Nordic nRF9160 User manual

nRF9160 DK
PCA 10090 v0.8.2
User Guide
v0.7
4418_1216 v0.7 / 2018-12-12

Contents
Revision history.................................. iv
1Introduction................................... 5
2Kit content.................................... 6
2.1 Hardware content ................................ 6
2.2 Related documentation .............................. 6
3Getting started................................. 7
4Operating modes................................ 8
4.1 Default mode: Interface MCU ........................... 8
4.1.1 Device programming ............................. 8
4.1.2 Virtual COM port ............................... 8
4.1.3 MSD .................................... 9
4.1.4 Reset .................................... 9
4.2 nRF ONLY mode ................................. 9
4.2.1 USB detect ................................. 10
5Hardware description............................. 11
5.1 Block diagram ................................. 11
5.2 Hardware figures ................................ 11
5.3 Power supply ..................................12
5.3.1 nRF9160 supply ............................... 15
5.3.2 VDD supply rail ............................... 16
5.3.3 Other power domains ............................ 16
5.4 Antenna interfaces ............................... 16
5.5 GPS ...................................... 17
5.6 GPIO interfaces ................................. 17
5.7 nRF52840 ................................... 19
5.7.1 nRF9160 DK board control .......................... 19
5.7.2 Bluetooth/IEEE 802.15.4 network processor ................... 21
5.8 Buttons, slide switches, and LEDs ......................... 22
5.9 Debug input and trace options .......................... 23
5.9.1 Debug output ................................24
5.10 Signal routing switches ............................. 25
5.10.1 Switches for buttons and LEDs ........................ 25
5.11 SIM and eSIM ................................. 27
5.12 Additional nRF9160 interfaces .......................... 28
5.13 SiP enable .................................. 29
5.14 Solder bridge configuration ........................... 29
6Measuring current............................... 31
6.1 Preparing the development kit for current measurements ............... 31
6.2 Using an oscilloscope for current profile measurement ................ 32
6.3 Using a current meter for current measurement ................... 32
7RF measurements............................... 34
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8Radiated performance of nRF9160 DK.................... 35
Glossary ..................................... 36
Acronyms and abbreviations............................38
Legal notices................................... 39
4418_1216 v0.7 iii

Revision history
Date Version Description
December 0.7 Updated to match DK v0.8.2
November 2018 0.5.1 Preview DK changed into DK
October 2018 0.5 First release
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1Introduction
The nRF9160 DK (Development Kit) is a hardware development platform to be used for the design and
development of application firmware on the nRF9160 LTE Cat-M1 and Cat-NB1 System in Package (SiP).
The board includes all necessary external circuitry like a SIM card holder and an antenna and it provides
developers access to all I/O pins and relevant module interfaces.
Note: The DK can be connected to a base station by the onboard LTE antenna or to an LTE
emulator by an RF cable. See our nRF9160 Certifications webpage to find the bands supported
by the LTE modem. If no SIM card is inserted, the DK cannot initiate communication with the LTE
network.
The key features of the development kit are:
• nRF9160 SiP
• LTE antenna that supports all bands supported by the SiP
•Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna
• nRF52840 as a board controller and network processor for Bluetooth® and IEEE 802.15.4 protocols
• Buttons, switches, and LEDs for user interaction
• I/O interface for Arduino form factor plug-in modules
• SEGGER J-Link OB Debugger with debug out functionality
• UART interface through virtual COM port
• USB connection for debug/programming and power
• SIM card socket for nano-SIM (4FF SIM)
• Interfaces for nRF9160 current consumption measurements
Note: nRF9160 DK is compliant with the PS1 classification according to the IEC 62368-1 standard.
Skilled person: Person with relevant education or experience to enable him or her to identify hazards and
to take appropriate actions to reduce the risks of injury to themselves and others.
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2Kit content
The nRF9160 DK includes hardware, preprogrammed firmware, documentation, hardware schematics, and
layout files.
