Ublox EVK-NINA-B3 Series User manual

UBX-17056481 - R08
C1-Public www.u-blox.com
EVK-NINA-B3
Evaluation kit for NINA-B3 modules
User guide
Abstract
This document describes how to set up the EVK-NINA-B3 evaluation kit to evaluate NINA-B3 series
standalone Bluetooth®5 low energy modules. It also describes the different options for debugging
and the development capabilities included in the evaluation board.

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Document information
Title
EVK-NINA-B3
Subtitle
Evaluation kit for NINA-B3 modules
Document type
User guide
Document number
UBX-17056481
Revision and date
R08
16-May-2023
Disclosure restriction
C1-Public
This document applies to the following products:
Product name
Type number
Software support
PCN reference
EVK-NINA-B301
EVK-NINA-B301-00
Open CPU
-
EVK-NINA-B311
EVK-NINA-B311-01
u-connectXpress
-
EVK-NINA-B302
EVK-NINA-B302-00
Open CPU
-
EVK-NINA-B312
EVK-NINA-B312-01
u-connectXpress
-
EVK-NINA-B306
EVK-NINA-B306-00
Open CPU
-
EVK-NINA-B316
EVK-NINA-B316-01
u-connectXpress
-
u -blox or third parties may hold intellectual property rights in the products, names, logos and designs included in this
document. Copying, reproduction, or modification of this document or any part thereof is only permitted with the express
written permission of u-blox. Disclosure to third parties is permitted for clearly public documents only.
The information contained herein is provided “as is”. No warranty of any kind, either express or implied, is made in relation to
the accuracy, reliability, fitness for a particular purpose or content of this document. This document may be revised by u-blox
at any time. For most recent documents, please visit www.u-blox.com.
Copyright © u-blox AG.

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Contents
Document information .............................................................................................................................2
Contents .......................................................................................................................................................3
1Quick start guide.................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Installing s-center evaluation software..................................................................................................5
1.2 Installing J-Link drivers .............................................................................................................................5
1.3 Installing serial port drivers ......................................................................................................................5
2Product description............................................................................................................................6
2.1 Overview........................................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Kit includes...................................................................................................................................................8
2.3 Key features .................................................................................................................................................8
2.4 EVK-NINA-B3 block diagram ....................................................................................................................9
2.5 Connectors .................................................................................................................................................10
3Setting up the evaluation board .................................................................................................. 11
3.1 Software and hardware preparation.....................................................................................................11
Installing software............................................................................................................................11
Connecting external antennas.......................................................................................................11
Power on evaluation board..............................................................................................................11
COM ports ..........................................................................................................................................12
3.2 Starting up the EVK..................................................................................................................................12
EVK-NINA-B31x ................................................................................................................................12
EVK-NINA-B30x ................................................................................................................................12
3.3 Measuring current consumption...........................................................................................................13
Using an amperemeter....................................................................................................................13
Using a voltmeter .............................................................................................................................13
Using an external power supply or power analyzer....................................................................13
4Board configuration......................................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Powering options.......................................................................................................................................15
Selecting the power configuration jumpers................................................................................15
Default power configuration, 3.3 V ...............................................................................................18
Battery powered, 3 –1.7 V ..............................................................................................................19
Battery powered with protection diode, 2.7 –1.7 V...................................................................20
External supply, 3.6 –1.7 V.............................................................................................................21
Raspberry Pi HAT..............................................................................................................................22
4.2 Disconnecting NINA signals from board peripherals ........................................................................22
5Interfaces and peripherals ............................................................................................................ 25
5.1 Buttons and LEDs.....................................................................................................................................25
5.2 Arduino interface ......................................................................................................................................26
Arduino shield compatibility...........................................................................................................27
5.3 Raspberry Pi compatible interface ........................................................................................................28
Powering considerations.................................................................................................................30

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UART ...................................................................................................................................................31
EEPROM support..............................................................................................................................31
5.4 Additional Interfaces................................................................................................................................31
Extra memory –external Flash ......................................................................................................32
Extra USB to UART interface .........................................................................................................33
CPU trace interface..........................................................................................................................33
Appendix .................................................................................................................................................... 34
ASchematics ........................................................................................................................................ 34
BGlossary .............................................................................................................................................. 39
Related documents ................................................................................................................................ 40
Revision history ....................................................................................................................................... 40
Contact....................................................................................................................................................... 40

