path: root/text/chipy.tex

\chapter{IoT communication modules for 4G/5G networks}

This chapter describes a \ac{SiP} nRF9160 from Nordic Semiconductor and its successors nRF9161 and nRF9151. It is focused on its parameters and high level overview of its particular parts.

Later there the chapter continues in overview and comparison of available modules with these \ac{SiP}s.

\section{Nordic Semiconductor nRF9160} \label{chap:nrfdesc}

\begin{figure}[H]
	\begin{center}
		\includegraphics[width=0.4\textwidth]{obrazky/nrfchip.png}
	\end{center}
	\caption[Nordic nRF9160 SiP]{Nordic nRF9160 SiP\cite{nrf91desc}}
	\label{fig:sipfront}
\end{figure}

nRF9160, made by Nordic Semiconductor, is a \ac{SiP} combining multiple integrated circuits into a single LGA package (10x16x1.04 mm in size), functioning as an entire computing system:
\begin{itemize}
	\item Application Processor with Arm Cortex-M33 core at 64 MHz, 1 MB flash memory, 256 kB RAM and usual microcontroller peripherals - 4x SPI/UART/I2C, 4x PWM, PDM, I2S, 12-bit ADC @ 200 ksps, 3x timer, 2x RTC, WDT.
	\item LTE modem (700 – 2000 MHz) operating in the both \ac{LPWAN} modes: LTE-M (300/375 kbps DL/UL) and NB-IoT (30/60 kbps DL/UL), supporting IPv4/IPv6 internet layer with optional security using TCP/TLS in transport layer and modem firmware upgrades via \ac{FOTA} (firmware over the air).
	\item \ac{RFFE} % /home/mike/Pictures/Screenshots/Screenshot from 2025-05-31 10-34-14.png
	\item \ac{GNSS} receiver
	\item Power management integrated circuits.
\end{itemize}

nRF9160 is certified for global operations in multiple LTE bands, as shown in the figure below. For European operations, bands B1, B3, B8, B20 and B28 are available for both NB-IoT and LTE-M modes. Hardware security is strengthened with ARM TrustZone technology protecting against uploading unofficial or malicious firmware. TrustZone also protects from firmware attacks like memory and peripheral spoofing \cite{armtrustzone}. nRF9160 furthermore employs Arm CryptoCell solution optimized for high-performance cryptography for energy-constrained devices.

Both SIM and eSIM are supported for connection and authentication with mobile network operators \cite{nrf91desc}. nRF9160 can be powered from relatively large range of voltages - from 3.0 to 5.5 V, allowing to directly connect Li-ion or Li-Po type batteries or USB-compatible power supplies.

\subsubsection{Architecture}

The architecture of the \ac{SiP} consist of two mostly independent parts. One is a application processor that can be imagined as ordinary ARM Cortex-M microcontroller. And the other is programmable modem. These two cores communicate between each other using AT commands. For visual representation see figure \ref{fig:sipdiagram}.

\begin{figure}[H]
	\begin{center}
		\includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/nrfdiagram.png}
	\end{center}
	\caption[Nordic nRF9160 SiP architecture]{Nordic nRF9160 SiP architecture\cite{nrfsipbrief}}
	\label{fig:sipdiagram}
\end{figure}

Modem on nRF9160 can, without program memory change, operate with LTE-M, NB-IoT and \ac{GNSS} but not simultaneously. Switching between the two LTE modes is done by AT commands to the modem and it can be set to one or the other at one moment. There is an option for automatic mode where the modem evaluates both options and the better one on it own discretion \cite{nrfat}.

