Ublox NINA-B3 Series System Integration Manual

Stand-alone bluetooth 5 low energy modules
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

NINA-B3 series
Stand-alone Bluetooth 5 low energy modules
System integration manual
Abstract
This document describes the system integration of the NINA-B3 series stand-alone Bluetooth 5 low
energy modules.
UBX-17056748 - R13
C1-Public
www.u-blox.com

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Ublox NINA-B3 Series

  • Page 1 NINA-B3 series Stand-alone Bluetooth 5 low energy modules System integration manual Abstract This document describes the system integration of the NINA-B3 series stand-alone Bluetooth 5 low energy modules. UBX-17056748 - R13 www.u-blox.com C1-Public...
  • Page 2: Document Information

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Document information Title NINA-B3 series Subtitle Stand-alone Bluetooth 5 low energy modules Document type System integration manual Document number UBX-17056748 Revision and date 14-Jan-2022 Disclosure restriction C1-Public Document status descriptions Draft For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Contents Document information ..........................2 Contents ................................3 System description ..........................6 1.1 Overview and applications ........................6 1.2 Architecture ..............................8 1.2.1 Block diagrams ............................ 8 1.2.2 Hardware options ..........................8 1.2.3 Software options ..........................8 1.3 Pin configuration and function .........................
  • Page 4 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 2.4 Flashing NINA-B30 open CPU software ....................31 2.4.1 Flashing over the SWD interface ....................31 Design-in ..............................32 3.1 Overview ..............................32 3.2 Design for NINA family ..........................32 3.3 Antenna interface .............................32 3.3.1 RF transmission line design (NINA-B3x1 only) ................33 3.3.2 Antenna design (NINA-B3x1 only) ....................34...
  • Page 5 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 5.2.3 Antenna selection ..........................50 5.2.4 IEEE 802.15.4 channel map limitation ..................50 5.2.5 Change in ID/Multiple Listing process..................50 5.2.6 End product verification requirements ..................51 5.2.7 End product labelling requirements .....................51 5.2.8 End product user manual requirements ..................52 5.3 MIC - Japanese market ..........................53...
  • Page 6: System Description

    The internal PIFA antenna is specifically designed for the small NINA form factor and provides an extensive range. The NINA-B3 series is globally certified for use with the internal antenna or a range of external antennas. This greatly reduces time, cost, and effort for customers integrating the NINA-B3 in their designs.
  • Page 7 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Table 1: NINA-B30 series main features summary ⚠ Regulations in the European market require the maximum output power of the radio to be limited. See also ETSI – European market. UBX-17056748 - R13 System description...
  • Page 8: Architecture

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 1.2 Architecture 1.2.1 Block diagrams Figure 1 shows the block diagram of the NINA-B3 series. The 32.768 kHz crystal not part of NINA-B306-01B. Nordic Semiconductor 1.3 V nRF52840 PIFA antenna (NINA-B3x2) VCC (1.7 - 3.6 V)
  • Page 9: Pin Configuration And Function

    1.4.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO) On NINA-B3 series modules, the I/O voltage level is the same as the supply voltage and VCC_IO is internally connected to the supply input VCC. When using NINA-B3 with a battery, the I/O voltage level will vary with the battery output voltage, depending on the charge of the battery.
  • Page 10: System Function Interfaces

    DC/DC efficiency quickly degrades as idle current drops below a few mA, greatly reducing the battery life. Due to the low current consumption and wide voltage range of the NINA-B3 series module, a battery can be used as a main supply. The capacity of the battery should be selected to match the application.
  • Page 11: Serial Peripheral Interface (Spi)

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual The UART can be used as both a 4-wire UART with hardware flow control and a 2-wire UART with only TXD and RXD. If using the UART in 2-wire mode, CTS should be connected to GND on the NINA-B3 module.
  • Page 12: I2C Interface

    1.7.5 USB 2.0 interface The NINA-B3 series modules include a full speed Universal Serial Bus (USB) device interface compliant with version 2.0 of the USB specification. The pin configuration of the USB interface is provided below: •...
  • Page 13: Analog Interfaces

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 1.8.1 Analog interfaces Eight out of the 38 digital GPIOs 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.
  • Page 14: Antenna Interfaces

    Table 6: Possible uses of the analog pin 1.9 Antenna interfaces ☞ The antenna interface is different for each module variant in the NINA-B3 series. 1.9.1 Antenna pin – NINA-B3x1 NINA-B3x1 is equipped with an RF pin. The RF pin has a nominal characteristic impedance of 50 Ω and must be connected to the antenna through a 50 Ω...
  • Page 15: Integrated Antenna - Nina-B3X2/B3X6

