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NORA-W40 series
Stand-alone single band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth® LE
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, 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 - R03
C1-Public
www.u-blox.com
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Ublox NORA-W40 Series
Summary of Contents for Ublox NORA-W40 Series
- Page 1 NORA-W40 series Stand-alone single band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth® LE 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, 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.
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Page 2: Document Information
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Document information Title NORA-W40 series Subtitle Stand-alone single band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth® LE modules Document type System integration manual Document number UBXDOC-465451970-3233 Revision and date 23-Apr-2025 Disclosure restriction C1-Public Product status Corresponding content status... -
Page 3: Table Of Contents
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 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO) ................ 8 2.1.2 VCC application circuits ........................ - Page 4 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 3.2.5 NORA-W401 ............................21 3.2.6 NORA-W406 ............................23 3.3 General layout guidelines ........................24 3.3.1 Considerations for schematic design and PCB floor-planning ..........24 3.3.2 Component placement ........................25 3.3.3 Layout and manufacturing ......................25 3.4 Module footprint and paste mask ......................26 3.5 Thermal guidelines ...........................27...
- Page 5 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 6.5 Japan radio equipment compliance ......................44 6.5.1 Compliance statement ........................44 6.5.2 End product labelling requirement ....................44 6.5.3 End product user manual requirement ..................44 6.6 NCC Taiwan compliance ..........................44 6.6.1 Taiwan NCC Warning Statement ....................44 6.6.2 Labeling requirements for end product ..................45...
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Page 6: Product Overview
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. NORA-W40 modules are qualified against Bluetooth Core 5.3. For further information about the module operating conditions, see the NORA-W40 series data sheet [2]. -
Page 7: Module Integration
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Module integration The NORA-W40 series is designed for versatility. When configured as the primary processor in an application, it can operate as a stand-alone solution, efficiently managing a broad range of tasks on its embedded CPU — eliminating the need for additional hardware. -
Page 8: Power Supply
NORA-W40 series modules currently support 3.0–3.6 V IO voltage level only. 2.1.2 VCC application circuits The power for NORA-W40 series modules is applied through the VCC pins, which are derived from either of the following sources: • Switching Mode Power Supply (SMPS) •... -
Page 9: Cpu And Memory
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: Module Reset
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: Jtag Signal Source
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual * Values are referred from ESP32-C6 Series Datasheet Table 3 describes the critical parameters in the bootstrap timing sequence shown in Figure Parameter Description Setup time is the time reserved for the power rails to stabilize before 0 ms the VCC pin is pulled high to activate the chip. -
Page 12: Antenna Integration
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 2.4 Antenna integration The NORA-W40 series supports module variants for use with integrated SMD chip antennas, external antennas, or internal PCB trace antennas. • NORA-W401 has an antenna pin that can be used with either:... -
Page 13: Approved Antenna Designs
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, designers are required to implement an antenna layout that is fully compliant with the u-blox reference design outlined in this document. -
Page 14: Serial Peripheral Interface (Spi)
Inter-Integrated Circuit interface (I2C) NORA-W40 series modules have two I2C interfaces: one in the main system and another in the Low Power (LP I2C) system. To use I2C interface in LP mode you must implement it using the LP functions... -
Page 15: Two-Wire Automotive Interface (Twai)
Table 6: LP IO functions 2.5.5 Two-wire Automotive Interface (TWAI) NORA-W40 series modules contain two TWAI controllers, TWAI 0 and TWAI 1. Each controller can individually be connected to a TWAI bus via an external transceiver. The controllers are compatible message prioritization with ISO 11898-1 protocol (CAN Specification 2.0), which features... -
Page 16: Motor Control Pwm
2.6.3 Motor control PWM NORA-W40 series modules have a Motor Control Pulse Width Modulator (MCPWM), which is designed for driving digital motors and smart light. It has three PWM timers for precise timing and frequency control and three PWM operators for generating waveform pairs. -
Page 17: Design-In
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Design-in Follow the design guidelines in this chapter to optimize the integration of NORA-W40 series modules in the final application board. 3.1 Overview All application circuits must be properly designed, but there are several points that require special attention during application design. -
Page 18: Rf Interface
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 3.2.1 RF interface The NORA-W40 series comprises several module variants with alternative RF interface options. As a starting point for your application development, choose the one most suited to your application: • NORA-W406 features an internal PCB trace antenna, which makes it unsuitable for mounting in a metal enclosure. -
Page 19: General Antenna Requirements
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual • Make the RF isolation between the system antennas as high as possible, and the correlation between the 3D radiation patterns of the two antennas as low as possible. In general, RF separation of at least a quarter wavelength between the two antennas is required to achieve some isolation and low pattern correlation. - Page 20 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual ☞ ε The width of a 50 Ω microstrip depends on mainly “ ” and “H”, which must be calculated for each PCB layer stack-up. Figure 6: Transmission line trace design 3.2.4.1 Transmission line design guidelines Follow these recommendations to design a 50 ...