2.1 Hardware content
The nRF9160 DK contains the development kit board PCA10090 and a SIM card.
Figure 1: nRF9160 DK hardware content
Hardware files
The hardware design files including schematics, PCB layout files, bill of materials, and Gerber files for the
nRF9160 DK will be available on the product page, nRF91 SiP Series.
2.2 Related documentation
In addition to the information in this document, you may need to consult other documents.
Nordic documentation
•nRF9160 Objective Product Specification
• nRF91 Modem Firmware Release Notes
•nRF Connect Software Development Kit (SDK)
•nRF91 AT Commands Reference Guide
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3Getting started
To get started with nRF9160 DK, go to nRF9160 DK Getting Started and follow the instructions there.
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4Operating modes
The nRF9160 DK has various modes of operation.
4.1 Default mode: Interface MCU
The primary interface for programming and debugging the nRF9160 DK is the USB port (J4). The USB port
is connected to an interface MCU which embeds a SEGGER J-Link-OB (On Board) debug probe.
Figure 2: Interface MCU
4.1.1 Device programming
The nRF9160 DK supports SWD programming interfaces for both onboard and off-board nRF targets.
The primary target for programming and debugging in the DK is the nRF9160. The interface MCU also
supports programming the onboard nRF52840 as well as external nRF devices fitted on a shield or through
a connector to external boards such as the user's own prototypes.
The interface MCU will automatically detect if external targets are plugged in. The SW5 switch is used
to select nRF9160 or nRF52840 for programming or debugging on board. Note that there are significant
limitations on using the nRF52840 on the nRF9160 DK. For more information, see nRF9160 DK board
control on page 19.
4.1.2 Virtual COM port
The interface MCU also features three UART interfaces through three virtual COM ports.
The virtual COM ports are the following:
• VCOM0 – Connected to nRF9160 (default)
• VCOM1 – Connected to nRF52840 (nonconfigurable)
• VCOM2 – Not connected to nRF9160 (default)
For details on routing VCOM0 and VCOM2, see nRF9160 DK board control on page 19.
The virtual COM ports have the following features:
• Flexible baud rate settings up to 1 Mbps
• RTS/CTS-style Hardware Flow Control (HWFC) handling
The table below shows an overview of the GPIOs used for the UART connections on the nRF9160 and
nRF52840:
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Operating modes
nRF91 APP1 nRF91 APP2 nRF52840
TXD P0.29 P0.01 P0.03
RXD P0.28 P0.00 P0.05
CTS P0.26 P0.15 P0.07
RTS P0.27 P0.14 P1.08
Table 1: GPIOs used for virtual COM ports on nRF9160 and nRF52840
Note:
• Baud rate 921 600 is not supported through the virtual COM port.
4.1.3 MSD
The interface MCU features a mass storage device (MSD). This makes the development kit appear as an
external drive on your computer.
This drive can be used for drag-and-drop programming. However, files cannot be stored on this drive. By
copying a HEX file to the drive, the interface MCU will program the file to the device. The J-Link OB will
program the target that is selected with the nRF52/nRF91 switch (SW5). For limitations on nRF52840 use,
see nRF9160 DK board control on page 19.
Note:
• Windows might try to defragment the MSD part of the interface MCU. If this happens, the
interface MCU will disconnect and become unresponsive. To return to normal operation, the
development kit must be power cycled.
• Your antivirus software might try to scan the MSD part of the interface MCU. Some antivirus
programs trigger a false positive alert in one of the files and quarantine the unit. If this happens,
the interface MCU will become unresponsive.
• If your computer is set up to boot from USB, it can try to boot from the development kit if the
development kit is connected during boot. This can be avoided by unplugging the development
kit before a computer restart or changing the boot sequence of the computer.
You can also disable the MSD of the kit by using the msddisable command in J-Link Commander.
To enable, use the msdenable command. These commands take effect after a power cycle of the
development kit and stay this way until changed again.
4.1.4 Reset
The nRF9160 DK board is equipped with a RESET button (SW2).