    RF trace design on the host PCB. By using NINA-B3x2 or NINA-B3x6, the certification of NINA-B3 series modules can be reused, thus minimizing the effort needed in the test lab. NINA-B3x2 modules use an internal metal sheet PIFA antenna, while the NINA-B3x6 modules have a PCB trace antenna that uses antenna technology licensed from Proant AB.
  • Page 16: Software

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Software NINA-B3 series modules can be used either with the pre-flashed u-connectXpress software, or as an open CPU module in which you can run your own application developed with the Nordic SDK development environment inside the NINA-B3 module.
  • Page 17: Open Cpu

    Getting started on the Nordic nRF5 SDK When working with the Nordic SDK on the NINA-B3 series module, follow the steps below to get started with the Nordic Semiconductor toolchain and examples: 1. Download and install the nRF Connect application and install the Programmer app, which allows programming over SWD, from www.nordicsemi.com.
  • Page 18 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual #define LEDS_LIST { LED_1, LED_2 } #define LEDS_INV_MASK LEDS_MASK #define BSP_LED_0 LED_1 #define BSP_LED_1 LED_2 // #define BSP_LED_2 LED_3 #define BUTTONS_NUMBER 2 #define BUTTON_1 // SWITCH_1 #define BUTTON_2 // SWITCH_2 #define BUTTON_PULL NRF_GPIO_PIN_PULLUP #define...
  • Page 19 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual #define RASPBERRY_PI_15_PIN NRF_GPIO_PIN_MAP(0, 17) #define RASPBERRY_PI_19_PIN NRF_GPIO_PIN_MAP(0, 21) #define RASPBERRY_PI_21_PIN NRF_GPIO_PIN_MAP(0, 23) #define RASPBERRY_PI_23_PIN NRF_GPIO_PIN_MAP(0, 7) #define RASPBERRY_PI_27_PIN NRF_GPIO_PIN_MAP(0, 26) #define RASPBERRY_PI_29_PIN NRF_GPIO_PIN_MAP(1, 15) #define RASPBERRY_PI_31_PIN NRF_GPIO_PIN_MAP(1, 11) #define RASPBERRY_PI_33_PIN NRF_GPIO_PIN_MAP(1, 3) #define RASPBERRY_PI_35_PIN...
  • Page 20 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual You can use the following procedure to build from both your custom board and u-blox EVK to test your code on different platforms: 1. Add a build configuration in the Segger Studio project. Figure 4 Add a build configuration to Segger Studio 2.
  • Page 21: Zephyr

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual clock source configuration To configure your application for use with an internal RC oscillator or external LFXO in the Nordic SDK, see reference [18]. 2.2.2 Zephyr Zephyr [19] is a widely adopted open-source Real Time Operating System (RTOS) that is supported on a multitude of chipsets, including the nRF52840 chip in the NINA-B3 module.
  • Page 22: Saving Bluetooth Mac Address And Other Production Data

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Figure 6 Opening blinky sample for the NINA-B3 EVK Building for NINA-B3 EVK using the Zephyr command-line environment To build and flash the Zephyr “blinky” example for the NINA-B3 EVK, move to the zephyr folder in your...
  • Page 23: Support - Nordic Development Forum