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Page 21: Nora-W401
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual • Avoid stubs on the transmission lines, any component on the transmission line should be placed with the connected pad over the trace. Also avoid any unnecessary component on RF traces. Figure 7 shows a typical trace and ground design for NORA-W401. -
Page 22: Cable Assembly
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 3.2.5.1.1 Cable assembly Typically, RF plugs are provided as part of a pre-assembled coaxial cable. Various cable assemblies are available, and designers should choose the most suitable option for their application. When connecting an antenna with a coaxial cable to an RF connector on the application PCB, whether... -
Page 23: Nora-W406
Noise sources like hi-speed digital buses can affect the RF section. ⚠ Give due consideration to the interaction between co-located RF systems like LTE sidebands on 2.4 GHz band. Transmitted power can interact or disturb the performance of NORA-W40 series modules. 3.2.6 NORA-W406 NORA-W406 modules include an internal PCB trace antenna that is integrated on the module PCB using antenna technology from Abracon. -
Page 24: General Layout Guidelines
Verify the controlled impedance dimensions of the selected PCB stack-up. The PCB manufacturer might be able to provide test coupons. • Verify that the power supply design and power sequence are compliant with module specifications, as described in the NORA-W40 series data sheet [2]. UBXDOC-465451970-3233 - R03 Design-in Page 24 of 60... -
Page 25: Component Placement
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual ⚠ 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. Designers should also maximize the distance between the antenna and high-frequency buses, like DDRs and related components, or consider the use of an optional metal shield to reduce the potential interference picked up by the module antenna. -
Page 26: Module Footprint And Paste Mask
To help with the dissipation of the heat generated by the module, GND pads must have good thermal bonding to PCB ground planes. Figure 10: NORA-W40 mechanical outline The suggested stencil layout for the NORA-W40 series modules should follow the copper pad layout, as shown in Figure 10. -
Page 27: Thermal Guidelines
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 3.5 Thermal guidelines NORA-W40 series modules are designed to operate in a specified temperature range at an ambient temperature within the enclosure box. The PCB generates heat during high loads that must be dissipated to sustain the lifetime of the components. - Page 28 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual The applicability of ESD immunity test to the whole device depends on the device classification as ETSI EN 301 489-1 defined by . Applicability of ESD immunity test to the related device ports or the...
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Page 29: Design-In Checklists
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 3.7 Design-in checklists 3.7.1 Schematic checklist All module pins have been properly numbered and designated on the schematic (including thermal pins) as shown in the pin list of the data sheet [2]. ... -
Page 30: Open Cpu Software
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Open CPU 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 31: Set Up Toolchain And Esp-Idf V5.1 Source Files
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. Get ESP-IDF. Download the GIT repository provided by Espressif Setup path to ESP-IDF. -
Page 32: Esp-Idf Partition Table
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual In the following example, only the COMPORT that is used to flash NORA-W40 is modified. Exit the configuration window by pressing “Q” and confirm save the configuration. Now the project is ready to build. -
Page 33: Automatic Bootloader On Nora-W40 Evk
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 34: Handling And Soldering
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 35: Reflow Soldering Process
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 36: Repeated Reflow Soldering
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 5.3.1 Repeated reflow soldering For application boards with components on both sides, a two-reflow process may be required. In such cases, NORA-W40 can be mounted in both reflow cycles. To reduce the risk of detachment due to its relatively higher weight compared to other components on the board, it is advisable to place the module on the side of the board that undergoes the final cycle. -
Page 37: Regulatory Compliance
NORA-W40 module into an end-product. • Any deviation from the process described may cause the NORA-W40 series modules not to comply with the regulatory authorizations of the module and thus void the user's authority to operate the equipment. -
Page 38: European Union (Ce)
NORA-W40 series modules comply with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU. 6.2.2 Compliance with the RoHS directive NORA-W40 series modules comply with the Directive 2011/65/EU (EU RoHS 2) and its amendment Directive (EU) 2015/863 (EU RoHS 3). 6.2.3 CE end-product regulatory compliance 6.2.3.1... -
Page 39: Fcc Compliance Statements
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 40: Operating Frequencies
