NORA-B1 series Stand-alone dual-core Bluetooth 5 low energy and IEEE 802.15.4 module System integration manual Abstract This document describes the system integration of the NORA-B1 series stand-alone Bluetooth® 5.2 Low Energy and IEEE 802.15.4 modules. UBX-20027617 - R04 C1-Public www.u-blox.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Document information Title NORA-B1 series Subtitle Stand-alone dual-core Bluetooth 5 low energy and IEEE 802.15.4 module Document type System integration manual Document number UBX-20027617 Revision and date R04 Disclosure restriction C1-Public 20-May-2021 Document status descriptions Draft For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later. Objective specification Target values.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Contents Document information ................................................................................................................................ 2 Contents .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 1 System description .......................................................................................................................
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 1.12 Reserved pins (RSVD) ..............................................................................................................................16 1.13 GND pins .....................................................................................................................................................16 2 Software .......................................................................................................................................
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 5.3.3 6 Other remarks ...................................................................................................................................40 Regulatory information and requirements ................................................................................ 41 6.1 ETSI – European market ..........................................................................................................................41 6.1.1 Compliance statement ......
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Appendix ....................................................................................................................................................... 56 A Glossary ................................................................................................................................................. 56 B Antenna reference designs .............................................................................................................
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 1 System description 1.1 Overview The NORA-B1 series of small stand-alone, open CPU module types support Bluetooth 5.2 device connectivity and operate in temperatures of up to 105 °C. The modules are built on the Nordic nRF5340 System on a Chip as an open CPU solution, where customer applications run on two Arm® Cortex®-M33 processor cores with integrated flash and RAM memory.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 1.3 Architecture 1.3.1 Block diagram Figure 1: NORA-B1 series block diagram 1.3.2 Hardware options NORA-B1 series modules use an identical hardware configuration except for the different antenna solutions. An external 32.768 kHz low-frequency crystal can be used if LFCLK accuracy better than +/-250 ppm is required. DC-DC converters are integrated to provide higher efficiency across operating modes. 1.3.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Figure 2: NORA-B1 normal voltage power connection In high voltage mode, a single power source is connected only to VDDH. The high voltage regulator (VREGH) then generates VDD, which can be configured between 1.8 and 3.3 VDC through VREGHVOUT in the user information configuration register (UICR) of the application core.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 1.5.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage The digital I/O pins operating voltage is equal to VDD, regardless of whether it is connected to an external source or generated from the high voltage regulator. As noted above, when in high voltage mode, VDD voltage is configured through the VREGHVOUT register in the application core UICR. 1.5.3 USB supply input If used by the application, apply the VBUS power from the upstream USB host port to the VBUS pin.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 1.6.2 Internal temperature sensor The radio chip in the NORA-B1 contains a temperature sensor used to monitor the temperature of the die. ⚠ The temperature sensor is located inside the radio chip and should not be used if an accurate temperature reading of the surrounding environment is required. 1.7 Debug 1.7.1 Serial Wire Debug (SWD) The primary interface for debugging is the SWD interface. NORA-B1 supports an SWD interface for flashing and debugging.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 1.9 Analog interfaces Eight of the 48 digital GPIOs can be multiplexed with the following analog functions: • • • 1x 8-channel ADC 1x analog comparator* 1x low-power analog comparator* *Only one of the comparators can be used simultaneously. 