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual For additional information about saving and using the public Bluetooth device address, see the Using the public IEEE address from UICR application note [17]. 2.2.4 Support – Nordic development forum For support related to the Nordic nRF5 SDK or nRF Connect SDK, refer to the Nordic development zone website at: https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/.
  • Page 24 NINA-B3 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-B31X- file from the unzipped u-connectXpress container. CF-<version>.json 7. Select Update. The module then reboots using the secure bootloader and flashing of both the SoftDevice and application starts automatically.
  • Page 25 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual ☞ In contrast to the s-center configuration, UART hardware flow is not used for updating software using AT commands. The file download uses standard XMODEM-CRC16 protocol and 128 byte packets. 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.
  • Page 26 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Parameter Type Description <mode> Enumerator Download mode: 0: Update mode for the ConnectivitySoftware through the serial port 1: Bootloader mode for update of the SoftDevice through the serial port. Enumerator Baud rate in bits per second: 115200 (default), 230400, 460800, or 921600 <baud rate>...
  • Page 27 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 5. Setup the serial port and connection. Set “Speed” to 115200 with all other parameters set to default. Select New setting. 2.3.1.2.2 Updating u-connectXpress connectivity software only ☞ You can send AT text commands to NINA-B3 to execute tasks using open-source terminal emulator software that supports XMODEM, like TeraTerm or ExtraPuTTy.
  • Page 28 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 4. While the bootloader is running, send the u-connectXpress NINA-B31X-SW-3.0.0-0.005.bin file to NINA-B3. The file is sent using XMODEM protocol. 5. Once the binary file has been sent, NINA-B3 displays the greeting text +STARTUP. Enter the Software version identification AT+GMR command again to make sure that the latest software version is now installed.
  • Page 29 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual signature Vr7suDAz7RlsI..a9uS0fdWDM5Vd6BNT7fVubi2JLvc5k+QCJotbYyGChmjfHhx16o2BA== image_id image_name NINA-S140-SD-6.1.1 image_addr 00000000 size 00025DE8 permissions rw------ signature KHIsyhdHDIwzWf9..WGhe4vy6jj3kUnSosh6rrcIxqfcUDVQ4T1NwIy3wsR7SDWzE8ZmOHiU0/IEFHKY > 4. Store the SoftDevice signature. Enter the configuration action command together with the SoftDevice values for defined in the file <imageid>...
  • Page 30 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 7. Having flashed the SoftDevice, you now flash the connectivity software in the same way. To initially store the signature of the connectivity software, enter the configuration action command “ ” together with the ConnectivitySoftware values defined in <imageid>...
  • Page 31: Flashing Nina-B30 Open Cpu Software

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 2.4 Flashing NINA-B30 open CPU software The NINA-B30 open CPU module can be flashed over the SWD interface. 2.4.1 Flashing over the SWD interface For SWD flashing, an external debugger must be connected to the SWD interface of the NINA-B30 module.
  • Page 32: Design-In

    NINA-B1. Because of this and to enable more GPIO pins underneath the module, the size of the NINA-B3 series needs to be increased. For instance, the module size of the NINA B3x2 is 10 x 15.0 mm as compared to the NINA-B112, which is 10 x 14.0 mm.
  • Page 33: Rf Transmission Line Design (Nina-B3X1 Only)

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual ⚠ According to FCC regulations, the transmission line from the module antenna pin to the antenna or antenna connector on the host PCB is considered part of the approved antenna design. Therefore, module integrators must either follow exactly one of the antenna reference designs used for the FCC type approval of the module or certify their own designs.
  • Page 34: Antenna Design (Nina-B3X1 Only)

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual RF trace length must be minimized to reduce dielectric losses. If traces longer than a few centimeters are needed, it is recommended to use a coaxial connector and cable to reduce losses. Stack-up should allow for thick 50  traces and at least 200 µm of trace width is recommended to ensure good impedance control over the PCB manufacturing process.
  • Page 35 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual • External antennas, such as a linear monopole: External antennas basically do not impose any physical restrictions on the design of the PCB where the module is mounted. The radiation performance mainly depends on the antennas. It is required to select antennas with optimal radiating performance in the operating bands.
  • Page 36 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual While selecting external or internal antennas, the following recommendations should be observed: • Select antennas that provide optimal return loss (or VSWR) figure over all the operating frequencies. • Select antennas that provide optimal efficiency figure over all the operating frequencies.
  • Page 37: On-Board Antenna

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual The following recommendations apply for proper layout of the connector: • Strictly follow the connector manufacturer’s recommended layout: SMA Pin-Through-Hole connectors require GND keep-out (clearance or void area) on all the layers around the central pin up to annular pads of the four GND posts.
  • Page 38 The NINA-B3x6 has 4 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-B3 series data sheet [2]. •...
  • Page 39: Supply Interfaces

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual >10 >10 >10 Figure 13: Extend GND plane outside the NINA-B3x6 module 3,1mm Figure 14: Size of the GND cut out for the NINA-B3x6 module 3.4 Supply interfaces 3.4.1 Module supply design For correct RF performance, a good connection of the module VCC pin with DC supply source is necessary.
  • Page 40: Serial Interfaces

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual There is no strict requirement for adding bypass capacitance to the supply net close to the module. But depending on the layout of the supply net and other consumers on the same net, bypass capacitors might still be beneficial.
  • Page 41: Battery Protection