Modem can get a geolocation information from the \ac{GNSS} satellite constellations but with following limitations \cite{nrfsipbrief}:
\begin{itemize}
    \item Support only for \ac{GPS} layer 1 and \ac{QZSS} layer 1
    \item Maximum limit of concurrent active satellites of 12
    \item Cellular communication interrupts geolocation service
\end{itemize}

\subsubsection{Manufacturing variations}

nRF9160 is manufactured in 3 modifications, sharing the same 127-pin LGA package, but differing in LTE modem capabilities, as shown in table \ref{tab:nrfchips} below.

\begin{table}[!h]
	\begin{center}
		\small
		\begin{tabular}{|l|l|}
		\hline
		Name & RF features \\ \hline
		\hline
		nRF9160-SICA &	Only LTE-M \\ \hline
		nRF9160-SIBA &	Only NB-IoT \\ \hline
		nRF9160-SIAA &	LTE-M, NB-IoT and \ac{GNSS} \\ \hline
		\end{tabular}
	\end{center}
	\caption[nRF9160 product options]{nRF9160 LGA modules options and their limitations. \cite{nrf91datasheet}}
	\label{tab:nrfchips}
\end{table}

Comparisons of the main parameters of the most common nRF9160 boards is provided in the following table \ref{tab:nrfmodules} taken from \cite{connexiodesc}:
\begin{table}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \scriptsize
	  \begin{tabular}{|l|l|l|l|l|l|l|l|}
	    \hline
		 &	Stratus &	Thingy:91 &	Icarus &	Feather &	Pebble Tracker &	Thing Plus \\\hline
		\hline
		Manufacturer &	Connexio &	Nordic Semi &	Actinius &	CircuitDojo &	IoTex &	Sparkfun \\\hline
		Total Pins &	33 &	8 &	28 &	28 &	None &	28 \\\hline
		I/O Pins &	26 &	8 &	21 &	20 &	None &	20 \\\hline
		Energy Harvester &	Yes &	No &	No &	No &	No &	No \\\hline
		Accelerometer &	Yes &	Yes &	Yes &	Yes &	Yes &	Yes \\\hline
		Environmental Sensors &	Yes &	Yes &	No &	No &	Yes &	No \\\hline
		Onboard LEDS &	2 &	1 RGB &	1 RGB &	2 &	1 RGB &	2 \\\hline
		Sensor power gating &	Yes &	No &	No &	No &	No &	No \\\hline
		Power switch &	Yes &	Yes &	No &	No &	Yes &	No \\\hline
		Lipo battery charger &	Yes &	No &	Yes &	Yes &	No &	Yes \\\hline
		USB interface &	Yes &	Yes &	Yes &	Yes &	Yes &	Yes \\\hline
		Debugging connector &	Yes &	Yes &	No &	No &	Yes &	No \\\hline
		Prepaid Cellular data &	500 MB &	10 MB &	10 MB &	10 MB &	No &	10 MB \\\hline
		Cellular data validity &	10 years &	N/A &	N/A &	N/A &	N/A &	N/A \\\hline
		SMS Data &	250 &	No &	No &	No &	No &	No \\\hline
		Dedicated sensor shield &	Yes &	No &	No &	No &	No &	No \\\hline
		VS Code dev. extension &	Yes &	Yes &	No &	No &	No &	No \\\hline
		Breadboard compatible &	Yes &	No &	Yes &	Yes &	No &	Yes \\\hline
		Edge Impulse ready &	Yes &	Yes &	No &	No &	No &	No \\\hline
		Memfault ready &	Yes &	No &	No &	No &	No &	No \\\hline
		Golioth ready &	Yes &	No &	No &	Yes &	No &	No \\\hline
		Open-source &	HW+SW &	HW+SW &	No &	HW+SW &	No &	HW+SW \\\hline
		  Dimension [mm] &	50.8x22.8 &	58.8x58.5 &	50.8x22.8 &	50.8x22.8 &	53x35 &	58.42x22.86 \\\hline
		Weight &	\~5 g &	61 g &	\~5 g &	\~5 g &	10 g &	\~5 g \\\hline
		Price (USD) &	\$159 &	\$126.25 &	\$115 &	\$99 &	\$215 &	\$129.95 \\\hline
	  \end{tabular}
  \end{center}
	\caption[Comparation of nRF9160 modules]{Comparation of nRF9160 main modules}
	\label{tab:nrfmodules}
\end{table}

