u-blox NORA-W40 Series System Integration Manual

Stand-alone multiradio modules

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NORA-W40 series

Stand-alone multiradio modules

System integration manual

Abstract

This manual provides a functional overview combined with best-practice design guidelines for

integrating NORA-W40 stand-alone Wi-Fi 6 (802.11b/g/n/ax), Bluetooth Low Energy v5.3, Zigbee

3.0 and Thread 1.3 (802.15.4) module in customer applications. Including a powerful microcontroller,

MCU, NORA-W40 is intended for custom application software. The module has several important

embedded security features, including secure boot, which ensures the module boots with

authenticated software only.

UBXDOC-465451970-3233 - R02

C1-Public

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www.u-blox.com

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Summary of Contents for u-blox NORA-W40 Series

Page 1  NORA-W40 series Stand-alone multiradio modules System integration manual Abstract This manual provides a functional overview combined with best-practice design guidelines for integrating NORA-W40 stand-alone Wi-Fi 6 (802.11b/g/n/ax), Bluetooth Low Energy v5.3, Zigbee 3.0 and Thread 1.3 (802.15.4) module in customer applications. Including a powerful microcontroller, MCU, NORA-W40 is intended for custom application software.
Page 2 The information contained herein is provided “as is”. No warranty of any kind, either express or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy, reliability, fitness for a particular purpose or content of this document. This document may be revised by u-blox at any time.
Page 3 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Contents Document information ..........................2 Contents ................................3 Product overview ........................... 6 1.1 Module architecture ........................... 6 Module integration ..........................7 2.1 Power supply ..............................8 2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC) ....................... 8 2.1.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO) ................ 8 2.1.3 VCC application circuits ........................
Page 4 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 3.5 Thermal guidelines ...........................25 3.6 ESD guidelines ............................26 3.7 Design-in checklists ..........................27 3.7.1 Schematic checklist .........................27 3.7.2 Layout checklist ..........................27 Software ..............................28 4.1 SDK for Open CPU modules ........................28 4.2 Developing and flashing NORA-W40 Open CPU software ...............28 4.2.1 Set up Toolchain and ESP-IDF v5.1 source files .................29...
Page 5 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 6.6.1 Taiwan NCC Warning Statement ....................42 6.6.2 Labeling requirements for end product ..................42 6.7 KCC South Korea compliance .........................43 6.8 Australia and New Zealand regulatory compliance ................43 6.9 Safety compliance ............................43 6.10 Pre-approved antennas list ........................44 6.10.1 Antenna accessories ........................44...
Page 6 Country approvals. NORA-W40 series modules support a temperature range of –40 °C to +85 °C and are qualified according to the u-blox qualification policy based on AEC-Q104 standard for professional grade operation. For further information about the module operating conditions, see the NORA-W40 series data sheet [2].
Page 7 – without any need for a supporting host MCU, supporting IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ax single-band 2.4 GHz operation and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) v5.3 communications. NORA-W40 series modules support a wide range of IO interfaces, such as GPIO, UART, USB, SPI, Quad SPI, I2S, I2C, PWM, and QPI.
Page 8 2.1 Power supply The power for NORA-W40 series modules is supplied through VCC and VCC_IO pins by DC voltage. ⚠ The power supply circuit must be able to source the peak current of the power modes consuming highest power.
Page 9 If decoupling capacitors are needed on the supply rails, it is best practice to position these as close as possible to the NORA-W40 series module. The power routing of some host system designs makes decoupling capacitance unnecessary.
Page 10 2.3.1.1 Low Power mode with Low Frequency Clock NORA-W40 series modules do not have an internal low power oscillator (LPO) or low frequency crystal (LFXTAL), which is required for low power modes. If low power mode is required, an external high precision, +/- 20 ppm, 32.768 kHz crystal must be connected between pins X_LP_N (pin B6) and...
Page 11 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Default Behavior Description ESP32-C6 State during GPIO boot GPIO8, GPIO9* 00 Invalid, do not use Normal Boot from internal Flash SPI Boot Download Boot Booting Mode Default Normal Boot from internal Flash SPI Boot...
Page 12 Figure 4: Timing Parameters for the bootstrap pins 2.4 Antenna integration Antenna interfaces are different for each module variant in the NORA-W40 series. The modules support either an internal antenna (NORA-W406) or external/integrated antennas connected through a dedicated antenna pin (NORA-W401).
Page 13 2.4.2 Approved antenna designs NORA-W40 series modules come with a pre-certified design that can be used to save costs and time during the certification process. To leverage this benefit, customers are required to implement an antenna layout that is fully compliant with the u-blox reference design outlined in this document.
Page 14 2.5.1 Universal asynchronous serial interface (UART) NORA-W40 series modules have three UART interfaces: two regular UARTs (UART0, UART1) and one low-power LP UART, for data communication and firmware upgrade. Each interface supports programmable baud rate up to 5 MBaud and provides full-duplex asynchronous communication support.
Page 15 Dual SPI signal Quad SPI signal Table 4: SPI to dual/quad SPI signal mapping 2.5.3 NORA-W40 series modules have two I2C interfaces: one in the main system and another one in the low-power system (LP I2C). Controller Peripheral NORA-W40 can operate both as on the I2C bus, using both standard (100 kbit/s) and fast (400 kbit/s) transmission speeds.