1.9.1 ADC The Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) can sample up to 200 kHz using different inputs as sample triggers. Both one-shot conversion and continuous sampling are supported.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 1.9.4 Analog pin options Table 3 shows the supported connections of the analog functions. ☞ An analog pin may not be simultaneously connected to multiple functions. Symbol Analog function Connects to ADCP ADC single-ended or differential positive input Any analog pin or VDD ADCN ADC differential negative input Any analog pin or VDD VIN+ Comparator input Any analog pin VREF Comparator single-ended mode reference ladder Any analog pin, VDD, 1.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual The application core has one high-speed SPI controller (SPIM4) that can run at up to 32 Mbps. For the fastest SPI mode, the pins shown in Table 4 must be used. Signal Pin name Pin number Direction Pin drive setting Description SCK P0.08 E2 O H0H1 Serial clock, up to 32 MHz MOSI P0.09 C2 O H0H1 Serial output data MISO P0.10 C1 I H0H1 Serial input data CSN P0.11 B3 O H0H1 Chip select, active low DCX P0.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 1.10.5 Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) interface NORA-B1 supports up to four PWM instances, each with four channels. All four instances are available through the application core. The PWM module enables the generation of pulse width modulated signals on GPIO. The module implements an up or up-and-down counter with four PWM channels that drive assigned GPIOs. 1.10.6 Inter-IC Sound (I2S) interface NORA-B1 supports a single I2S port available on the application core.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Choose an antenna with optimal radiating characteristics for the best electrical performance and overall module functionality. An internal antenna integrated on the application board, or an external antenna that is connected to the application board through a proper 50 Ω connector, can be used.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 2 Software NORA-B1 series modules are used as open CPU modules in which applications developed with the Nordic Semiconductor nRF Connect SDK can be run. The most recent application development guidelines are found at the nRF Connect SDK documentation for application development [19] and working with the nRF53 [20]. These following sections in this chapter provide details about Zephyr, MCUboot, and the nRF53 in NORA-B1. 2.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 2.1.4 Example code EVK-NORA-B10x evaluation kits are compatible with most nRF Connect SDK projects that support the nRF5340 DK without any changes required. See the EVK-NORA-B1 user guide [3] for information about installing and using the development tools. NORA-B1 modules are not loaded with any code in either the application or network cores. EVK-NORA-B1 is shipped from the factory with the ./nrf/samples/bluetooth/peripheral_lbs example from NCS pre-loaded.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 2.2 Bluetooth device (MAC) address and other production data NORA-B1 modules are programmed from the factory with a unique, public Bluetooth device address stored in the OTP[0] and OTP[1] registers of the User Information Configuration Registers (UICR) in the application core. The device addresses are duplicated in the CUSTOMER[0] and CUSTOMER[1] registers in the UICR of the network core.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual CUSTOMER[0] 0x01FF8302 0xCC = Bluetooth_addr [3] IEEE OUI2 CUSTOMER[0] 0x01FF8303 0xDD = Bluetooth_addr [2] Example – actual value printed on label CUSTOMER[1] 0x01FF8304 0xEE = Bluetooth_addr [1] Example – actual value printed on label CUSTOMER[1] 0x01FF8305 0xFF = Bluetooth_addr [0] Example – actual value printed on label CUSTOMER[1] 0x01FF8306 0xFF Unused CUSTOMER[1] 0x01FF8307 0xFF Unused Table 10: Bluetooth device address in network co
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Having a copy of the Bluetooth device address stored in a file is useful when reprogramming each core after a chip erase or recovery. The entire UICR memory area can hold other valuable information. Use the following command to save the entire UCIR memory area: nrfjprog.e– --readuicr uicr.hex The Bluetooth device address can only be written to the UICR of each core after a recovery or full chip erase.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 3 Flashing application software Both the application and network cores of the NORA-B1 modules are flashed over a common SWD interface. See also [20]. 3.1 SWD interface A SEGGER J-Link programmer is required to program the NORA-B1 module flash over the SWD port.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual At the command line, the west tool provided by the nRF Connect SDK provides a simple method of programming both cores of the NORA-B1 module in one step. After building the project, open a command prompt or terminal window, navigate to the build folder, and enter: west flash An alternate method is to use the nRF Command Line Tools [22].
