Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT


Low-power IoT module in volume production

31 July 2019 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9160 system-in-package (SiP) – an LTE-M/NB-IoT and GPS cellular IoT module – has entered the final volume silicon production phase, having successfully passed a series of major qualifications and certifications.

At just 10 x 16 x 1 mm in size, the device is suitable for compact consumer and medical wearables, and asset-tracking devices. Yet it is a complete solution that integrates everything a cellular connection and IoT application may need beyond requiring just an external battery, SIM and antenna. The nRF9160’s modem and microcontroller (MCU) were designed from the ground up for optimised power performance in IoT systems.

The SiP is also available on a powerful single-board development kit made for the IoT application developer. This kit comes with free development tool support, a cloud demonstration platform, and a software development kit (SDK) in GitHub with sample applications to provide a starting point for product development.

To achieve the module’s high level of integration, Nordic partnered with Qorvo to make an SiP that integrates application processor, power management, modem, RF front-end, crystals and passives. It also supports global operation with a single SiP variant, thanks to the combination of Nordic’s multimode LTE-M/NB-IoT modem, SAW-less transceiver, and a custom RF front-end solution from Qorvo.

The nRF9160 is the first cellular IoT module to incorporate Arm’s latest Cortex M33 CPU core, which is further supported by 1 MB of Flash and 256 KB of RAM on-board memory. It is also the first cellular IoT module to incorporate Arm TrustZone and Arm CryptoCell security for Internet-level encryption and application protection with Arm Cortex M-based devices.

Integrated GPS support allows a combination of GPS and cellular data to be used for more accurate positioning than either technology is capable of when used in isolation.

For more information contact Andrew Hutton, RF Design, +27 21 555 8400, [email protected]



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Mobile satellite connectivity available in SA
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Space42 has commercially launched its next generation mobile satellite service, Thuraya 4 NGS, available in South Africa as of February 2026.

Read more...
Next-gen Wi Fi 6E connectivity for embedded systems
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Espressif Systems has expanded its connectivity portfolio with the introduction of the ESP32-E22, the company’s first Wi-Fi 6E connectivity co-processor.

Read more...
Quectel redefines connectivity with RG660Qx 5G Series
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Purpose-built to meet the demands of next-generation IoT and wireless broadband, these modules leverage the cutting-edge Qualcomm X85 and X82 5G Modem-RF systems to deliver enterprise-grade performance.

Read more...
Contactless IO-Link couplers
IOT Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The IO-Link couplers from Phoenix Contact are industrial contactless couplers designed to transmit power and IO-Link data across a small air gap without physical connectors.

Read more...
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL accelerate 5G RedCap adoption
iCorp Technologies Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL modules represent a strategic move into this fast-growing segment, delivering Sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity optimised for mid-tier IoT applications.

Read more...
SDRs – Which RF architecture should you choose?
RFiber Solutions Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
There are several common methods of implementing SDR architectures. This paper discusses which is best when meeting a specific need.

Read more...
Multi-band GNSS patch antenna
RF Design Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Taoglas AHP2356A is a compact, high-performance active GNSS patch antenna designed for next-generation positioning systems requiring precision, reliability, and multi-constellation support.

Read more...
Cellular routers for explosive areas
Phoenix Contact Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Updated versions of the Cellulink outdoor cellular router product range from Phoenix Contact are now available; they have been specially developed for use in Zone 2 potentially explosive areas.

Read more...
Power the next wave of IoT innovation
Links Field Networks Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Links Field Networks’ portfolio includes connectivity platforms, edge devices, and network management tools designed to support secure, resilient IoT deployments across a range of use cases.

Read more...
Move to smart agriculture
Otto Wireless Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for precision agriculture, the RAKwireless SensorHub is a modular, industrial-grade IoT platform that collects real-time environmental and soil data across farming operations.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved