nRF9160 Module by Nordic Semiconductor: Low-Power Cellular IoT SiP

nRF9160 remains one of the most widely used Nordic Semiconductor components within the short-range wireless category. The nRF9160 SiP provides a compact and simple solution for developers within cellular Internet of Things (cIoT) applications. It is a multimode LTE-M/NB-IoT/GMSS modem with an integrated RF front-end. nRF9160 enables global operation on cellular networks and supports key power-saving features like eDRX and PSM for extended battery life in resource-constrained IoT projects.

1NCE IoT Data Insights on nRF9160

1NCE team has come up with research based on the database of over 20,000 customers across the globe. Explore more about the place of nRF9160 in the IoT landscape.

Technical Specifications of nRF9160

Supporting over 18,000 customers all around the world, 1NCE often receives questions in terms of how to choose the right IoT module for a project. Our advice is that there is no single "best" module; the optimal choice depends on factors such as use case, connectivity type, geographic region, and expected power consumption. Below, you'll find a concise table and key points about the low-power module nRF9160 SiP that you should consider for your project evaluation.

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The nRF9160 integrates a GNSS receiver with multiple modes to optimize power consumption and location accuracy. Because of the compact design of the nRF9160 SiP (10x16x1.04 mm in LGA package form), it is often utilized in projects requiring space-constrained environment. The module involves preliminary certification for global roaming with operators like AT&T, Bell, and Verizon. The security features beyond network access include Arm TrustZone technology, which helps to divide secure and non-secure zones for firmware and hardware elements. Additionally, Arm CryptoCell 310 provides cryptographic resources to protect IoT applications from various attack threats. It utilizes a dedicated Arm Cortex-M33 processor clocked at 64 MHz. This processor, along with 1MB Flash and 256KB RAM, helps in creation feature-rich applications directly on the module.  In addition, the nRF9160 SiP integrates additional ecosystem resources. The nRF Connect SDK provides things developers need to get started, including real-time operating system (Zephyr RTOS), application layer protocols, and sample applications. The module can be integrated with nRF Cloud, an IoT-optimized cloud platform, to access services like nRF Cloud Location Services. Explore more about the model at Nordic Semiconductor nRF9160 official guideline

What Are Some Similar Modules for Your Project?

1NCE prepared an overview of modules like Nordic Semiconductor nRF9160, highlighting their key features and specifications. This table aims to help you evaluate various options side by side and identify the best fit for your specific needs.

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Questions about nRF9160

How do I update my nRF9160 modem?

Download the desired modem firmware version from Nordic's nRF9160 download page. Open the nRF Connect for Desktop and the Programmer application. Click on "Select device" in the top left corner of the Programmer and select the J-Link programmer. Click on "Add file" and select the modem firmware zip file.

How much RAM does nRF9160 have?

The application microcontroller of the nRF9160 SiP has 256 kB of RAM for application code and data storage, alongside 1MB of flash memory.

What is the frequency of nRF9160?

nRF9160 can adapt to different LTE-M or NB-IoT bands based on the network it connects to. However, the nRF9160 development kit (DK) features tiny connectors (J1 and J3) that allow you to measure radio signals for both LTE and 2.4 GHz frequencies. The LTE antenna on the DK is designed to work globally, supporting all LTE bands between 698-960 MHz and 1710-2200 MHz.