    3.7 General High Speed layout guidelines These general design guidelines are considered as best practices and are valid for any bus present in NINA-B3 series modules; the designer should prioritize the layout of higher speed buses. Low frequency signals are generally not critical for layout.
  • Page 42: Module Placement

    PCB, and the ground ring must then be connected to other layers through vias. 3.8 Module footprint and paste mask The mechanical outline of the NINA-B3 series module can be found in the NINA-B3 series data sheet [2]. The proposed land pattern layout reflects the pad’s layout of the module.
  • Page 43: Thermal Guidelines

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 3.9 Thermal guidelines NINA-B3 series modules have been successfully tested from -40 °C to +85 °C. NINA-B3 series modules are low power devices that generate only a small amount of heat during operation. A good grounding should still be observed for temperature relief during high ambient temperatures.
  • Page 44: Handling And Soldering

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Handling and soldering ⚠ NINA-B3 series modules are Electrostatic Sensitive Devices that demand the observance of special handling precautions against electrostatic damage. Failure to observe these precautions can result in severe damage to the product.
  • Page 45: Reflow Soldering Process

    4.3.1 Reflow soldering process NINA-B3 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.
  • Page 46: Cleaning

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 4.3.2 Cleaning Cleaning the modules is not recommended. Residues underneath the modules cannot be easily removed with a washing process. • Cleaning with water will lead to capillary effects where water is absorbed in the gap between the baseboard and the module.
  • Page 47: Regulatory Information And Requirements

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Regulatory information and requirements NINA-B3 series modules are certified for use in different regions and countries such as Europe, USA and Canada. See the NINA-B3 series data sheet for a list of approved countries/regions where NINA-B3 modules are approved for use.
  • Page 48: Safety Compliance

    Implementation in the NINA-B30 series An integrator of the open CPU variant of the NINA-B3 series on the European market must make sure that an end user cannot in any way configure the output power of the radio to 10 dBm EIRP or above.
  • Page 49: Fcc/Ised - Us/Canadian Markets

    5.2.1 Compliance statements The NINA-B3 series modules comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Industry Canada license- exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2.
  • Page 50: Antenna Selection

    Implementation in NINA-B30 series Integrators of the open CPU variant of the NINA-B3 series will have to make a “change in FCC ID” filing to inherit the test results of the u-blox FCC compliance tests. In this filing process it must be made clear that the software application has been limited to not use channel 26, and that it cannot be ‘unlocked’...
  • Page 51: End Product Verification Requirements

    Conformity (SDoC) or to certify the product using an accredited test lab. 5.2.7 End product labelling requirements US market An end product using the NINA-B3 series modules must have a label containing, at least, the information shown in Figure 18 Figure 19.
  • Page 52: End Product User Manual Requirements

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual ☞ When the device is so small or for such use that it is not practicable to place the statement above on it, the information shall be placed in a prominent location in the instruction manual or pamphlet supplied to the user or, alternatively, shall be placed on the container in which the device is marketed.
  • Page 53: Mic - Japanese Market

    5.3 MIC - Japanese market 5.3.1 Compliance statement The NINA-B3 series modules comply with the Japanese Technical Regulation Conformity Certification of Specified Radio Equipment (ordinance of MPT N°. 37, 1981), Article 2, Paragraph 1: • Item 19 "2.4 GHz band wide band low power data communication system".
  • Page 54: End Product Labelling Requirement

    The required minimum size of the Giteki mark is Ø3.0 mm. 5.3.4 End product user manual requirement As the MIC ID is not included on the NINA-B3 series label, the end product manufacturer must include a copy of the NINA-B3 Japan Radio Certificate to the end product technical documentation. ☞...
  • Page 55: End Product Labelling Requirement

    ISM radio wave radiated devices. 5.4.2 End product labelling requirement When a product integrating a NINA-B3 series module is placed on the Taiwanese market, the product must be affixed with a label or marking containing at least the following information: NINA-B301 Label Contains Transmitter Module 內含發射器模組:...
  • Page 56: Kcc - South Korean Market

    5.5.2 End product labeling requirements When a product containing a NINA-B3 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:...
  • Page 57: End Product User Manual Requirements

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual R-C-ULX-NINA-B31 Figure 28: Sample label of an end product that includes a NINA-B31 series module 5.5.3 End product user manual requirements The KCC logo and NINA-B3 certification numbers described in the KCC end-product labeling requirements must also be included in the end products user manual.
  • Page 58: South Africa Regulatory Compliance