%%-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

%\section{Quectel RM520N}
%
%\begin{figure}[h!]
%  \begin{center}
%	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/RM520N.png}
%  \end{center}
%	\caption[Quectel RM520N]{Quectel RM520N series front view\cite{rm520ndatasheet}}
%	\label{}
%\end{figure}
%
%RM520N is a 5G Sub-6GHz IoT module, made by Chinese company Quectel, optimized for IoT and eMBB applications with worldwide spectrum coverage, but capable of also 3G/4G multi-mode operation. The module is made in an M.2 form factor (30 x 52 x 2.3 mm) with 4 antenna connectors and is compatible with \ac{3GPP} Release 16 specification, supporting  both 5G NSA (data rates: 3.4 Gbps DL / 550 Mbps UL) and SA modes (data rates: 2.4 Gbps DL / 900 Mbps UL).
%
%The RM520N is an industrial-grade module for industrial and commercial applications. It should cover nearly all the mainstream carriers worldwide and support Qualcomm® IZat location technology Gen9C Lite (GPS, GLONASS, BDS and Galileo). The integrated \ac{GNSS} receiver simplifies the product design.
%
%It communicates using USB and PCIe drivers provided by Quectel for Windows 7 or higher, Linux, and Android. Main anticipated usage are industrial routers, home gateways, laptops / tablet PCs as well as IoT applications \cite{rm520ndatasheet}.
%
%The module comes in two variants: RM520N-GL with global coverage and RM520N-EU with EU frequency regulatory spectrum.
%
%\subsection{Modules with RM520N}
%
%Development support for RM520N modules is provided by a Chinese company Waveshare \cite{waveshare1}\cite{waveshare2}
%making several hardware kits for rapid development and implementation with RM520N and having a distribution network across EU (e.g. \url{https://rlx.sk/sk/vyhladavanie?controller=search&s=RM520N})
%
%\subsubsection{Dongle}
%\begin{figure}[H]
%  \begin{center}
%	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/rmdongle.jpg}
%  \end{center}
%	\caption[Waveshare dongle]{Waveshare dongle\cite{rmdongle}}
%	\label{}
%\end{figure}
%
%5G DONGLE module \cite{rmdongle}
%providing simple expansion board with 4 SMA antenna connectors, nano SIM card holder, M2 connector for RM520N, heatsink and USB3.1 port for connecting to PC or Raspberry Pi.
%
%\subsubsection{Raspberry Pi HAT}
%
%\begin{figure}[H]
%  \begin{center}
%	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/rmpi.jpg}
%  \end{center}
%	\caption[Waveshare dongle]{Waveshare dongle\cite{rmpi}}
%	\label{}
%\end{figure}
%
%5G HAT for Raspberry Pi \cite{rmpi}
%, with a case for Raspberry Pi 3B/4B, onboard USB3.1 and USB-C ports, 2x SIM card slot, 4 antennas, 3A power supply circuit.
%
%\subsubsection{USB/Ethernet converter}
%
%\begin{figure}[H]
%  \begin{center}
%	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/rmeth.jpg}
%  \end{center}
%	\caption[USB/Ethernet converter]{USB3.1 / Gigabit Ethernet converter to 5G\cite{rmeth}}
%	\label{}
%\end{figure}
%
%USB3.1 / Gigabit Ethernet converter to 5G \cite{rmeth}
%capable to connect RM520N module to its M2 connector header and acting as a 5G communication  bridge to PC, industrial control hosts, Raspberry Pi, ethernet switch or router using their USB3.1 or Ethernet connections.
%
%\subsubsection{Module form Jetson Nano}
%
%\begin{figure}[H]
%  \begin{center}
%	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/rmjet.jpg}
%  \end{center}
%	\caption[Module for Jetson Nano]{Comunication module for Jetson Nano\cite{rmjet}}
%	\label{}
%\end{figure}
%
%Communication module for Jetson Nano \cite{rmjet}
%- interface with M2 connector, USB3.1 port, audio jack and decoder, SIM card slot, 40-pin GPIO extension header for direct connection to Jetson Nano, 4 antennas.
%