By default, the RESET button is connected to the interface MCU that will forward the reset signal to the
nRF9160 or nRF52840, depending on the state of the nRF52/nRF91 switch. If nRF ONLY is activated, the
RESET button will be connected to the nRF9160 directly.
4.2 nRF ONLY mode
The nRF ONLY mode disconnects the interface MCU from the nRF9160 using analog switches.
This is done to isolate the chip on the board as much as possible, and can be of use when measuring
currents on low-power applications.
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Operating modes
Figure 3: nRF ONLY switch (SW1)
The development kit detects if there is a USB cable plugged in (see USB detect on page 10) and will
disconnect and power down the interface MCU when another supply than the USB is used. If the USB
connector is used for power supply only (USB battery back) you can also disable the interface MCU
through SW1.
USB detect and SW1 also control the routing of the RESET signal from the RESET button (SW2). Normally, it
is routed through the interface MCU, but if that is disabled, the reset button will be routed directly to the
nRF9160.
There are also a number of other reset routing options available through the use of solder bridges:
• When the interface MCU is disconnected, the RESET button is connected to pin 32 (nRESET) of the
nRF9160. The RESET button can be disconnected from the nRF9160 by cutting SB25.
• When the interface MCU is disconnected, shorting SB29 will connect the RESET pin of the Arduino
interface to the reset pin of the nRF9160.
• When the interface MCU is connected, shorting SB30 will connect the RESET pin of the Arduino
interface to the BOOT input of the interface MCU.
• Shorting SB27 will connect the RESET pin of the Arduino interface to the RESET button.
• Shorting SB28 will connect the RESET pin of the Arduino interface to the reset pin P0.29 of the
nRF9160.
4.2.1 USB detect
To detect when the USB for the interface MCU is connected, there is a circuit sensing the VBUS of USB
connector J4.
When the USB cable is connected, the VDD is propagated to the USB_DETECT signal.
Figure 4: USB detect switch
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5Hardware description
The nRF9160 DK board PCA10090 can be used as a development platform for the nRF9160. It features an
onboard programming and debugging solution.
5.1 Block diagram
The block diagram shows the main functionality of the nRF9160 DK.
nRF9160
SIP
GPS LNA/BPF
Analog
switch
Analog
switches
nRF52840
Analog
switch
Debug in
VDD IO
switch
Power switch
Power supply
circuitry
Interface
MCU
nRF-only
switch
Debug out
Reset button
USB
connector
External
supply
LTE antenna
SIM
eSIM
(not mounted)
Prog. switch
Debug in
GPS antenna
2.4 GHz
antenna
LEDs
Buttons
Arduino
interface
Switches
Figure 5: nRF9160 DK block diagram
5.2 Hardware figures
The nRF9160 DK hardware drawings show both sides of the PCA10090 board.
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Hardware description
Figure 6: nRF9160 DK board (PCA10090), front view
Figure 7: nRF9160 DK board (PCA10090), back view
5.3 Power supply
nRF9160 DK has a flexible and configurable power supply system to allow software development and
testing using different power sources and to facilitate accurate power measurements.
The power source options are:
• USB connector J4 (5 V)
• External supply on P28 (3.3 V–5 V)
• VIN 3–5 V on P15 (3.3 V–5 V)
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Hardware description
Figure 8: nRF9160 DK power supply options
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Hardware description
Figure 9: Power sources and switches
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Hardware description
To ensure that only one of the power sources are used on the board at a time, power switches are
implemented on each of them as shown in Figure 9: Power sources and switches on page 14. These
switches prioritize the supply sources in the following manner:
1. USB
2. P15
3. P28
This means that if power is connected to more than one the interfaces, the higher priority interface will be
chosen to supply the board.
The supply voltage is then routed through the ON/OFF switch (SW9) to the common rail VSUPPLY, which
acts as the source for the supply voltage regulators for the circuitry on the board.
