#Norway #Oslo #IoT Connectivity #Nordic Semiconductor #nRF9151

Unveiling the nRF9151 Development Kit

Nordic Semiconductor, a leading name in low-power wireless solutions, has made a significant stride in the realm of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity with the unveiling of their new nRF9151 SMA Development Kit. This innovative kit is specifically designed for RF engineers focused on developing applications that rely on cellular IoT, DECT NR+ (New Radio), and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions. By merging cellular and satellite communication capabilities, Nordic Semiconductor is setting the stage for a new era in connectivity, particularly for challenging environments.

Enhanced RF Evaluation Capabilities

The nRF9151 SMA Development Kit stands out due to its robust design aimed at facilitating comprehensive RF evaluation. Unlike traditional kits that incorporate internal antennas, this development kit features SMA connectors. This allows developers to directly attach high-quality external antennas or lab equipment, significantly enhancing the accuracy of performance characterization efforts.

Engineers tackling projects in remote areas with poor cellular signals or in smart buildings where numerous nodes compete for bandwidth will find this kit particularly beneficial. Furthermore, it is optimized for industrial settings where RF shadowing could impede connectivity. This development platform is thus crucial for advancing solutions in demanding scenarios, allowing engineers to optimize and refine their designs.

Firmware that Bridges Terrestrial and Satellite Communication

Accompanying the hardware is a cutting-edge modem firmware that introduces support for direct-to-satellite communication, marking it as Nordic's inaugural entry into satellite IoT. With the new firmware, the nRF9151 module now integrates NB-IoT NTN capabilities, compliant with the latest 3GPP Release 17 standards. This empowers devices to seamlessly communicate with satellites while still supporting the established terrestrial LTE-M and NB-IoT networks, as well as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) functionalities.

Kristian Sæther, Senior Product Director for Long-Range at Nordic Semiconductor, emphasized the importance of having precise and flexible tools for engineers aiming to break new ground in wireless technologies. The nRF9151 SMA DK embodies this philosophy, enabling RF professionals to achieve granular control over their designs, tailored for the demanding environment scenarios associated with satellite communications.

Precision and Flexibility at its Core

Built with maximum RF flexibility in mind, the nRF9151 SMA DK's SMA connectors offer unhindered access to high-performance antennas and lab equipment. This allows developers to run precise performance validations and power measurements crucial for ensuring their designs meet expected specifications. Designed for the latest standards in connectivity, this development kit serves as an ideal base for both DECT NR+ and NTN advancements, ensuring optimal link performance for next-gen projects.

A Comprehensive Toolkit for Quick Prototyping

The kit is not just about hardware; it offers a complete prototyping solution. It comes with high-performance antenna options from Taoglas (for LTE/NTN/NR+) and Kyocera (for GNSS), as well as IoT SIM cards and trial data catered for immediate terrestrial and satellite connectivity through partnerships with key providers like Deutsche Telekom, Onomondo, and Monogoto. This all-in-one approach ensures that developers can get started rapidly without the need for extensive setup or resource allocation.

Moreover, the nRF9151 SMA DK is fully integrated within Nordic's scalable nRF Connect SDK, which facilitates an encompassing development environment suited for a variety of applications and developer needs.

Availability

The nRF9151 SMA Development Kit is available for immediate acquisition through Nordic’s distribution partners. Interested parties can also download the alpha modem firmware free of charge from the Nordic Semiconductor website.

In summary, the nRF9151 SMA DK is poised to become an essential resource for engineers spearheading innovations in the coercive domain of cellular and satellite IoT. Its combination of advanced hardware capabilities and flexible firmware solutions sets a new benchmark in the pursuit of reliable and versatile connectivity solutions.