\section{Nordic Semiconductor nRF9161}

\begin{figure}[H]
	\begin{center}
		\includegraphics[width=0.4\textwidth]{obrazky/nrfchip9161.png}
	\end{center}
	\caption[Nordic nRF9161 SiP]{Nordic nRF9161 SiP\cite{nrf91desc}}
	\label{fig:sip61front}
\end{figure}

nRF9161 is evolution of nRF9160 in same form-factor  and it enables every function of its predecessor with additional and improved capabilities such as implementation of 3GPP Release 14 LTE-M/NB-IoT LTE stack and support for alternative modem firmware for \ac{DECT NR+} stack operating on 1.9 GHz band. Switching between \ac{LTE} and \ac{DECT NR+} is done by loading given firmware to modem part of the \ac{SiP}. \cite{nrfdect}

This means that application such LTE and \ac{DECT NR+} gateway would by using only nRF9161 need two of them (even though technologically dubious not so much from financial sense considering \texteuro 23 for single \ac{SiP}).

Capabilities and description of DECT NR+ can be found in chapter \ref{dectdescrition}.

\section{Nordic Semiconductor nRF9151}

\begin{figure}[H]
	\begin{center}
		\includegraphics[width=0.4\textwidth]{obrazky/nrfchip9151.png}
	\end{center}
	\caption[Nordic nRF9151 SiP]{Nordic nRF9151 SiP\cite{nrf91desc}}
	\label{fig:sip51front}
\end{figure}

nRF9151 is another evolution o nRF9151. Its main advantages are smaller footprint (reduction of 20 \%), additional  Power Class 5 (20 dBm) support for LTE stack and promise of eventual addition for \ac{NTN}
\cite{nrf51}.



\section{Modules with nRF91xx}

There are several modules and development kits available with nRF9160 chipset, originating from Nordic Semiconductor, as well as from other vendors.

\subsubsection{nRF9160 DK}

\begin{figure}[H]
	\begin{center}
		\includegraphics[width=0.9\textwidth]{obrazky/nrf9160DKfront.png}
	\end{center}
	\caption[Nordic nRF9160DK]{Nordic nRF9160DK front view\cite{nrf91dkdesc}}
	\label{fig:dkfront}
\end{figure}

nRF9160 DK is an official pre-certified development kit for nRF9160 made and supported by Nordic Semiconductor. It is equipped with LTE-M/NB-IoT antenna, \ac{GNSS} antenna, SIM connector, eSIM card from iBasis preloaded with 10 MB data. All peripherial GPIO pins of nRF9160 are available through connectors and headers compatible with Arduino Uno Rev3 form factor, there are also 4 on-board LEDs, 2 buttons and 2 switches connected to the application processor GPIO. The board also includes nRF52840 board controller sharing the peripherials and allowing to build a Bluetooth Low Energy gateway. Powering and communication with PC are arranged via USB (virtual COM) port. Programming and debugging is enabled through the Segger J-Link OB. The nRF9160 DK is supported by a full suite of development software tools by Nordic Semiconductor, free to download and use commercially \cite{nrf91dkdesc}.

\subsubsection{nRF9161 DK}

\begin{figure}[H]
	\begin{center}
		\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{obrazky/nrf9161DKfront.png}
	\end{center}
	\caption[Nordic nRF9161DK]{Nordic nRF9161DK front view\cite{nrf91dkdesc}}
	\label{fig:dk61front}
\end{figure}

nRF9161 DK is nRF9160 but with nRF9161 instead of nRF9160 and USB-C.