The supply flows from VOUT to VIN, which is correct. The body diode of the internal transistor powers the
VSUPPLY net, which supplies the gates controlling the enable signal of the switches.
The power switches will introduce a small voltage drop between the power source connected to the board
and the VSUPPLY. To avoid this, the power switches can be bypassed by shorting one of the solder bridges:
Power source Power switch bypass Voltage level
USB connector (J4) SB24 5 V
External supply (P28) SB36 3.3 V–5 V
VIN 3–5 V (P15) SB4 3 V–5 V
Table 2: Bypassing power switch
Note: Connect only one power source at a time in this case. Shorting the solder bridges removes
the reverse voltage protection.
5.3.1 nRF9160 supply
The nRF9160 has a supply range of 3.1–5.5 V and is therefore powered by the VSUPPLY rail directly.
Figure 10: nRF9160 supply routing and current measurement
In order to enable current measurements of nRF9160 directly, P24 is added to supply nRF9160 from a
separate source. To enable the use of P24 during current measurements, the VSUPPLY rail is gated through
a power switch (U25), which is controlled by SW10. This makes it possible to choose INT (VSUPPLY) or
EXT (P24) power source for nRF9160 alone. For more details on how to measure nRF9160 current, see
Measuring current on page 31.
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Hardware description
Note: No protection diodes are implemented. Make sure to connect the positive voltage to the pin
next to the “+” and GND to the pin next to “−“.
5.3.2 VDD supply rail
VDD is the main supply for the rest of the circuitry on the board. It is regulated down from VSUPPLY by a
buck regulator (U22).
Figure 11: VDD buck regulator and selection switch
You can set the VDD voltage to 1.8 V (default) or 3 V with SW11. Running 3 V GPIO with heavy load may
degrade the LTE RF performance. For more information, see GPIO - General purpose input/output in the
nRF9160 Objective Product Specification.
VDD powers most of the other circuits the board and will set the GPIO signal amplitude between nRF9160
and other circuits on the board including connectors and PIN headers.
5.3.3 Other power domains
The interface MCU needs a 3.3 V for its USB interface supply, a low-dropout voltage regulator (U32) is used
for this. This regulator also supplies the LEDs on the board, giving these a fixed supply.
5.4 Antenna interfaces
nRF9160 DK has three antenna interfaces mounted representing LTE, GPS, and the 2.4 GHz radio.
The RF signals are propagated through three coaxial connectors with switches that will disconnect the
corresponding antenna from the radio if adapter cables are connected. This makes it possible to perform
conducted measurements or attach external antennas to the radio.
The relation between the switches, radios, and antennas are the following:
•J1 – Switch between the nRF9160 and the LTE antenna (A1)
•J6 – Switch between the nRF9160 and the GPS antenna (A2)
•J7 – Switch between the nRF52840 and the 2.4 GHz antenna (A3)
Note: The GPS signal is RX only. There is a combined Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) and a Band-Pass
Filter (BPF) (U3) between the nRF9160 and the RF switch J6.
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Hardware description
5.5 GPS
The nRF9160 has a dedicated GPS port to support global navigation.
The GPS signal is received in the GPS antenna (A2). The user can connect an external GPS antenna to
connector J6. Connecting an external antenna to J6 automatically disconnects the RF path to A2.
The signal is next amplified and filtered in the combined LNA and BPF U3 before it is fed to the nRF9160.
This makes the GPS receiver more sensitive to GPS signals and less sensitive to interference from other
sources on the DK or nearby.
Note:
• GPS signals do not usually penetrate the ceiling or other structures that well. Therefore, for best
GPS performance, the DK should be placed on a flat surface in an open space outside, far from
sources of interference and other structures that may block the signals from space.
• This functionality is only available if the modem firmware used in the nRF9160 supports GPS.
Figure 12: GPS connected to the nRF9160
5.6 GPIO interfaces
Access to the nRF9160 GPIOs is available from connectors P7, P10, P14, P19, and P27. The nRF9160 DK
supports the Arduino UNO interface.
