Ublox NORA-W36 Series System Integration Manual
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Ublox NORA-W36 Series System Integration Manual

Stand-alone dual-band wi-fi and bluetooth modules
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NORA-W36 series
Stand-alone dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules
System integration manual
Abstract
This manual describes the system integration of the NORA-W36 series stand-alone, dual-band Wi-
Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy modules. The modules are ultra-compact, cost-efficient, multi-radio
modules in the NORA form factor, designed for a wide range of industrial applications. This module
series includes variants with or without an internal antenna. These modules feature a number of
useful embedded security features, including secure boot that ensures that only authenticated
software can run on the module. NORA-W36 modules are ideal for critical IoT applications where
security is important. The modules connect to a host system using high-speed UART interface.
UBX-22021120 - R01
C1-Public
www.u-blox.com

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Summary of Contents for Ublox NORA-W36 Series

  • Page 1 System integration manual Abstract This manual describes the system integration of the NORA-W36 series stand-alone, dual-band Wi- Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy modules. The modules are ultra-compact, cost-efficient, multi-radio modules in the NORA form factor, designed for a wide range of industrial applications. This module series includes variants with or without an internal antenna.

  • Page 2: Document Information

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Document information Title NORA-W36 series Subtitle Stand-alone dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules Document type System integration manual Document number UBX-22021120 Revision and date 16-Oct-2023 Disclosure restriction C1-Public Product status Corresponding content status Functional sample Draft For functional testing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Contents Document information ..........................2 Contents ................................3 Module overview ............................ 6 1.1 Module architecture ........................... 6 1.1.1 Block diagram ............................7 Module integration ..........................8 2.1 Power management ........................... 8 2.1.1 System supply (VDD) and digital I/O reference ................8 2.1.2 Power supply configuration ......................
  • Page 4 NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 3.7.2 Layout checklist ..........................24 Software ..............................25 4.1 NORA-W36 u-connectXpress software ....................25 4.2 Software update ............................26 4.2.1 Updating with s-center2 .........................26 4.2.2 Updating with Terminal ........................26 4.3 Wi-Fi MAC and Bluetooth device addresses and other production data ........27 Handling and soldering ........................
  • Page 5 NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 6.11.2 Pre-approved antenna list.......................43 Product testing ........................... 45 7.1 u-blox in-line production testing ......................45 7.2 OEM manufacturer production test .....................46 7.3 “Go/No go” tests for integrated devices ....................46 Appendix ............................... 47 Glossary ..............................47 Related documentation ...........................

  • Page 6: Module Overview

    The modules support operation in an extended temperature range of –40°C to +105°C and are qualified for professional grade applications. 1.1 Module architecture NORA-W36 series modules are based on the Realtek RTL8720DF chip. Module variants allow developers to select either an external antenna with NORA-W361 or an on-module antenna with NORA-W366.

  • Page 7: Block Diagram

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 1.1.1 Block diagram Figure 1: NORA-W36 series block diagram UBX-22021120 - R01 Module overview Page 7 of 48 C1-Public...

  • Page 8: Module Integration

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Module integration NORA-W36 must be integrated together with a host CPU system, as shown in Figure Figure 2: NORA-W36 integration in host system The module is controlled by the host CPU using the nRESET and UART signals. The power supply is sourced from the VCC and VIO pins.

  • Page 9: Vdd Application Circuits

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 2.1.3 VDD application circuits The power to NORA-W36 series modules is applied through the VDD pins. These supplies are taken from either of the following sources: • SMPS • LDO An SMPS is the ideal design choice when the available primary supply source is significantly higher than the operating supply voltage of the module.

  • Page 10: Deep Sleep

    For more information about this and other commands, see also the u-connectXpress AT command manual [12]. 2.4 Antenna integration Antenna interfaces are different for each module variant in the NORA-W36 series. The modules support either an internal antenna (NORA-W366) or external antennas connected through a dedicated antenna pin (NORA-W361).

  • Page 11: Internal Antenna

    Boots the u-connectXpress application. High (1), Low (0) High (1), High (1) Table 2: NORA-W36 series boot mode pins The internal pull up values are the default states for NORA-W36 on boot. For information about updating the software, see also u-connectXpress software.

  • Page 12: U-Connectxpress Software Debug Output

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 2.7 u-connectXpress software debug output For debugging purposes, the NORA-W36 u-connectXpress software allows diagnostic logging data to be sent over a secondary UART interface. The serial data is transmitted to the DBG_TX pin at a baud rate of 115 200 bps.

  • Page 13: Design-In

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Design-in Follow the design guidelines stated in this chapter to optimize the integration of NORA-W36 series modules in your application board. 3.1 Overview Although all application circuits must be properly designed, there are several points that demand special attention during application design.

  • Page 14: Rf Transmission Line Design (Nora-W361)

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 3.2.1 RF transmission line design (NORA-W361) RF transmission lines, such as the ones from the ANT pad up to the related internal antenna pad, must be designed so that the characteristic impedance is as close as possible to 50 .