Page 16 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Design-in Follow the design guidelines stated in this chapter to optimize the integration of NORA-W40 series modules in the final application board. 3.1 Overview Although all application circuits must be properly designed, there are several points that require special attention during application design.
Page 17 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 3.2.1 Antenna integration At the start the application design phase, when the mechanical design and the physical dimensions of the board are still under analysis/decision, the antenna integration shall be considered. Other than the product performance, the compliance and subsequent certification of the RF design depends heavily on the radiating performance of the antennas.
Page 18 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Item Requirements Remarks Maximum Gain +3 dBi Although higher gain antennas can be used, these must be evaluated and/or certified. To comply with regulatory agencies radiation exposure limits, the maximum antenna gain must not exceed the value specified in the...
Page 19 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual • Thickness of the copper layer (T) – can also be represented by “Base Copper Weight”, which is commonly used as the parameter for PCB stack-up. ε Dielectric constant ) defines the ratio between the electric permeability of the material against the electric permeability of free space.
Page 20 NORA-W401 module with all the applicable required certification schemes heavily depends on the radiating performance of the antennas. The designer is encouraged to consider one of the u-blox suggested antenna part numbers and follow the layout requirements. 3.2.3.1 RF connector design If an external antenna is required, the designer should consider using a proper RF connector.
Page 21 NORA-W40 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 7: U.FL compatible plug connector...
Page 22 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual • Proper placement of the antenna and the surrounding area 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. These objects tend to absorb part of the radiated power, shift the resonant frequency of the antenna or affect the antenna radiation pattern.
Page 23 • Verify that the power supply design and power sequence are compliant with module specifications, as described in the NORA-W40 series data sheet [2]. ⚠ Take particular care not to place components close to the antenna area and follow the recommendations from the antenna manufacturer to determine the safe distance between the antenna and any other part of the system.
Page 24 3.4 Module footprint and paste mask Figure 9 shows the pin layout of NORA-W40 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 25 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Figure 9: NORA-W40 mechanical outline The suggested stencil layout for the NORA-W40 series modules should follow the copper pad layout, as shown in Figure 9. The assembly house should determine the thickness of the solder paste stencil based on the entire host PCB, typically 100-120 μm.
Page 26 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Use the following hardware techniques to further improve thermal dissipation in the module and optimize its performance in customer applications: • Maximize the return loss of the antenna to reduce reflected RF power to the module.
Page 27 RF transmission line design.  All pins are properly connected, and the footprint follows u-blox pin design recommendations. See the solder mask information in the data sheet [2].  Proper clearance has been provided between the RF and digital sections of the design.
Page 28 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Software 4.1 SDK for Open CPU modules As NORA-W40 Open CPU modules are delivered without flashed software, you develop your application design using the utilities and device-level APIs supported by the module chipset supplier.
Page 29 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Use the following workflow setup to compile, flash, and execute a program on NORA-W40: Set up Toolchain and ESP-IDF v5.1 source files Windows, Mac, and Linux are supported. 2. Get ESP-IDF. Download the GIT repository provided by Espressif...
Page 30 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual In the following example, only the COMPORT that is used to flash NORA-W40 is modified. 6. Exit the configuration window by pressing “Q” and confirm save the configuration. Now the project is ready to build.
Page 31 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 4.2.5 Automatic bootloader on NORA-W40 EVK The “esptool.py” flash tool supports automatic entry to the bootloader on the NORA-W40 EVK without pressing the BOOT button to reset the module. ☞ It is not possible to use the Hardware Flow control or the DSR signals on the UART while using this setup.
Page 32 No natural rubbers, hygroscopic materials or materials containing asbestos are employed. ⚠ NORA-W40 series modules are Electrostatic Sensitive Devices that demand the observance of special handling precautions against static damage. Failure to observe these precautions can result in severe damage to the product.
Page 33 The thickness of solder resist between the host PCB top side and the bottom side of the NORA-W40 series module must be considered for the soldering process.
Page 34 (besides others) is the risk of the module falling off due to significantly higher weight in relation to other components. ⚠ u-blox gives no warranty against damages to the NORA-W40 modules caused by performing more than the specified reflow soldering cycles in NORA-W40 series data sheet [2].
Page 35 NORA-W40 data sheet [2]. 6.1 Country approvals NORA-W40 series modules will be certified for use in different regions and countries, such as Europe, Great Britain, USA, and Canada. See also the NORA-W40 data sheet for a list of approved countries/regions.
