Ublox NINA-W1 Series System Integration Manual
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Ublox NINA-W1 Series System Integration Manual

Stand-alone wi-fi and multiradio modules
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NINA-W1 series
Stand-alone Wi-Fi and multiradio modules
System integration manual
Abstract
This document describes the system integration of NINA-W1 series stand-alone modules, which
includes the NINA-W13 (Wi-Fi) and NINA-W10 and NINA-W15 series (multiradio) modules. These
modules feature a number of useful embedded security features, including secure boot that ensures
that only authenticated software can run on the module. NINA-W1 modules are ideal for critical IoT
applications where security is important. The modules connect to a host system using UART,
high-speed RMII, or GPIO interfaces.
UBX-17005730 - R11
C1 - Public
www.u-blox.com

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Summary of Contents for Ublox NINA-W1 Series

  • Page 1 System integration manual Abstract This document describes the system integration of NINA-W1 series stand-alone modules, which includes the NINA-W13 (Wi-Fi) and NINA-W10 and NINA-W15 series (multiradio) modules. These modules feature a number of useful embedded security features, including secure boot that ensures that only authenticated software can run on the module.

  • Page 2: Document Information

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Document information Title NINA-W1 series Subtitle Stand-alone Wi-Fi and multiradio modules Document type System integration manual Document number UBX-17005730 Revision and date 30-Sep-2020 Disclosure Restriction C1 - Public Document status explanation Draft For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Contents Document Information ..........................2 Contents ............................... 3 System description ..........................6 1.1 Overview ................................ 6 1.2 Architecture ..............................7 1.2.1 Block diagrams ............................ 7 1.3 CPU................................. 8 1.4 Operating modes ............................8 1.4.1 Power modes ............................8 1.5 Supply interfaces ............................
  • Page 4 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual 2.8.3 Downloading the toolchain ......................25 2.9 Output power configuration ........................29 2.9.1 NINA-W10 series ..........................29 2.9.2 NINA-W13/W15 series ........................31 Design-in ............................. 32 3.1 Overview ..............................32 3.2 Supply interfaces ............................32 3.2.1 Module supply (VCC) design ......................
  • Page 5 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Revision history ............................54 Contact ............................... 55 UBX-17005730 - R11 Contents Page 5 of 55 C1 - Public...

  • Page 6: System Description

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual System description 1.1 Overview The NINA-W1 series of wireless and multiradio MCU IoT is suitable for industrial markets where security is important. NINA-W1 includes the following stand-alone modules: Model Description NINA-W13 series Wireless MCU modules integrate a powerful microcontroller (MCU) and a Wi-Fi radio for wireless communication.

  • Page 7: Architecture

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual 1.2 Architecture 1.2.1 Block diagrams PIFA antenna (NINA-W132) VCC (3.0-3.6V) Linear voltage regulators VCC_IO Reset Wi-Fi UART baseband (NINA-W131) GPIO RMII Cryptographic hardware accelerations EFUSE SRAM (4Mbit) 40 MHz Quad SPI Flash (16 Mbit)

  • Page 8: Cpu

    ** Only on NINA-W156. Support in u-connectXpress - pending implementation Figure 3: NINA-W15 series block diagram NINA-W1 series modules use a dual-core system that includes two Harvard Architecture Xtensa LX6 CPUs with maximum 240 MHz internal clock frequency. The internal memory of NINA-W1 supports: •...

  • Page 9: Supply Interfaces

    NINA-W1 series modules include an additional voltage supply input for setting the I/O voltage level. A separate VCC_IO pin enables module integration in many applications with different voltage supply levels (1.8 V or 3.3 V for example) without level converters. NINA-W1 series modules currently support 3.3 V IO levels only.

  • Page 10: Data Interfaces

    1.7 Data interfaces 1.7.1 Universal asynchronous serial interface (UART) For data communication and firmware upgrade purposes, NINA-W1 series modules support an interface comprised of three UARTs. Each UART supports the following signals: • Data lines (RXD as input, TXD as output) •...

  • Page 11: Ethernet (Rmii+Smi)

    NINA-W13 only supports Reduced Media-independent Interface (RMII) from software version 2.0.0 onwards. NINA-W1 series modules include a full RMII for Ethernet MAC to PHY communication over the Station Management Interface (SMI). RMII and SMI use nine signals in total. The RMII and SMI interfaces require an external 50 MHz clock source either from a compatible PHY chip or from an external oscillator.