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1Quick start guide
EVK-NINA-B3 software and documentation is available at www.u-blox.com/evk-search.
1.1 Installing s-center evaluation software
s-center is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for evaluating, configuring, and testing u-blox short range
modules. Running on Windows 10 operating systems, the software allows end users to assess and
configure u-blox short range modules using the EVK.
Follow the procedure outlined below to download and install the s-center software and
documentation. The software can be downloaded from the u-blox s-center product page and is
available free of charge.
1. Download the latest s-center software to your computer.
2. Open the s-center setup installer to install the software.
3. Select Launch button in the installer or open the application from the Windows Start button.
1.2 Installing J-Link drivers
Follow the procedure outlined below to install the J-Link drivers needed for programming the module.
1. Connect the EVK-NINA-B3 board to your PC using the USB cable provided with the product.
2. Verify that the USB drivers are installed successfully. If the drivers do not install automatically,
see also Evaluation board setup.
3. Once the drivers are installed, a COM port is enabled in Windows. Use the Windows Device
Manager to view the COM port number for the USB serial port.
4. Start s-center to communicate with the module.
1.3 Installing serial port drivers
EVK-ANNA-B4 EVKs include a mounted FTDI chip to provide serial port connectivity. Normally the
driver for the UART is installed automatically when the board is connected. If the driver fails to install,
the driver files can be retrieved form the manufacturers website [9]

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2Product description
2.1 Overview
The EVK-NINA-B3 evaluation kit is a versatile development platform that allows quick prototyping of
a variety of extreme low-power Internet of Things (IoT) applications, using full Bluetooth 5, NFC, and
IEEE 802.15.4.
EVK-NINA-B3 boards are available in several variants:
•EVK-NINA-B301 including the NINA-B301 Open CPU module with an antenna connector for
connecting to external antennas.
•EVK-NINA-B311 including the NINA-B311 module with pre-flashed u-connectXpress software and
an antenna connector for connecting to external antennas.
•EVK-NINA-B302 including the NINA-B302 Open CPU module with a unique (2.4 GHz metal sheet)
internal antenna soldered onto the device.
•EVK-NINA-B312 including the NINA-B312 module with pre-flashed u-connectXpress software and
a unique (2.4 GHz metal sheet) internal antenna soldered onto the device.
•EVK-NINA-B306 including the NINA-B306 Open CPU module with an internal PCB trace antenna.
•EVK-NINA-B316 including the NINA-B316 module with pre-flashed u-connectXpress software and
internal PCB trace antenna.
☞The debug chip “Atmel” is not mounted on NINA-B31x u-connectXpress secure-boot EVKs as
it serves no useful purpose on secure modules.
Figure 1: EVK-NINA-B301/-B311 evaluation board

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Figure 2: EVK-NINA-B302/-B312 evaluation board
⚠Take care when handling the EVK-NINA-B302 or EVK-NINA-B312. Applying force to the NINA
module might damage the internal antenna.
Figure 3: EVK-NINA-B306/-B316 evaluation board
The evaluation boards provide access to all the 38 GPIO pins and interfaces available on the
NINA-B3 modules through a variety of connectors and interfaces including Arduino™ Uno R3 [1] and
Raspberry Pi [2] header connectors.
The stand-alone NINA-B3 modules include an Arm®Cortex®-M4F microcontroller with 1 MB internal
flash and 256 kB RAM, running at a system clock of 64 MHz. This has been integrated inside the
Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 chip that the modules are based on. The evaulation board provides
simple USB drag-n-drop programming and a SEGGER J-Link debug interface that can be used with
the Open CPU variants of the EVK. Nordic Semiconductors, the manufacturer of the nRF52840 chip
that the NINA-B3 series are based on, provides a free Software Development Kit (SDK) with a broad
selection of drivers, libraries, and example applications that can be used for rapid prototyping.