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual More information on registration as a Responsible Integrator and labeling requirements will be found at the following websites: Australian Communications and Media Authority web site http://www.acma.gov.au/. New Zealand Radio Spectrum Management Group web site www.rsm.govt.nz.
  • Page 59: Pre-Approved Antennas List

    Specific to the South African market  The end product labelling requirements are fulfilled. 5.10 Pre-approved antennas list This section lists the different external antennas that are pre-approved for use with NINA-B3 series modules. ☞ Note that not all antennas are approved for use in all markets/regions.
  • Page 60: Antenna Accessories

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual 5.10.1 Antenna accessories Name U.FL to SMA adapter cable Connector U.FL and SMA jack (outer thread and pin receptacle) Impedance 50 Ω Minimum cable loss 0.5 dB, The cable loss must be above the minimum cable loss to meet the regulatory requirements.
  • Page 61 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual GW.26.0111 Manufacturer Taoglas Polarization Vertical Gain +2.0 dBi Impedance 50 Ω Size Ø 7.9 x 30.0 mm Type Monopole Connector SMA (M) . Comment To be mounted with the U.FL to SMA adapter cable.
  • Page 62 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Ex-It 2400 Foldable RP-SMA Manufacturer ProAnt Polarization Vertical Gain +3.0 dBi Impedance 50 Ω Size Ø 10 x 83 mm Type Monopole Connector Reverse Polarity SMA plug (inner thread and pin receptacle) Comment To be mounted with the U.FL to Reverse Polarity SMA adapter cable.
  • Page 63: Product Testing

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Product testing 6.1 u-blox in-line production testing As part of our focus on high quality products, u-blox maintain stringent quality controls throughout the production process. This means that all units in our manufacturing facilities are fully tested and that any identified defects are carefully analyzed to improve future production quality.
  • Page 64: Oem Manufacturer Production Test

    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-B3 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 65: Appendix

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Appendix A Glossary Abbreviation Definition Analog to digital converter Automatic test equipment Bluetooth low energy Clear To send Data/Command signal Dual-Data rate Electro Magnetic Compatibility Electro Magnetic Interference Electro static discharge Federal Communications Commission...
  • Page 66 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition Thread Networking protocol for Internet of Things (IoT) "smart" home automation devices to communicate on a local wireless mesh network Through-Hole Technology Transmit data UART Universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter UICR User information configuration registers...
  • Page 67: B Antenna Reference Designs

    This approach requires compliance with the following rules: • Only listed antennas can be used. Refer to NINA-B3 series data sheet for the listed antennas. • Schematics and parts used in the design must be identical to the reference design. Use only parts validated by u-blox for antenna matching.
  • Page 68: Floor Plan

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual B.1.1 Floor plan This section describes where the critical components and copper traces are positioned on the reference design. Figure 31: NINA-B301/B311 antenna reference design Reference Part Manufacturer Description NINA-B301/B311 u-blox NINA-B3 module with antenna pin U.FL-R-SMT-1(10)
  • Page 69 NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Reference Item Value Spacing 200 +/- 50 μm Conductor width 300 +/- 30 μm (match as close to 50 Ω as possible) Copper and plating/surface 35 +/- 15 μm coating thickness Conductor height 150 +/- 20 μm 3.77 +/- 0.5 @ 2 GHz...
  • Page 70: Related Documents

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Related documents u-blox package information guide, UBX-14001652 NINA-B3 series data sheet, UBX-17052099 EVK-NINA-B3 user guide, UBX-17056481 u-connectXpress AT commands manual, UBX-14044127 u-connectXpress bootloader protocol specification, UBX-17065404 s-center user guide, UBX-16012261 JEDEC J-STD-020C - Moisture/Reflow Sensitivity Classification for Non Hermetic Solid State Surface Mount Devices.
  • Page 71: Revision History

    NINA-B3 series - System integration manual Revision history Revision Date Name Comments 16-Nov-2017 apet, ajoh, Initial release. ajah, kgom 22-Mar-2018 apet Removed references to application development using Arm Mbed NINA-B30x open CPU modules. 8-Jun-2018 apet, kgom Updated Nordic SDK section to SDKv15 (section 2.2.1). Updated flashing instructions in Flashing the NINA-B31 u-blox connectivity software (section 2.3).
  • Page 72: Contact

    NINA-B3 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-b301Nina-b302Nina-b306Nina-b311Nina-b312Nina-b316

Table of Contents