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 4 Design-in 4.1 Overview For optimal integration of NORA-B1 in the final application board, the design guidelines described in this chapter are recommended. Every application circuit must be properly designed to guarantee the correct functionality of the related interface, and the following topics require attention during the design of the application device. 1. Module antenna connection: ANT pad.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual • NORA-B101 modules include an ANT pad for connecting an external antenna. The antenna can be either an external SMD antenna or an antenna that is connected through an externally assembled U.FL or RP-SMA connector. o Antennas with SMD connections, either reverse-polarity SMA connectors or U.FL connectors, must be radio tested and verified against regulatory FCC, IC, RED, and MIC standards. • NORA-B106 modules include an embedded PCB antenna.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual • • • • • • • The characteristic impedance can be calculated as a first iteration by using tools provided by the layout software. It is advisable to ask the PCB manufacturer for the final values that are usually calculated using dedicated software and the available stack-ups from production. To measure the real impedance of the traces, you might also ask the manufacturer to attach an impedance coupon to the side of the panel.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 4.3.2 Antenna design (NORA-B101 only) NORA-B101 is suitable for designs where an external antenna is needed due to mechanical integration or placement of the module, or where a host PCB trace or SMT antenna is required by the application. Designers must consider the physical dimensions of the application board at the beginning of the design phase of the end-product.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Item Requirements Remarks S11 < -6 dB (VSWR < 3:1) acceptable of reflected power, measuring how well the primary antenna RF connection matches the 50 characteristic impedance of the ANT pin. The impedance of the antenna termination must match as much as possible the 50 nominal impedance of the ANT pin over the operating frequency range, thus maximizing the amount of the power transferred to the antenna. Efficiency > -1.5 dB ( > 70% ) recommended > -3.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Consider that SMT connectors are typically rated for a limited number of insertion cycles. In addition, the RF coaxial cable may be relatively fragile compared to other types of cables. To increase application ruggedness, connect the U.FL connector to a more robust connector such as SMA fixed on panel. ☞ A de-facto standard for SMA connectors implies the usage of reverse polarity connectors (RPSMA) on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth end-products.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 4.3.3 On-board antenna (NORA-B106 only) To reach an optimum operating performance, follow these instructions: • • • • • • • • • The module should be placed in the center of an edge of the host PCB, preferably on the longest edge. Placing the module in or near a corner will distort the radiation pattern and reduce performance. A large ground plane on the host PCB is a prerequisite for good antenna performance.
RF keep-out edge shall extend across the entire host PCB NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Figure 8: Size of the RF keep-out area for the NORA-B106 module 4.4 Supply interfaces 4.4.1 Module supply design A good connection of the module’s VDD and/or VDDH pins with DC supply source is required for proper module operation. The guidelines are summarized below: • • The VDD and VDDH connections must be sufficient to support the maximum current of the application.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual such as spring-loaded connectors (e.g., Tag-Connect-pads [7]) or simple test points can be used as well. Keep in mind that a minimum of four signals are required for the SWD interface to work: SWDIO, SWDCLK, GND and VDD reference are needed for the SWD interface to work. nRESET and SWO are optional, though suggested. Pin 9 connected to GND is only needed when used with an EVK providing an on-board debugger, such as the EVK-NORA-B1.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Figure 10: USB device power filtering and signal protection ☞ R1 and/or C4 may only be necessary if EMC tests indicate additional filtering is required. R1 and C4 are marked as do not populate (DNP) here. ☞ USB-IF certified cables are recommended. 4.6.3 SPI, QSPI, I2C, I2S, PDM The layout of these communication buses should be designed so that noise injection and cross talk are avoided. 4.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual NORA-B1 module and the remote NFC transmitter is always within three meters during transmission. Figure 11: NFC antenna design ′ 𝐶𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑒 = 1 1 ′ 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐶𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑒 = × (𝐶𝑝 + 𝐶𝑖𝑛𝑡 + 𝐶𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑒 ) 2 (2𝜋 × 13.56 𝑀𝐻𝑧) 𝐿𝑎𝑛𝑡 2 𝐶𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑒 = 4.7.1.1 2 − 𝐶𝑝 − 𝐶𝑖𝑛𝑡 (2𝜋 × 13.56 𝑀𝐻𝑧)2 𝐿𝑎𝑛𝑡 Battery protection If the NFC antenna is exposed to a strong NFC field, current may flow in the opposite direction on the supply because of parasitic diodes and ESD structures.