  • Page 12: Serial Peripheral Interface (Spi)

    RMII_CLK input (GPIO27) at startup. If an RMII clock is discovered, then Ethernet communication is initiated. During startup of NINA-W1 series modules the RMII clock must be started within 100 us, but not before an initial delay of 1.2 ms.

  • Page 13: Antenna Interfaces

    For details on SPI operation, see the application note Communicating with a u-blox module over SPI bus [10]. 1.8 Antenna interfaces Antenna interfaces are different for each module variant in the NINA-W1 series. 1.8.1 Antenna pin – NINA-W1x1 NINA-W1x1 modules are equipped with an RF pin. The pin has a nominal characteristic impedance of 50 Ω...

  • Page 14: Nina-W1X2 And W1X6 Integrated Antennas

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual 1.8.2 NINA-W1x2 and W1x6 integrated antennas To simplify integration, NINA-W1x2 and W1x6 modules are equipped with an integrated antenna. An integrated antenna design means there is no need for an RF trace design on the host PCB. This means less effort is required in the test lab.

  • Page 15: Software

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Software 2.1 NINA-W13 and NINA-W15 u-connectXpress software NINA-W13/W15 stand-alone modules are delivered with embedded u-connectXpress software. Using industry-standard AT commands, this is the software that manages the combination of Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi connectivity supported in NINA-W13 and NINA-W15 standalone modules, specifically: •...

  • Page 16: S-Center Evaluation Software

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual 2.2 s-center evaluation software u-blox s-center client software provides a convenient tool with which to configure u-blox standalone modules. It runs on PCs running Windows XP onwards (x86 and x64) with Net Framework 4.5 or later and is available for download from www.u-blox.com.

  • Page 17: Updating U-Connectxpress Software With S-Center

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual 2.5 Updating u-connectXpress software with s-center The u-connectXpress software, flashed into NINA-W13/W15 modules prior to delivery, is used to validate the hardware, bootloader, and the binary image. The u-connectXpress software runs only on validated hardware.

  • Page 18: Developing And Flashing Nina-W10 Open-Cpu Software

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual +UFWUPD For more information about the parameters, see the software update command u-connectXpress AT commands manual [1], u-blox bootloader protocol specification [11] and u-connectXpress user guide [6]. 2.7 Developing and flashing NINA-W10 open-CPU software...

  • Page 19: Get Esp-Idf V3

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual 2.7.2 Get ESP-IDF v3 ☞ ESP-IDF v3 can be used on NINA-W101/NINA-W102, but has not been verified on NINA-W106. On NINA-W106, use the ESP-IDF v4. source files Espressif ESP-IDF repository located github https://github.com/espressif/esp-idf. mingw32.exe To download the files, open the “...

  • Page 20: Setup Path To Esp-Idf

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Figure 10: Verification of all the downloaded files 2.7.3 Setup path to ESP-IDF IDF_PATH The toolchain for the ESP-IDF uses the environment variable. This variable must be set up for building the projects. export IDF_PATH="C:/git/esp-idf"...
  • Page 21 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Now enter “make menuconfig” to open the ESP-IDF configuration window. You can select and modify a lot of configuration options about the environment using this tool; in this example, only the com port that is used to flash NINA-W10 is modified.
  • Page 22 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Figure 14: Screenshot after entering the filename for the sdkconfig ☞ Make sure your configuration is saved first and then enter Exit to exit the console. Now the project is ready to build, but before building and flashing, NINA-W10 should be prepared to accept the downloaded file.

  • Page 23: Using Esp-Idf V4

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Figure 16: Hello world example as displayed on the monitor 2.7.5 Using ESP-IDF v4 ☞ ESP-IDF v4 is mandatory for NINA-W106. To use ESP-IDF v4, use the appropriate toolchain instructions for your development environment: •...

  • Page 24: Arduino Support For Nina-W10

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual • RESET to IO19 (CTS) • IO0 (IO zero) to IO26 (DSR) The jumpers CTS (J14-8) and DSR (J14-7) should also be removed so that they do not interfere. ☞ It is not possible to use the Hardware Flow control or the DSR signals on the UART while using this setup.