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual As the end-product must comply with the requirements addressed by the OET KDB 594280 [11], the host product integrating the NORA-W40 must comply with the following requirements: • Upon request from u-blox, the host product manufacturer will provide all of the necessary information and documentation to demonstrate how the requirements listed below are met. -
Page 41: Rf Exposure Statement
WLAN capability and the Bluetooth LE capability is turned off and only the IEEE 802.15.4 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 42: End-Product Labeling Requirements
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual ☞ Le périphériquehôte final, danslequelce module RF estintégré "doitêtreétiqueté avec uneétiquetteauxiliaireindiquant le CI du module RF, tel que "Contient le module émetteur IC: 8595A- NORAW4” ☞ This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). -
Page 43: End-Product Compliance
• 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 44: Japan Radio Equipment Compliance
Item 19 "2.4 GHz band wide band low power data communication system". 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 15. -
Page 45: Labeling Requirements For End Product
ISM radio wave radiated devices. 6.6.2 Labeling requirements for end product End products based on NORA-W40 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 46: Safety Compliance
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual To meet the overall Australian and/or New Zealand end product compliance standards, the integrator must create a compliance folder containing all the relevant compliance test reports such as RF, EMC, electrical safety and DoC (Declaration of Conformity). It is the responsibility of the integrator to know what is required in the compliance folder for ACMA compliance. -
Page 47: Single Band Antennas
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Connector U.FL and Reverse Polarity SMA jack (outer thread and pin) Impedance 50 Ω Minimum cable loss 0.5 dB. The cable loss must be above the minimum cable loss to meet the regulatory requirements. Minimum cable length 100 mm. - Page 48 NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / Bluetooth LE board antenna, PN PRO-IS-237 Manufacturer Abracon Gain +3.0 dBi Impedance 50 Ω 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.
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Page 49: Product Testing
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 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 50: Oem Manufacturer Production Test
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 51: Download And Setup
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual The ESP RF Test Tool consists of five parts: Serial Port Configuration, Download Status, Download Path Configuration, RF Test settings and Control, and Log Management as shown in Figure Serial Port Configuration Download Status... -
Page 52: Wi-Fi Emission Test
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 7.3.2 Wi-Fi emission test During these tests, the radio can be configured to transmit a modulated carrier at 90% duty cycle and maximum output power. It is important to use the correct power parameter for each channel according to FCC/ETSI certifications. -
Page 53: Bluetooth Le Emission Test
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual 7.3.3 Bluetooth LE emission test The firmware used for BLE emission tests are the same as that for Wi-Fi emission tests. Figure 20 , packet type is shows the BLE TX data test settings on Channel 7 with power level 6, No hopping... -
Page 54: Appendix
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Appendix A Antenna reference designs Designers can take full advantage of NORA-W40’s Single-Modular Transmitter certification approval by integrating the u-blox reference design into their products. This approach requires compliance with the following rules: •... -
Page 55: Floor Plan
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual A.1.1 Floor plan Figure 22 and Figure 23 show the critical components and positioning of the copper traces in the reference design. The itemized references are described in Table Figure 22: Assembled PCB layout - showing mounted components: Module, UFL for external antenna, and GND plane... -
Page 56: Rf Trace Specification
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 24 and described in Table 16. GND stitching vias should be used around the RF trace to ensure a proper GND connection. -
Page 57: B Glossary
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 58 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...
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Page 59: Related Documentation
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Related documentation NORA-W40 series product summary, UBX-23009094 NORA-W40 series data sheet, UBXDOC-465451970-3088 Espressif System ESP32-C6 Series Datasheet v1.0 https://www.espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/esp32-c6_datasheet_en.pdf Espressif ESP32-C6 v5.1 SDK Get Started ESP-IDF Programming Guide Packaging information reference, UBX-14001652 JEDEC J-STD-020E - Moisture/Reflow Sensitivity Classification for Non-hermetic Surface... -
Page 60: Revision History
NORA-W40 series - System integration manual Revision history Revision Date Name Comments 14-Jun-2024 lkis Initial release 15-Nov-2024 lkis Minor editorial updates. Antenna keepout area and GND plane dimensions updated in Allowed number of Soldering cycle removed and added Figure 8.
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