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 4.8.2 ⚠ • Module placement Care should be taken not to place components close to the antenna area. Designers should carefully follow the recommendations from the antenna manufacturer about the distance of the antenna versus other parts of the system. Designers should also maximize the distance of the antenna to high-frequency buses like SPI and related components.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 4.8.3 • • • • • • • • • • • Layout and manufacturing Avoid stubs on high-speed signals. Even through-hole vias may have an impact on signal quality. Verify the recommended maximum signal skew for differential pairs and length matching of buses. Minimize the routing length; longer traces will degrade signal performance. Ensure that the maximum allowable length for high-speed buses is not exceeded. Ensure that impedance matched traces are correctly routed.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Compliance with these directives implies conformity to the following European Norms for device ESD immunity: ESD testing standard CENELEC EN 61000-4-2 and the radio equipment standards ETSI EN 301 489-1, ETSI EN 301 489-7, ETSI EN 301 489-24, the requirements of which are summarized in Table 13. The ESD immunity test is performed at the enclosure port, defined by ETSI EN 301 489-1 as the physical boundary through which the electromagnetic field radiates.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 5 ☞ Handling and soldering No natural rubbers, hygroscopic materials or materials containing asbestos are employed. 5.1 Packaging, shipping, storage, and moisture preconditioning For information pertaining to reels, tapes or trays, moisture sensitivity levels (MSL), shipment and storage, as well as drying for preconditioning, refer to the NORA-B1 series data sheet [1] and u-blox package information guide [2]. 5.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual The module is compatible with the industrial reflow profile for common SAC type RoHS solders. Use of no-clean solder paste is strongly recommended. The reflow profile used is dependent on the thermal mass of the entire populated PCB, heat transfer efficiency of the oven, and type of solder paste used. The optimal soldering profile used must be trimmed for each case depending on the specific process and PCB layout.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual • Cleaning with alcohol or other organic solvents can result in soldering flux residues flooding into the housing, an area that is not accessible for post-wash inspections. The solvent will also damage the sticker and the inkjet printed text. • Ultrasonic cleaning will permanently damage the module, in particular the crystal oscillators. For best results, use a "no clean" soldering paste and eliminate the cleaning step after the soldering process. 5.3.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 6 Regulatory information and requirements NORA-B1 modules are certified for use in different regions and countries, such as Europe, USA, and Canada. See the NORA-B1 series data sheet [1] for a list of approved countries/regions where NORA-B1 modules are approved for use. Each market has its own regulatory requirements that must be fulfilled, and NORA-B1 series modules must comply with the requirements for a radio transmitter in each of the listed markets.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual EIRP is calculated as: EIRP(dBm) = PTX(dBm) – L(dB) + GTX(dBi) where PTX is the output power of the transmitter, L is the path loss of the transmission line between the transmitter and antenna, and GTX is the maximum gain of the transmit antenna. Consider the following for each of these components: • • • Output power: o The output power setting of the NORA-B1 module.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. ⚠ NORA-B1 modules are for OEM integrations only. The end-product must be professionally installed in such a manner that only the authorized antennas can be used. See also Antenna selection.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 6.2.5 ⚠ End-product verification requirements The modular transmitter approval of NORA-B1, or any other radio module, does not exempt the end-product from being evaluated against applicable regulatory demands. The evaluation of the end-product shall be performed with the NORA-B1 module installed and operating in a way that reflects the intended end-product use case. The upper frequency measurement range of the end-product evaluation is the 5th harmonic of 2.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual In case, where the final product will be installed in locations where the end user is unable to see the FCC ID and/or this statement, the FCC ID and the statement shall also be included in the endproduct manual. 6.2.6.2 Canadian market The NORA-B1 module is certified for use in Canada under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Radio Standards Specification (RSS) RSS-247 Issue 2 and RSSGen.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual • • ⚠ IEEE 802.15.4 based protocols, such as Thread and Zigbee, use (at the MAC layer) a combination of 16- and 64-bit addresses. The 16-bit (‘short’) address can be used to reduce overhead in communications. However, each device must have a 64-bit (‘extended’) address and can always be accessed using this address. Because of this no additional effort is needed when using an 802.15.4 based protocol. Protocols based on the 2.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 6.4.2 End-product labelling requirement When a product integrating a NORA-B1 series module is placed on the Taiwanese market, the product must be affixed with a label or marking containing at least the following information: 6.4.2.1 NORA-B100 label Contains Transmitter Module 內含發射器模組: TBD Figure 14: Example of an end-product label that includes a NORA-B100 module 6.4.2.