  • Page 25: Downloading From The Git Repository

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\arduino.exe Open the Arduino IDE - " " and then close the program again. Do this to ensure that the folder is created correctly before downloading the Arduino files as mentioned in the next step.
  • Page 26 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Figure 19: Screenshot after selecting "get.exe" ☞ Normally, it takes around 15-30 minutes to download this program. Figure 20: Sample screenshot during download "C:\Program Files Open the Arduino application again from the following location - (x86)\Arduino\arduino.exe"...
  • Page 27 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Figure 21: Screenshot that depicts selection of the ESP32 Dev Module ☞ u-blox NINA-W10 module will soon be added to the list of supported boards. Until then, use the ESP32 Dev Module. UBX-17005730 - R11...
  • Page 28 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Start the WiFiScan example, which is available at the following folder: C:\Users\ user_name \Documents\Arduino\hardware\espressif\esp32\libraries\WiFi\examples\WiFiScan Press the “->” (arrow) button, as shown highlighted in red in the below screenshot (Figure 22), to start the upload to NINA-W10.

  • Page 29: Output Power Configuration

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Figure 24: Sample screenshot of the Wi-Fi scan 2.9 Output power configuration 2.9.1 NINA-W10 series To operate within the regulatory output power limits, the integrator must configure the module as per the instructions in the following subsections.
  • Page 30 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual init_data[67] = 0;//backoff channel 6 init_data[68] = 0;//backoff channel 7 init_data[69] = 0;//backoff channel 8 init_data[70] = 0;//backoff channel 9 init_data[71] = 0;//backoff channel 10 init_data[72] = 14;//backoff channel 11 init_data[73] = 26;//backoff channel 12 init_data[74] = 255;//backoff channel 13...

  • Page 31: Nina-W13/W15 Series

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual init_data[73] = 0x10;//channel 12 init_data[74] = 0x10;//channel 13 init_data[75] = 0xAA;//channel 14 init_data[76] = 0x44; //channel 3, 4 init_data[77] = 0x44; //channel 5, 6 init_data[78] = 0x44; //channel 7, 8 init_data[79] = 0x44; //channel 9, 10 init_data[80] = 0x44;...

  • Page 32: Design-In

    Design-in 3.1 Overview For an optimal integration of NINA-W1 series modules in the final application board, it is recommended to follow the design guidelines stated in this chapter. Every application circuit must be properly designed to guarantee the correct functionality of the related interface, however a number of points require high attention during the design of the application device.

  • Page 33: Antenna Interface

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual • The VCC_IO connection must be as wide and short as possible. • The VCC_IO connection must be routed through a PCB area separated from sensitive analog signals and sensitive functional units. It is a good practice to interpose at least one layer of PCB ground between VCC_IO track and other signal routing.
  • Page 34 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Figure 25: Transmission line trace design To properly design a 50 Ω transmission line, the following remarks should also be considered: • The designer should provide enough clearance from surrounding traces and ground in the same layer;...

  • Page 35: Antenna Design (Nina-W1X1)

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Figure 26: Example of RF trace and ground design from NINA-W1 Evaluation Kit (EVK) Antenna design (NINA-W1x1) 3.3.2 NINA-W1x1 is suited for designs when an external antenna is needed due to mechanical integration or placement of the module.
  • Page 36 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual As a numerical example, the physical restriction to the PCB design can be considered as shown below: Frequency = 2.4 GHz  Wavelength = 12.5 cm  Quarter wavelength = 3.125 cm Radiation performance depends on the whole product and antenna system design, including product mechanical design and usage.
  • Page 37 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Manufacturer Series Remarks Hirose U.FL® Ultra Small Surface Mount Coaxial Connector Recommended I-PEX MHF® Micro Coaxial Connector Tyco UMCC® Ultra-Miniature Coax Connector Amphenol RF AMC® Amphenol Micro Coaxial Lighthorse Technologies, Inc. IPX ultra micro-miniature RF connector Table 4: U.FL compatible plug connector...

  • Page 38: On-Board Antenna Design

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual • Proper placement of the antenna and its surroundings is also critical for antenna performance. Avoid placing the antenna close to conductive or RF-absorbing parts such as metal objects, ferrite sheets and so on as they may absorb part of the radiated power or shift the resonant frequency of the antenna or affect the antenna radiation pattern.
  • Page 39 The NINA-W1x6 has four extra GND pads under the antenna that need to be connected for a good antenna performance. Detailed measurements of the footprint including this extra GND pads can be found in the NINA-W1 series data sheets [3] [4]. •...

  • Page 40: Data Communication Interfaces

    These general design guidelines are considered as best practices and are valid for any bus present in the NINA-W1 series modules. The designer should prioritize the layout of higher speed busses. Low frequency signals are generally not critical for layout.

  • Page 41: General Considerations For Schematic Design And Pcb Floor-Planning

    PCB, the ground ring must then be connected to other layers through vias. 3.6 Module footprint and paste mask The mechanical outline of the NINA-W1 series modules can be found in the NINA-W1 series Data Sheets [2] [3] [4]. The proposed land pattern layout reflects the pads layout of the module.

