Nordic Semiconductor has announced the availability of its smallest and lowest power System-in-Package (SiP) - the nRF9151, and its associated nRF9151 Development Kit (DK). The nRF9151 is a fully integrated, pre-certified SiP featuring an application MCU for extensive application development or use as a stand-alone cellular modem. This simplifies the development and deployment of scalable products across massive IoT markets, including industrial automation, asset tracking, smart city, smart metering, and smart agriculture.
Like its predecessor, the nRF9161, the nRF9151 supports 3GPP release 14 LTE-M/NB-IoT global coverage and DECT NR+. The nRF9151 stands out from the nRF9160 and nRF9161 with its exclusive features, such as a significant footprint reduction, which allows for more compact products without performance compromises. In addition to Power class 3 (23 dBm), the nRF9151 also supports Power class 5 (20 dBm) output power, leading to 45 percent reduced peak power consumption thanks to the unique nRF9151 low power design, which decreases the cost of battery-powered products. The nRF9151 will also add support for Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) support in future firmware release.
Available with SIM Cards from Onomondo and Wireless Logic preloaded with free data, the nRF9151 DK is the ideal starting point for cellular IoT application development. The DK is supplied pre-flashed with Nordic’s Serial LTE Modem application for interfacing through AT Commands. This also enables the nRF9151 to be used as a stand-alone cellular modem, simplifying its integration into existing customer solutions. Developers can get started with other firmware samples from the Quick Start tool, found in nRF Connect for Desktop, Nordic’s cross-platform development software.
“I’m excited that the nRF9151 is now entering production because we know our customers and many other IoT developers demand a highly integrated, compact, and low power LTE-M/NB-IoT and DECT NR+ solution. This product is the only one on the market that meets that demand, both through functionality and with a resilient supply chain,” said Øyvind Birkenes, Nordic Semiconductor’s executive vice president of long range business unit.
“Not only does the nRF9151 bring class-leading performance to cellular IoT, but Nordic is also the only global company to offer a complete cellular IoT solution. As a result, we’re already seeing high demand from customers developing the next generation of products in the massive IoT markets such as smart metering, asset tracking, and Industrial IoT products. We are eager to also close gaps and bring global coverage through the upcoming NTN support.”