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 6.5.2 End-product labeling requirements When a product containing a NORA-B1 series module is placed on the South Korean market, the product must be affixed with a label or marking containing the KCC logo and certification number as shown in the following figures: TBD Figure 17: Sample label of an end-product that includes a NORA-B10 series module 6.5.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual NORA-B1 modules are compliant with AS/NZS 4268:2016 standard – Radio equipment and systems – Short range devices – Limits and methods of standard measurement made by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (RCM). The NORA-B1 module test reports can be used as part of evidence in obtaining permission the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 6.9 Integration checklist The following checklist can be used to get an overview of the requirements of each market. It is in no way a complete list of all actions required but should cover the essentials of integrating a NORA-B1 radio module. General requirements The SWD interface cannot be accessed by an end-product user. Specific to the European market The EIRP. of the end-product is measured to be within the applicable limit.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 6.10 Pre-approved antennas list This section lists the different external antennas that are pre-approved for use together with NORA-B1 series modules. ☞ Note that not all antennas are approved for use in all markets/regions. 6.10.1 Antenna accessories Name U.FL to Reverse Polarity SMA adapter cable Applicable modules NORA-B100, NORA-B101 ☞ For NORA-B101 ANT pin, see Appendix B, Antenna reference designs for information how to integrate the U.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 2144150011 Applicable modules NORA-B100, NORA-B101 ☞ For NORA-B101 ANT pin, see Appendix B, Antenna reference designs for information how to integrate the U.FL connector with the module. It is required to follow this reference design to comply with the NORA-B1 FCC/ISED modular approvals. Manufacturer Molex Gain +5.3 dBi Impedance 50 Ω Size Ø 9.35 x 108.4 mm Type Dipole Connector Reverse Polarity SMA plug (inner thread and pin receptacle).
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 7 Technology standards compliance 7.1 Bluetooth SIG The NORA-B1 module series is qualified as a tested component according to the Bluetooth 5.2 specification. Product type QD ID Listing date RF-PHY Component (Tested) 164871 08-Mar-2021 Table 17: NORA-B1 series Bluetooth qualified design ID The Bluetooth SIG requires the following: • All manufacturers of products that use Bluetooth technology are required to become members of the Bluetooth SIG.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual 8 Product testing 8.1 u-blox in-series production test u-blox focus on high quality for its products. All units produced are fully tested automatically in the production line. A stringent quality control process has been implemented in the production line. Defective units are analyzed in detail to improve the production quality. This is achieved with automatic test equipment (ATE) in the production line, which logs all production and measurement data.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Dedicated tests can be implemented to check the device. For example, the measurement of module current consumption when set in a specified state can detect a short circuit if compared with a “Golden Device” result. The standard operational module firmware and test software on the host can be used to perform functional tests (communication with the host controller, check interfaces) and to perform basic RF performance tests. 8.2.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Appendix A Glossary Abbreviation Definition AC Alternating Current ADC Analog to Digital Converter ATE Automatic Test Equipment CPU Central Processing Unit CTS Clear To Send signal DC Direct Current DC/DC DC to DC switching voltage converter EIRP Effective Isotropic Radiated Power ESD ElectroStatic Discharge FCC Federal Communications Commission (USA) GND Ground GPIO General Purpose Input / Output I2C Inter-Integrated Circuit interface
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition RTOS Real Time Operating System RTS Request To Send signal RXD Receive Data signal SDK Software Development Kit SMA SubMiniature version A RF connector SMD Solder Mask Defined SMPS Switching mode power supply (see DC/DC) SMT Surface-Mount Technology SPI Serial Peripheral Interface SWD Serial Wire Debug THT Through-Hold Technology TXD Transmit Data signal TWI See I2C UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmi
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Figure 20: NORA-B101 U.
NORA-B1 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] ☞ NORA-B1 data sheet, UBX-20027119 u-blox package information guide, UBX-14001652 EVK-NORA-B1 user guide, UBX-20030319 NORA-B1 Declaration of Conformity, TBD Bluetooth qualification process for nRF5 modules app note, UBX-20009220 Regulatory information application note, TBD Tag-Connect pad connector - http://www.tag-connect.
NORA-B1 series - System integration manual Revision history Revision Date Name Comments R01 14-Aug-2020 brec Initial release R02 04-Feb-2021 brec Updated for engineering sample, antenna selections, minor edits R03 19-May-2021 brec Updated for initial production, added ETSI, FCC, ISED agency approvals R04 20-May-2021 brec Corrected Bluetooth SIG qualification type. Improved clarity regarding country approvals that are pending.
NORA-B1 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.
