Nordic Semiconductor Unveils nRF9151 Development Kit for Robust Satellite and Cellular IoT Solutions

Introduction

Nordic Semiconductor, a global leader in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, has officially announced the launch of its new nRF9151 Development Kit (DK). This specialized kit is designed for engineers focusing on cellular IoT, DECT NR+, and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), enhancing their ability to create robust applications for a range of remote operating environments.

Key Features of the nRF9151 Development Kit

The nRF9151 SMA DK offers outstanding flexibility in RF design, crucial for evaluating demanding RF environments. The kit replaces internal antennas with SMA connectors, enabling engineers to attach high-performance external antennas or laboratory equipment for precise characterization. This innovation is vital for developing cutting-edge solutions in challenging conditions, particularly in areas with weak cellular signals or in complex industrial sites.

New Firmware for NTN Communication

Accompanying the hardware launch is a new modem firmware that introduces NTN (satellite) compatibility to the nRF9151 module. This represents a significant step forward for Nordic, allowing developers to facilitate direct satellite communication for IoT applications. The firmware also supports terrestrial networks such as LTE-M and NB-IoT, alongside GNSS, making it a comprehensive solution for hybrid connectivity development.

Performance Optimization

Kristian Sæther, Nordic's Senior Product Director for Long-Range, emphasized that as engineers push the boundaries of wireless connectivity, particularly in satellite and DECT NR+ realms, the demand for precise and flexible RF performance is paramount. The nRF9151 SMA DK serves this need by providing engineers with the granular control essential for validating even their most ambitious designs, especially under the rigorous RF conditions faced during direct satellite communication.

Comprehensive Prototyping Tools

Included in the DK are all necessary components for instant prototyping, featuring high-performance antennas from Taoglas (LTE/NTN/NR+) and Kyocera (GNSS), along with IoT SIM cards and test data for immediate terrestrial and satellite connectivity through partners like Deutsche Telekom and Monogoto. The nRF9151 SMA DK is fully compatible with Nordic's unified and scalable nRF Connect SDK, offering developers a robust environment for any application.

Availability

The nRF9151 SMA DK is already available through Nordic's distribution network. Along with the kit, the Alpha modem firmware can be downloaded for free, empowering developers to start creating innovative solutions immediately.

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