Figure 13: Access to nRF9160 GPIOs
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Hardware description
GPIO signals are also available on connectors P5, P6, P12, P17, and P25, which are on the bottom side
of the board. By mounting pin lists on the connector footprints, the nRF9160 DK board can be used as a
shield for Arduino motherboards.
For easy access to GPIO, power, and ground, the signals can also be found on the through-hole connectors
P8, P12, P17, and P25.
Note: GPIO P0.29 is not available on any through-hole connector.
GPIO nRF9160 DK Function
P0.00, P0.01, P0.14, and P0.15 Used as a second UART connection to the interface MCU.
For more information, see Virtual COM port on page 8.
P0.02, P0.03, P0.04, P0.05, P0.06, P0.07,
P0.08, and P0.09
Connected by default to buttons, slide switches, and LEDs.
For more information, see Buttons, slide switches, and
LEDs on page 22.
P0.17, P0.18, P0.19, P0.21, P0.22, P0.23,
COEX0, COEX1, and COEX2
Used to connect the nRF9160 to the nRF9160 DK board
control on page 19.
P0.26, P0.27, P0.28, and P0.29 Used as the primary UART connection to the interface
MCU. For more information, see Virtual COM port on page
8.
Table 3: Default pin settings
Figure 14: nRF9160 DK pins
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Hardware description
5.7 nRF52840
An nRF52840 Bluetooth/IEEE 802.15.4 System on Chip (SoC) is included on the nRF9160 DK board.
This device has two functions:
• nRF9160 DK board control
• Bluetooth/IEEE 802.15.4 network processor
Figure 15: nRF52840 SoC on the nRF9160 DK
5.7.1 nRF9160 DK board control
The nRF52840 controls analog switches on the nRF9160 DK, enabling routing of some of the nRF9160
GPIO pins to onboard functionality, for example LEDs, or the regular GPIO interfaces.
For details on which GPIOs on the nRF9160 can be routed by these analog switches, see the table below.
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Hardware description
DestinationName nRF52 switch
control
Source
nRF9160
Default1Optional
P0.26 RTS P27 6
P0.27 CTS P27 7
P0.28 TX P27 8
nRF91_APP1 P1.14
P0.29
Interface
MCU VCOM0
RX P1 4
P1.12
(P0.12; see
footnote)
P0.01 P14 2 RXD
P0.00 P14 1 TXD
P0.15 P10 2 RTS
nRF91_APP2
P0.14 P10 1
Interface
MCU VCOM2
CTS
nRF91_LED1 P1.05 P0.02 - LED1 P14 3
nRF91_LED2 P1.07 P0.02 - LED2 P14 4
nRF91_LED3 P1.01 P0.02 - LED3 P14 5
nRF91_LED4 P1.03 P0.02 - LED4 P14 6
nRF91_SWITCH1 P1.09 P0.08 - SWITCH1 P19 1
nRF91_SWITCH2 P0.08 P0.09 - SWITCH2 P19 2
nRF91_BUTTON1 P0.06 P0.06 - BUTTON1 P14 7
nRF91_BUTTON2 P0.26 P0.07 - BUTTON2 P14 8
P0.17 P10 4 P0.17
P0.18 P10 5 P0.20
nRF91_GPIO P0.13
P0.19 P10 6
nRF52
P0.15
P0.21 P4 TRACECLK P0.22
P0.22 TRACEDATA0 P1.04
NRF91_TRACE P0.24
P0.23 TRACEDATA1
nRF52
P1.02
COEX0 COEX0_PH P1.13
COEX1 COEX1_PH P1.11
NRF91_COEX P1.10
COEX2
P1
COEX2_PH
nRF52
P1.15
Table 4: Board control routing
Name
The name to be used when referring to this signal path and the configuration needed to control it.
nRF52 switch control
The GPIOs on nRF52840 that are used to control the analog switches selecting between default and
optional routing.
1For nRF91_APP2, two GPIOs need to be set high on nRF52840 to get the optional destination for the
signals.
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