mesh network THT Through-Hole Technology TXD Transmit Data UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter UICR User Information Configuration Registers USB Universal Serial Bus VCC IC power-supply pin VSWR Voltage
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual B Antenna reference designs Designers can take full advantage of the Single-Modular Transmitter certification approval of NINA-B4 by integrating the u-blox reference design for these modules into their products. This approach requires compliance with the following rules: • Only listed antennas can be used. For the list of approved antennas, see also the NINA-B4 certification, application note [8].
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual B.1.1 Floor plan Figure 22 shows where the critical components and copper traces are positioned on the reference design. 1 4 5 6 2 3 Figure 22: NINA-B401/B411 antenna reference design Reference Part Manufacturer Description 1 NINA-B401/B411 u-blox NINA-B4 module with antenna pin 2 U.FL-R-SMT-1(10) Hirose Coaxial connector with shield cutoff frequency of 0–6 GHz for plugging the external antenna.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Reference Item Value S Spacing 200 +/- 50 μm W Conductor width 300 +/- 30 μm (match as close to 50 Ω as possible) T Copper and plating/surface 35 +/- 15 μm coating thickness H Conductor height 150 +/- 20 μm εr Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 3.77 +/- 0.5 @ 2 GHz Table 23: Coplanar microstrip specification ☞ The GND spacing requirements of the NINA ANT and U.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Related documents [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] ☞ Packaging information reference, UBX-14001652 NINA-B4 series data sheet, UBX-19049405 NINA-B41 series data sheet, UBX-20035327 NINA-B40 series, product summary, UBX-19047297 NINA-B41 series, product summary, UBX-20045962 u-connectXpress AT commands manual, UBX-14044127 NINA nested design and migration, application note, UB
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Revision history Revision Date Name Comments R01 12-Dec-2019 fbro,mape Initial release. R02 14-Jan-2020 mape Minor corrections. R03 27-Mar-2020 hisa Updated NINA-B400 product status to “Prototype”. Updated front page module images. R04 20-Nov-2020 lber Updated the product status of NINA-B400 and NINA-B406 variants from “Prototype” to “Engineering sample”. Revised SWD and UART flashing information in sections 2.8 and 3.2.
NINA-B4 series - System integration manual Contact For complete contact information, visit us at www.u-blox.com. u-blox Offices North, Central and South America u-blox America, Inc. Phone: E-mail: +1 703 483 3180 info_us@u-blox.com Regional Office West Coast: Phone: E-mail: +1 408 573 3640 info_us@u-blox.com Headquarters Europe, Middle East, Africa Asia, Australia, Pacific u-blox AG Phone: +65 6734 3811 E-mail: info_ap@u-blox.com Support: support_ap@u-blox.