  • Page 15: Antenna Design (Nora-W361)

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual • Ensure solid metal connection of the adjacent metal layer on the PCB stack-up to main ground layer, providing enough vias on the adjacent metal layer. • Route RF transmission lines far from any noise source (for example, switching supplies and digital lines) and from any sensitive circuit to avoid crosstalk between RF traces and high impedance or analog signals.
  • Page 16 NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Table 3 summarizes the requirements for the antenna RF interface: Item Requirements Remarks Impedance The impedance of the antenna RF connection must match 50  nominal characteristic impedance the 50  impedance of the ANT pin.
  • Page 17 NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Typically, the RF plug is available as a cable assembly. Different types of cable assembly are available; the end product designer should select the cable assembly best suited to the application. The key characteristics of a suitable cable assembly include: •...

  • Page 18: Nora-W361 U.fl Reference Design

    The NORA-W3x6 has six 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 NORA-W36 series datasheet [2]. •...
  • Page 19 NORA-W36 series - System integration manual • At least 10 mm clearance between the antenna and the casing is recommended. If the clearance is less than 10 mm, the antenna performance can be adversely affected. • The module shall be placed such that the antenna faces outwards from the product and is not obstructed by any external items in close vicinity of the products intended use case.

  • Page 20: Data Communication Interfaces

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 3.3 Data communication interfaces 3.3.1 Asynchronous serial interface (UART) design The layout of the UART bus should be implemented so that noise injection and cross talk are avoided. It is advisable to use the hardware flow control with RTS/CTS to prevent temporary UART buffer overrun.

  • Page 21: Layout And Manufacturing

    3.5 Module footprint and paste mask Figure 7 shows the pin layout of NORA-W36 series modules. The proposed land pattern layout complements the pin layout of the module. Both Solder Mask Defined (SMD) and Non-Solder Mask Defined (NSMD) pins can be used with adherence to the following considerations: ☞...

  • Page 22: Thermal Guidelines

    PCB, typically 100-120 μm. Figure 7: NORA-W36 mechanical outline 3.6 Thermal guidelines The NORA-W36 series modules have been successfully tested at -40 °C to +105 °C. A good grounding should be observed for temperature relief during high ambient temperature. 3.7 ESD guidelines...
  • Page 23 NORA-W36 series - System integration manual ETSI EN 301 489-1 The ESD immunity test is performed at the enclosure port, defined by as the physical boundary through which the electromagnetic field radiates. If the device implements an integral antenna, the enclosure port is seen as all insulating and conductive surfaces housing the device.

  • Page 24: Schematic Checklist

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 3.7.1 Schematic checklist  All module pins have been properly numbered and designated in the schematic (including thermal pins).  Power supply design complies with the specification.  The power sequence has been properly implemented.

  • Page 25: Software

    4.1 NORA-W36 u-connectXpress software NORA-W36 stand-alone modules are delivered with embedded u-connectXpress software. Typical examples of the applications and use cases supported by NORA-W36 series modules include: • Connection of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) sensors to the cloud over Wi-Fi •...

  • Page 26: Software Update

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 4.2 Software update NORA-W36 u-connectXpress software includes a bootloader for flashing the module over the UART interface. The file download uses standard XMODEM protocol. You can update the software using the u-blox s-center 2 [13] or using third-party Terminal software like TeraTerm.

  • Page 27: Wi-Fi Mac And Bluetooth Device Addresses And Other Production Data

    4.3 Wi-Fi MAC and Bluetooth device addresses and other production data NORA-W36 series modules are assigned a block of four MAC addresses. The first Wi-Fi MAC address (base address) is encoded in the Data Matrix on the label. For data matrix details, see the NORA-W36 datasheet and product labelling requirements for each region.

  • Page 28: Handling And Soldering

    5.2 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-W36 series data sheet Packaging information reference guide [1].

  • Page 29: Reflow Soldering Process

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 5.3 Reflow soldering process NORA-W36 series modules are surface mounted devices supplied in a Land Grid Array (LGA) package with gold-plated solder lands. The modules are manufactured in a lead-free process with lead-free soldering paste.

  • Page 30: Cleaning

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual ☞ After reflow soldering, optical inspection of the modules is recommended to verify proper alignment. 5.3.1 Cleaning Cleaning the modules is not recommended. Residues underneath the modules cannot be easily removed with a washing process.

  • Page 31: Regulatory Compliance

    NORA-W36 module into an end-product. • Any deviation from the process described may cause the NORA-W36 series module not to comply with the regulatory authorizations of the module and thus void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

  • Page 32: Compliance With The Rohs Directive

    Pre-approved antenna list. 6.2.2 Compliance with the RoHS directive NORA-W36 series modules comply with the Directive 2011/65/EU (EU RoHS 2) and its amendment Directive (EU) 2015/863 (EU RoHS 3). 6.3 Great Britain regulatory compliance (pending) For information about the regulatory compliance of NORA-W36 series modules against requirements and provisions in Great Britain, see also the NORA-W3 UKCA Declaration of Conformity [11].