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2.2 Kit includes
The EVK-NINA-B3 evaluation kit includes the following:
•NINA-B3 evaluation board
•2.4 GHz antenna with U.FL connector (only in EVK-NINA-B301 and EVK-NINA-B311)
•NFC antenna
•USB cable
•Quick start card
2.3 Key features
•u-blox NINA-B3 Bluetooth low energy module based on the Nordic nRF52840 chipset
oFull Bluetooth 5 support
oNFC tag functionality
o802.15.4 PHY
oIntegrated Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller with 1 MB flash, 256 kB RAM, and 64 MHz
system clock
oUSB 2.0
oWide 1.7-3.6 V supply range
•The NINA-B3 module supports different interfaces that can be configured to any of the 38
available GPIO pin(s):
o8 analog capable inputs
o12 PWM capable outputs
o3x SPI
o2x UART with HW flow control
o2x I2C
o1x I2S
o1x PDM input
o1x Quadrature decoder
•EVK-NINA-B31x support for u-connectXpress software
•EVK-NINA-B30x support for developing your own software on the Open CPU NINA-B3 module
•Full UART to USB converter with a Virtual COM port, allowing control of the extended UART
features of u-blox u-connectXpress software
•On-board J-Link debugger/programmer
oMass Storage Device interface to PC for drag-n-drop programming
oDebug port
oAn additional Virtual COM port that, for example, may be connected to add-on boards
or to a debug UART on the NINA-B3
•Dedicated USB connector for the NINA-B3 USB interface
•Additional flash memory can be added to the board for use by the NINA-B3 module
•RGB LED and push buttons
•Arduino UNO R3 and Raspberry Pi compatible pin header interfaces
•Jumper headers and level shifters allow for flexible powering options of the NINA-B3 module, even
with full board support. They isolate the module entirely and control each power net separately in
order to precisely measure low power applications or disconnect only unused parts of the board to
save battery life.
•Multiple board power supply options
o5-12 V power plug
o5 V USB supply
o5-12 V Arduino VIN input
•Battery holder supporting CR2032 coin cell batteries

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2.4 EVK-NINA-B3 block diagram
The block diagram in Figure 4 shows the major interfaces and internal connections of the EVK-NINA-
B3. The following sections describe in detail how the different interfaces are connected and may be
used, as well as how the evaluation board may be configured to suit the needs of the user.
Figure 4: EVK-NINA-B3 block diagram
UART
to USB
USB
conn.
Interface
MCU
(Program &
Debug Unit)
USB
Hub
USB
conn.
Batt.
holder
Power
plug
RF
conn.
Voltage
Level
Shifters
UART
SWD
Flash
Memory
3.3 V VDD_NINA
DC/DC
reg.
Protect.
diodes
NFC antenna
connector
Dedicated NINA
USB 2.0 conn.
VDD_NINA
Bluetooth
802.15.4
Arduino Uno R3 interface
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13
SCL SDA
A0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5
IOREF 3V3
5V
VIN
GND
RESET
ADC/Comp. GPIO/Dig. Interface GPIO/Dig. Interface
UART
GPIO/Dig. Int.
UART
SW2
Raspberry Pi 40 pin GPIO header
3V3
5V
GND
GPIO/Digital Interface
UART
ID_SC
ID_SD
RPi_3
RPi_4
RPi_5 RPi_6 RPi_7
RPi_2
RPi_8
RPi_9
RPi_10
RPi_11
RPi_12
RPi_13
RPi_14
RPi_15
RPi_16 RPi_17 RPi_18
RPi_19
RPi_20
RPi_21
RPi_22
RPi_23
RPi_24
RPi_25
RPi_26 RPi_27
NINA
Module
User
RGB LED
User
buttons
Reset
button
NINA
SWD conn.
NINA signal
jumper header
SWD
UART
UART
COM port
pin header
Power selector
jumper headers
USB USB
USB
3.3 V
3.3 V
QSPI
20-pin Trace
connector
ETM/ITM
Trace
USB
NFC
RF
VBUS
VBUS
CR2032
3 V
5 - 12 V
NINA COM port
NINA program & debug
Additional COM port
1.7 - 3.6 V
Raspberry Pi pin
NINA Open CPU function
NINA Open CPU function
Arduino pin
NINA Connectivity Software function
NINA Connectivity Software function