\subsubsection{nRF9151 DK}

\begin{figure}[H]
	\begin{center}
		\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{obrazky/nrf9151DKfront.png}
	\end{center}
	\caption[Nordic nRF9161DK]{Nordic nRF9161DK front view\cite{nrf91dkdesc}}
	\label{fig:dk51front}
\end{figure}

nRF9161 DK is nRF9161 DK but with nRF9151 instead of nRF9161.



\subsubsection{Nordic Thingy:91}

\begin{figure}[H]
	\begin{center}
		\includegraphics[width=0.4\textwidth]{obrazky/Thingy91_board.png}
	\end{center}
	\caption[Nordic Thisgy:91]{Nordic nRF9160DK front view\cite{thingydesc}}
	\label{fig:thingy}
\end{figure}

Nordic Thingy:91, also made by Nordic Semiconductor, is a compact small-factor module used as a rapid prototyping battery-operated platform, containing LTE-M/NB-IoT/\ac{GNSS}, Bluetooth LE and NFC antennas, User-programmable button and RGB LEDs, environmental sensor for temperature, humidity, air quality and air pressure, plus a color and light sensor, low-power accelerometer and high-g accelerometer, rechargeable Li-Po battery with 1350 mAh capacity
\cite{thingydesc}.

\subsubsection{Nordic Thingy:91X}

\begin{figure}[H]
	\begin{center}
		\includegraphics[width=0.4\textwidth]{obrazky/Thingy91x_board.png}
	\end{center}
	\caption[Nordic Thingy:91X]{Thingy:91X view\cite{thingyxdesc}}
	\label{fig:thingy}
\end{figure}

%Nordic Thingy:91X, also made by Nordic Semiconductor, is a compact small-factor module used as a rapid prototyping battery-operated platform, containing LTE-M/NB-IoT/\ac{GNSS}, Bluetooth LE and NFC antennas, User-programmable button and RGB LEDs, environmental sensor for temperature, humidity, air quality and air pressure, plus a color and light sensor, low-power accelerometer and high-g accelerometer, rechargeable Li-Po battery with 1350 mAh capacity

Thingy:91X is Thingy:91 but with nRF9161 instead of nRF9160 and Wi-Fi chip nRF7001. \cite{thingyxdesc}.

% https://www.nordicsemi.com/-/media/Software-and-other-downloads/Product-Briefs/nRF9151-SiP-PB-v1.2.pdf

\subsubsection{NimbeLink Nano Global}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/NimbeLink-Nano.png}
  \end{center}
	\caption[NimbeLink Nano Global LTE-M]{NimbeLink Nano Global LTE-M\cite{nimbelinkdesc}}
	\label{fig:nimbe}
\end{figure}

NimbeLink Nano Global LTE-M (Skywire Nano Development Kit, NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160), made by Airgain, is an add-on modem with nRF9160 and two U.FL antenna connectors, attached to a base board  NL-SWNDK providing SIM holder, USB powering and distributition of GPIO pins to peripherial headers. The board has been originally certified only for Verizon networks
\cite{nimbelinkdesc}.

\subsubsection{LN60E}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/LN60E.png}
  \end{center}
	\caption[LN60E]{LN60E\cite{ln60desc}}
	\label{fig:ln60}
\end{figure}

LN60E is a simple modem provided by Fansel, having a U.FL antenna connector, SIM connector and M.2 card connector for nRF9160 peripherials
\cite{ln60desc}.