  • Page 33: United States Compliance Statement (Fcc)

    KDB 996369 D04 Module Integration Guide 6.4.1 United States compliance statement (FCC) NORA-W36 series modules have modular approval and comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2.

  • Page 34: Canada Compliance Statement (Ised)

    6.4.2 Canada compliance statement (ISED) NORA-W36 series modules are certified for use in accordance with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Radio Standards Specification (RSS) RSS-247 Issue 2 and RSS-Gen. Table 8 shows the ISED certification IDs allocated to NORA-W36 series modules.

  • Page 35: Referring To The U-Blox Fcc/Ised Certification Id

    ☞ The approval type for all NORA-W36 series variants is a single modular approval. Due to ISED Modular Approval Requirements (Source: RSP-100 Issue 10), any application which includes the module must be approved by the module manufacturer (u-blox). The application manufacturer must provide design data for the review procedure.

  • Page 36: Antenna Requirements

    6.4.6 Configuration control and software security of end products ☞ “Modular transmitter” hereafter refers to NORA-W36 series (FCC ID XPYNORAW3). As the end product must comply with the requirements addressed by the OET KDB 594280 [8], the host product integrating the NORA-W36 must comply with the following requirements: •...

  • Page 37: Operating Frequencies

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual • The configuration of the modular transmitter when installed into the host product must be within the authorization of the modular transmitter at all times and cannot be changed to include unauthorized modes of operation through accessible interfaces of the host product. The Wi-Fi Tx output power limits approved by FCC grant must be followed.

  • Page 38: End Product Labeling Requirements

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual The channels allowed while operating under the definition of a master or client device are described Table Channel center Channel number Master device Client device Remarks frequency [MHz] 1 – 11 2412 – 2462 12 –...

  • Page 39: Japan Radio Equipment Compliance (Pending)

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Contains FCC ID: XPYNORAW3 This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference, and This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 40: Compliance Statement

    • Item 19-3-2 “Low power data communications system in the 5.6 GHz band” The NORA-W36 series module is restricted on the Japanese market to be used indoors only if the product is operating in the 5.2/5.3 GHz band. Table 10 shows the Giteki certification IDs allocated to NORA-W36 series modules.

  • Page 41: Ncc Taiwan Compliance (Pending)

    ISM radio wave radiated devices. 6.7.2 Labeling requirements for end product End products based on NORA-W36 series modules and targeted for distribution in Taiwan must carry labels with the textual and graphical elements shown below. Contains Transmitter Module 內含發射器模組...

  • Page 42: Australia And New Zealand Regulatory Compliance (Pending)

    Management Group web site www.rsm.govt.nz. 6.10 South Africa regulatory compliance (pending) NORA-W36 series modules are compliant and certified by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). End products that are made available for sale or lease or supplied in any other manner in South Africa shall have a legible label permanently affixed to its exterior surface.

  • Page 43: Approved Antennas

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 6.11 Approved antennas 6.11.1 Antenna accessories Name U.FL to Reverse Polarity SMA adapter cable Applicable NORA-W361 modules For information about how to integrate the U.FL connector with the NORA-W361 ANT pin, see also NORA-W361 U.FL reference design.
  • Page 44 NORA-W36 series - System integration manual GW.59.3153 Manufacturer Taoglas Gain 3.8 dBi (2.4 GHz), 5.3 dBi (5 GHz) Impedance 50 Ω Size (HxDIA) 156 x Ø13 mm Type Hinged dipole whip Comment This antenna must be mounted on a metal ground plane for best performance.

  • Page 45: Product Testing

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Product testing 7.1 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 46: Oem Manufacturer Production Test

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual 7.2 OEM manufacturer production test As all u-blox products undergo thorough in-series production testing prior to delivery, OEM manufacturers don’t need to repeat any firmware tests or measurements that might otherwise be necessary to confirm RF performance. Testing over analog and digital interfaces is also unnecessary during an OEM production test.

  • Page 47: Appendix

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Appendix A Glossary Abbreviation Definition Analog to Digital Converter Arm (Advanced RISC Machines) Holdings Automatic Test Equipment Central Processing Unit Data Circuit-terminating Equipment* / Data Communication Equipment* Device Under Test ElectroMagnetic Compatibility ElectroMagnetic Interference...

  • Page 48: Ubx-22021120 - R01

    NORA-W36 series - System integration manual Related documentation Package information guide, UBX-14001652 NORA-W36 data sheet, UBX-22021118 JEDEC: Moisture/Reflow Sensitivity Classification for Nonhermetic Solid State Surface Mount Devices, J-STD-020E IEC: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 4-2: Testing and measurement techniques –...

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