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2.5 Connectors
Figure 5 shows the available connectors of the EVK-NINA-B3 and their layout. Table 1 describes the
connectors and their uses in detail.
Figure 5: Available connectors and their pinout
Connector
annotation
Function
Description
J5
Power supply
2.1 mm power jack, the center pin is the positive terminal. 5 –12 V input.
J17
Power supply
Pin header that can be used to connect external power supplies. 5 –12 V input.
BT1
Battery holder
CR2032 coin cell battery holder. CR2032 usually has a 3 V potential when fully
charged.
J11
NFC antenna
connector
Pin header that connects to the u-blox NFC antenna included in the kit. The antenna
can be mounted in either direction.
J10
2.4 GHz RF antenna
connector
U.FL coaxial connector that can be used to connect antennas or RF equipment. This
connector is only included in the EVK-NINA-B301/EVK-NINA-B311.
J12
Cortex Debug
connector
10-pin, 50 mil pitch connector that can be used to connect external debuggers to the
NINA-B3 module. The NINA-B3 modules support Serial Wire debug (SWD) and Serial
Wire Viewer, but not JTAG debug.
J8
Power supply, COM
port and debug USB
The main USB connector that is used to program, debug, and communicate with the
NINA module. It can also be used to power the entire board.
J16
Power supply and
NINA USB port
Additional USB connector directly connected to the NINA-B3 USB interface. Can also
be used to power the entire board.
Table 1: EVK-NINA-B3 connector description
J5
21
1 4
GNDVIN
5 - 12 V
NFC1
GND GND
NFC2
U.FL RF coax
GND GND
N/C
VDD_IO
GND
SWDIO SWDCLK
GPIO_8 N/C
RESET_N
BT1
J17
Power
J8
J16
USB
Debug
J12
Antennas
J11
J10
CR2032
+
3V
2
1
10
9
Micro USB
Micro USB
J17
Debug
Power
Antennas
USB
USB
J8
J5 BT1
J12
J16
J10
J11
Board Connectors

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3Setting up the evaluation board
This chapter describes the procedures for starting up the EVK and includes guidelines for measuring
the current consumption of the module.
☞To accommodate alternative antenna and software solutions, several EVK-NINA-B3 variants
are available. The procedures for setting up each of the board variants subsequently differ. See
also Overview.
3.1 Software and hardware preparation
Complete the prerequisites described in this section before Starting up the EVK.
Installing software
•EVK-NINA-B30x evaluation boards only
J-Link drivers are needed for programming the open CPU NINA-B30 modules. J-Link drivers are
usually automatically installed on a PC correctly when the evaluation boards are plugged in. If the
drivers are not installed automatically, download the J-Link driver included in the Nordic nRF
Command Line Tools and follow the Installing J-Link drivers procedure to install the J-Link drivers
needed for programming the open CPU NINA-B30 modules. The drivers need only be installed once
when you connect the EVK to a new computer.
•EVK-NINA-B31x evaluation boards only
EVK-NINA-B31x evaluation boards are pre-flashed with u-connectXpress software, which enables
users to configure the module using AT commands with u-blox s-center evaluation software. To
install the evaluation software, see s-center evaluation software.
Connecting external antennas
3.1.2.1 2.4 GHz antenna
To evaluate the 2.4 GHz radio on the EVK boards utilizing external antennas connect a 2.4 GHz antenna
to the U.FL connector (J10) on the board.
The board variants that include modules with internal antennas do not need an external antenna.
3.1.2.2 NFC antenna
To use any of the board variants as an NFC tag, an NFC antenna can be connected to the NFC antenna
connector (J11).
Power on evaluation board
Before powering on the evaluation boards, make sure that the power configuration jumpers are
connected according to your use cases, as described in Powering options. The default configuration
described in Selecting the power configuration jumpers works for most use cases.
Check the polarity of the EVK connector before connecting an external power supply to the
evaluation board. Center conductor is positive (+) and the ring is negative (-).
Plug the external power supply to the power jack connector (J5) or connect a USB host to the USB
connector (J8) with a USB cable. Alternatively, you can power on a EVK-NINA-B3 evaluation board with
a CR2032 coin cell battery. See also Powering options for more details.