Page 36 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Any changes or modifications NOT explicitly APPROVED by u-blox AG may cause the module to not comply with the FCC rules part 15 thus void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Page 37 SAR evaluation and/or testing. Any changes or modifications NOT explicitly APPROVED by u-blox may cause the NORA-W40 series module to cease to comply with the FCC rules part 15 thus void the user’s authority to operate the equipment on the US market.
Page 38 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual • The host product into which the modular transmitter is installed does not provide any interface to third parties to upload any unauthorized firmware images into the modular transmitter and prevents third parties from making unauthorized changes to all or parts of the modular transmitter device driver software and configuration.
Page 39 WLAN capability is turned off and only the Bluetooth LE capability of NORA-W40 is utilized. ☞ KDB 996369 D03 section 2.4 (limited module procedures) is not applicable to NORA-W40 series modules. ☞ KDB 996369 D03 section 2.5 (trace antenna designs) is not applicable to NORA-W40 series modules.
Page 40 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Le produit hôte devra être correctement étiqueté, de façon à permettre l’identification des modules qui s’y trouvent. L’étiquette d’homologation d’un module d’Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada devra être posée sur le produit hôte à un endroit bien en vue, en tout temps. En l’absence d’étiquette, le produit hôte doit porter une 25ecessair sur laquelle figure le numéro d’homologation du...
Page 41 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual • The approval of the modular transmitter in NORA-W40 series modules does not exempt the end product from being evaluated against any applicable regulatory demands. The evaluation of the end product shall be performed with the NORA-W40 module installed and operating in a way that reflects the intended use case of the end product.
Page 42 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 6.5.2 End product labelling requirement End products based on NORA-W40 series modules and targeted for distribution in Japan must be affixed with a label with the “Giteki” marking, as shown in Figure 14. The marking must be visible for inspection.
Page 43 NORA-W40 series modules are certified by the Korea Communications Commission (KCC). End products based on NORA-W40 series modules and targeted for distribution in South Korea must carry labels containing the KCC logo and certification number, as shown below. This information must also be included in the product user manuals.
Page 44 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 6.10 Pre-approved antennas list This chapter provides an overview of the different antennas that can be used together with the modules. ⚠ All approvals are currently pending. ☞ Note that not all antennas are approved for use in all markets/regions.
Page 45 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 6.10.2 Single band antennas NORA-W406 internal antenna Manufacturer Abracon Gain +3 dBi Impedance Size (HxWxL) 1.1 x 3.4 x 10 mm Type PCB trace Comment PCB antenna on NORA-W406. The antenna should not be mounted inside a metal enclosure.
Page 46 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / Bluetooth LE board antenna, PN PRO-IS-237 Manufacturer Abracon Gain +3.0 dBi 50 Ω Impedance Size 27 x 12 mm (triangular) Type Patch Cable length 100 mm Connector U.FL. connector Comment Should be attached to a plastic enclosure or part for best performance.
Page 47 Product testing 7.1 u-blox in-line production test 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 48 NORA-W40 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 do not 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 49 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Serial Port Configuration Download Status Download Path Configuration RF Test settings and Controls Log Management Figure 18: ESP RF performance test tool The tool allows users to perform various RF tests to evaluate the performance of NORA-W40 modules under different conditions.
Page 50 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Table 12 Table 13 list the attenuation values for each channel and data rate for operation in the FCC/ISED and ETSI/Japan regulatory domains. 7.3.2.1 FCC/ISED b-rate g-rate n-rate 20/40MHz Rate Value Rate Value Rate...
Page 51 • The designer must use the PCB stack-up provided by u-blox. RF traces on the carrier PCB are part of the certified design. When using the NORA-W401 with this antenna reference design, the circuit trace layout must be made in strict compliance with the antenna reference design described in this appendix.
Page 52 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual A.1.1 Floor plan Figure 21 Figure 22 show the critical components and positioning of the copper traces in the reference design. The itemized references are described in Table Figure 21: NORA-W401 antenna reference design 1...
Page 53 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual A.1.2 RF trace specification The dimensions of the 50 Ω coplanar microstrip used in the reference design are shown in Figure 23 and described in Table 15. GND stitching vias should be used around the RF trace to ensure a proper GND connection.
Page 54 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual B Glossary Abbreviation Definition Automotive Electronics Council Access Point Application Programming Interface Automatic Test Equipment Charged Device Model European Conformity Clear to Send Don’t Care Direct Current Double Data Rate Dynamic Frequency Selection DHCP...
Page 55 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Abbreviation Definition Physical layer (of the OSI model) Power Management Unit Radio Frequency RSDB Real Simultaneous Dual Band Request to Send SDIO Secure Digital Input Output Solder Mask Defined SMPS Switching Mode Power Supply...
Page 56 [12] EN 62368-1 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements [13] espressif/arduino-esp32 GitHub repository, espressif/arduino-esp32 ☞ For product change notifications and regular updates of u-blox documentation, register on our website, www.u-blox.com. Revision history Revision Date...

This manual is also suitable for:

Nora-w401 Nora-w406 Nora-w401-00b Nora-w406-00b Nora-w401-10b Nora-w406-10b