\subsubsection{Pebble Tracker}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/pebble.jpg}
  \end{center}
	\caption[Pebble Tracker]{Pebble Tracker\cite{pebbledesc}}
	\label{fig:}
\end{figure}

Pebble Tracker, a crowdfunded module made by IoTex, is a battery operated IoT prototyping platform based on a board with nRF9160, Bosch BME680 humidity/pressure/temperature/air quality sensor, ICM-42605 3-axial gyroscope/accelerometer, AMS TSL2572 ambient light sensor, SIM slot, OLED display, in a compact plastic case
\cite{pebbledesc}

\subsubsection{Icarus SoM}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/icarus-som.png}
  \end{center}
	\caption[Icarus SoM]{Icarus SoM\cite{icarusdesc}}
	\label{fig:icarus}
\end{figure}

Icarus SoM, made by Actinius, is a simple module with U.FL antenna connectors for \ac{GNSS} and LTE, eSIM and accelerometer, with spare GPIO pins headed to PCB edge connectors
\cite{icarusdesc}.

\subsubsection{Icarus Bee}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/icarus-bee.png}
  \end{center}
	\caption[Icarus Bee]{Icarus Bee\cite{icarusbeedesc}}
	\label{fig:icarusbee}
\end{figure}

Icarus Bee, made by Actinius, expands the above-mentioned Icarus SoM module with a board connecting it to 64 Mbit flash memory, RGB LED, button, SIM connector and GPIO to pin headers
\cite{icarusbeedesc}.

\subsubsection{Icarus IoT Board v2}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/icarus-iot.png}
  \end{center}
	\caption[Icarus IoT]{Icarus IoT Board v2\cite{icarusiotdesc}}
	\label{fig:icarusiot}
\end{figure}

Icarus IoT Board v2, made by Actinius, contains nRF9160 chipset on a board with USB connector, U.FL antenna connectors for LTE and \ac{GNSS}, LiPo charger, eSIM and nano SIM connector, accelerometer and SPI flash memory, with pin headers compatible with Adafruit Feather footprint
\cite{icarusiotdesc}.

\subsubsection{nRF9160 Feather}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth]{obrazky/nrf9160_feather.jpg}
  \end{center}
	\caption[nRF9160 Feather]{nRF9160 Feather\cite{featherdesc}}
	\label{fig:feather}
\end{figure}

nRF9160 Feather, made by CircuitDojo, is a design with pin headers compatible with Adafruit Feather footprint and a functionality similar to the Icarus IoT Board v2
\cite{featherdesc}.

\subsubsection{SparkFun Thing Plus nRF9160}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{obrazky/sparkfun2.jpg}
  \end{center}
	\caption[SparkFun Thing Plus nRF9160]{SparkFun Thing Plus nRF9160\cite{sparkfundesc}}
	\label{}
\end{figure}

SparkFun Thing Plus nRF9160, made by SparkFun, is another board with Adafruit Feather footprint and similar to Icarus IoT Board v2 described above, however with USB-C connector and providing 4 MB SPI flash memory, LiPo charger, low power RTC, a button, a LED, two U.FL antennas for LTE and \ac{GNSS}
\cite{sparkfundesc}.

\subsubsection{Connexio Stratus}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.4\textwidth]{obrazky/connexio.jpg}
  \end{center}
	\caption[Connexio Stratus]{Connexio Stratus\cite{connexiodesc}}
	\label{}
\end{figure}

Connexio Stratus, a crowd-funded development board, has a similar design to the SparkFun board above, adding SIM with 500 MB of mobile data, energy harvesting integrated circuit for Li-ion and NiMH battery charging, LiPo battery connection and charging, 2 push-buttons, 1 LED, SHT4x temperature and humidity sensor, LIS2DH 3-axial accelerometer
\cite{connexiodesc}.

\subsubsection{Connexio Stratus Pro}

\begin{figure}[H]
  \begin{center}
	  \includegraphics[width=0.8\textwidth]{obrazky/connexiopro.jpg}
  \end{center}
	\caption[Connexio Stratus Pro]{Connexio Stratus Pro\cite{connexiodesc}}
	\label{}
\end{figure}


Connexio Stratus Pro is largely based on Connexio Stratus but it uses nRF9151 instead of nRF9160.

\cite{connexiodesc}.


% TUTUT