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COM ports
Open the Windows Device Manager to view the two COM ports automatically assigned to the device.
•“USB Serial Port” is used to communicate with the UART interface of the module.
•“JLink CDC UART Port” can be used as an extra USB to the UART interface. See also Extra USB to
UART interface.
3.2 Starting up the EVK
EVK-NINA-B31x
3.2.1.1 u-connectXpress software
EVK-NINA-B31 is delivered with u-connectXpress software that supports secure boot functionality
that only allows signed u-blox software to boot.
☞Go to the u-blox support webpage to get the latest available firmware. Instructions for
reflashing the EVK-NINA-B3 can be found in the Software section of the NINA-B3 system
integration manual [4].
3.2.1.2 s-center evaluation software
To enable communication with the module:
1. Start the u-blox s-center evaluation software.
2. Use the default baudrate 115200, 8N1 with flow control.
For a list of available AT commands, see the u-connect AT commands manual [5].
To get started with the basic use case set up of the EVK-NINA-B31, see the u-connectXpress user
guide [7].
EVK-NINA-B30x
3.2.2.1 Nordic Semiconductor SDK
The EVK-NINA-B30x is delivered without any SW preflashed,
If you want to use the EVK-NINA-B30x together with Nordic Semiconductor SDK, refer to the Software
section of the NINA-B3 System integration manual [4] that describes how to:
•Create your own board file
•Adapt the examples in the Nordic Semiconductor SDK to use this board file
See also the u-blox short range open CPU GitHub repository [8].
3.2.2.2 Software debug options
You can debug the software using the following two options in EVK-NINA-B30x:
•Onboard debug solution available on the USB connector
•Using an external debugger connected to J12 connector
An external debugger connected to the J12 connector is useful when powering the evaluation board
with a CR2032 coin cell battery, or through the J5 external power supply connector. It could also be
useful in a scenario where the debug MCU interface has been disconnected from the
NINA-B3 module using the jumpers on the J19 header.
SEGGER J-Link software [6] is required in order to debug using the onboard J-Link hardware on the
EVK-NINA-B30x.

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3.3 Measuring current consumption
☞Before starting the current consumption measurement, go through the Board configuration to
determine which power configuration you need and what NINA signals must be isolated. The
jumper connecting J22 pins 1 and 3 must be removed to measure the current consumption.
Figure 6 shows some suggestions for measuring the current consumption of the NINA-B3 module
describes how to connect the various instruments.
Using an amperemeter
An amperemeter should be connected in series with the power source regardless of what is being
measured. In this way, the current can be measured when the NINA module is supplied from either the
onboard 3.3 V regulator or an external supply.
Using a voltmeter
The EVK board must be modified before module current can be measured with a voltmeter.
To modify the board, solder a low resistance, high-tolerance, 0402 sized resistor to the footprint
labeled R6. This resistor replaces the jumper normally positioned between J22 pins - 1 and 3 so that
any current running through it produces a voltage across its terminals. Measure this voltage with the
voltmeter and calculate the current using Ohm’s law.
Using an external power supply or power analyzer
To measure the power consumption of the NINA modules, connect the instrument terminals to the
J22 pins, as shown in Figure 6. Since the external voltage of any connected instrument can never
perfectly match the 3.3 V generated by the EVK, some small current leakage is apparent whenever
the signal from the ANNA module is connected to an EVK peripheral. The leakage is typically in the
order of one to several hundred nano amps.
To reduce leakage current, use a second external power channel to supply the EVK peripherals. This
second channel must also be used to enable PC communication when using any NINA supply voltages
other than 3.3 V.

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Figure 6: Current consumption measuring options
J22
VCC_IO
VCC
1
GND 5
AJ22
VCC_IO
VCC
1
GND 5
A
6
4
R6
J22
VCC_IO
VCC
3
1
V
J22
VCC_IO
VCC
3
1
A
Amperemeter Voltmeter
One channel Two channels
GND GND
Onboard
3.3 V supply
DC/DC
External supply
1.7 - 3.6 V
-.-- V