  • Page 42: Thermal Guidelines

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual The suggested paste mask layout for the NINA-W1 series modules is to follow the copper mask layout as described in the NINA-W1 series Data Sheets [2]/[3]/[4]. ⚠ These are recommendations only and not specifications. The exact mask geometries, distances and stencil thicknesses must be adapted to the specific production processes of the customer.
  • Page 43 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual NINA-W1 is manufactured with consideration to the specific standards for minimizing the occurrence of ESD events. The highly automated process complies with the IEC61340-5-1 (STM5.2-1999 Class M1 devices) standard. Consequently, the designer should implement proper measures to protect from ESD events on any pin that may be exposed to the end user.

  • Page 44: Handling And Soldering

    The bow and twist of the PCB is maximum 0.75% according to IPC-A-610E. The thickness of solder resist between the host PCB top side and the bottom side of the NINA-W1 series module must be considered for the soldering process.

  • Page 45: Cleaning

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Process parameter Unit Value Pre-heat Ramp up rate to T SMIN °C SMIN °C SMAX (from +25 °C) (Pre-heat) 60 to 120 Peak °C (time above T 40 to 60 (absolute max) °C Cooling...

  • Page 46: Other Remarks

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual 4.3.3 Other remarks • Only a single reflow soldering process is allowed for boards with a module populated on it. • Boards with combined through-hole technology (THT) components and surface-mount technology (SMT) devices may require wave soldering to solder the THT components. Only a single wave Miniature Wave Selective soldering process is allowed for boards populated with the modules.

  • Page 47: Approvals

    • Any changes to hardware, hosts or co-location configuration may require new radiated emission and SAR evaluation and/or testing. • The regulatory compliance of NINA-W1 series does not exempt the end product from being evaluated against applicable regulatory demands; for example, FCC Part 15B criteria for unintentional radiators [9].

  • Page 48: Antenna Requirements

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual 5.2.3 Antenna requirements In addition to the general requirement to use only authorized antennas, the u-blox grant also requires a separation distance of at least 20 cm from the antenna to all persons. Also, the antenna must not be co-located with any other antenna or transmitter (simultaneous transmission) as well.

  • Page 49: Product Testing

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Product testing 6.1 u-blox In-Series production test u-blox focuses on high quality for its products. All units produced are fully tested automatically in production line. Stringent quality control process has been implemented in the production line.

  • Page 50: Go/No Go" Tests For Integrated Devices

    A basic RF functional test of the device including the antenna can be performed with standard Bluetooth low energy devices as remote stations. The device containing the NINA-W1 series module and the antennas should be arranged in a fixed position inside an RF shield box to prevent interferences from other possible radio devices to get stable test results.

  • Page 51: Appendix

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Appendix A Glossary Abbreviation Definition Automotive Electronics Council Automatic Frequency Adaption Access Point Arm (Advanced RISC Machines) Holdings ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange Automatic Test Equipment Battery Backed RAM Bit Error Rate...
  • Page 52 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition NSMD Non Solder Mask Defined Original Equipment Manufacturer Printed Circuit Board Radio Frequency RMII Reduced Media-independent Interface Read-only Memory RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator Real-Time Clock Software Development Kit SubMiniature version A...

  • Page 53: Related Documents

    NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Related documents u-blox short range AT commands manual, UBX-14044127 NINA-W13 series data sheet, UBX-17006694 NINA-W10 series data sheet, UBX-17065507 NINA-W15 series data sheet, UBX-18006647 u-blox Package Information Guide, UBX-14001652 u-connectXpress user guide, UBX-16024251 EVK-NINA-W1/EVK-NINA-B2 user guide,...
  • Page 54 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Revision history Revision Date Name Comments 23-Mar-2017 fbro Initial release. 30-Jun-2017 mwej, cmag Updated the product status to Engineering Sample. Added info about band pass filter. Updated best conducted Wi-Fi sensitivity -96 dBm (section 1.3.1). Added additional information about software update (sections 2.3 and 2.5).
  • Page 55 NINA-W1 series - System integration manual Contact For complete contact information, visit us at www.u-blox.com. u-blox Offices North, Central and South America Headquarters Asia, Australia, Pacific Europe, Middle East, Africa u-blox America, Inc. u-blox Singapore Pte. Ltd. u-blox AG Phone:...

This manual is also suitable for:

Nina-w101Nina-w102Nina-w106Nina-w131Nina-w132Nina-w151 ... Show all

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