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4Board configuration
4.1 Powering options
Power can be supplied to the board in any of the following ways:
•Via any of the USB connectors, J8 or J16
•Using the power jack, J5
•Using the Arduino interface VIN or 5V pin, J1.8 or J1.5
•Using the Raspberry Pi interface 5V pins, J14.2 or J14.4
•Using the pin header J17
•Plugging in a battery to the battery holder BT1
These power supply sources are distributed to the rest of the board as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7: Block diagram of the power net distribution
Selecting the power configuration jumpers
The EVK-NINA-B3 offers flexible powering options for the NINA-B3 module and the board itself. To
configure this, jumpers are added or removed to pin headers, shorting two of the pins together and
connecting or disconnecting different power nets on the evaluation board.
Figure 8 provides an overview of the available EVK power sources and shows the schematic net names
to which they are connected.
⚠Check the jumper positions carefully; if a jumper is connected in a wrong way, it can permanently
damage the components that are ON or connected to the board. Also note that some jumpers
should not be mounted simultaneously.
Diode protection
3.3 V
DC/DC
Regulator
Fuse
5 V
3.3 V
Diode protection
3 V
2.7 V
J7
Power select
jumper header
J22
NINA power select
jumper header
VDD_NINA
3.3 V
3.3 V
VIN
1.7- 3.6 V
external supply
J1and J14
Arduino and
Raspberry Pi
pin headers
VCC
VCC_IO
VDD_IO
NINA
Module
Board
peripherals
BT1
CR2032
3 V
J5
5 - 12 V
J8
5 V
J16
5 V
J17 pin 2
VIN pin header
5 - 12 V
J1pin 8
Ardunio VIN pin
5 - 12 V
Diode protection
USB
conn.
Batt.
holder
Power
jack
USB
conn.

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Figure 8: Available EVK power sources and targets
Figure 9 shows the pinout location of power configuration jumper headers J7 and J22.
Figure 9: Jumper headers J7 and J22
DC/DC
Onboard 3.3 V
converter
Battery
Battery with
protection diode
MCU
PC communication
HAT
Raspberry Pi
expansion board
NINA module power
Board I/O power:
Level shifters, LEDs etc.
3V3
VBAT_DIODE
VBAT
VDD_MCU
3V3_PI
VDD_IO
VCC
VCC_IO
Sources Net names Targets
Any power net
-.-- V
External supply
iguration
GND
GND
VDD_MCU
VDD_NINA VDD_NINA VDD_NINA
3V3_PI
3V3 3V3 VBAT VBAT_DIODE 3V3
J7
J22
111
12 2
J7
GNDGND
VDD_IO
VCC_IO
VDD_NINA
VCC
5
6
21
J22
Power Conf

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Table 2 describes the pinout of jumper headers J7 and J22 used to configure the board power nets.
Connector
annotation
Pin
number
Schematic
net name
Description
J7
1
3V3
Regulated 3.3 V net. This net is supplied by the board and will always be
powered as long as a power source is connected.
2
3V3_PI
Connects to the Raspberry Pi header’s (J14) 3V3 pins. If a Raspberry Pi is
connected, this net must be unconnected to prevent back currents. If a HAT
is connected, this net can be shorted to the EVK 3.3 V supply to power the
HAT.
3
VBAT_DIO
DE
To protect the battery from current back surges, connect the battery to the
NINA module via a protection diode using this pin.
4
VDD_NINA
Connects to J22 pin 3, from where it can be connected to the module supply
pin or somewhere else.
5
VBAT
Battery + terminal
6
VDD_NINA
Connects to J22 pin 3, from where it can be connected to the module supply
pin or somewhere else.
7
3V3
Regulated 3.3 V net. This net is supplied by the board and will always be
powered as long as a power source is connected.
8
VDD_NINA
Connects to J22 pin 3, from where it can be connected to the module supply
pin or somewhere else.
9
3V3
Regulated 3.3 V net. This net is supplied by the board and will always be
powered as long as a power source is connected.
10
VDD_MCU
Supply net for the board functions not directly connected to the NINA
module; Interface MCU, USB hub, UART to USB converter etc.
11
GND
Ground net.
12
GND
Ground net.
J22
1
VCC
NINA module voltage supply that connects to the module VCC pin. Shorted
to the VCC_IO net via 0 Ωresistor R4 by default.
2
VCC_IO
Connects to the NINA module VCC_IO pin. Shorted to the VCC net via 0 Ω
resistor R4 by default.
3
VDD_NINA
Connects to J7 pins 4, 6 and 8. Short J22 pins 1 and 3 allow the EVK to
power the NINA module.
4
VDD_IO
Supply net for level shifters, LEDs and peripherals connected directly to the
NINA module. Short J22 pins 2 and 4 use the NINA module I/O voltage as
supply.
5
GND
Ground net.
6
GND
Ground net.
Table 2: J7 and J22 pin out

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Default power configuration, 3.3 V
This is the default power configuration for the evaluation board, and the jumpers are installed out of
the box with this power configuration. All board peripherals are powered up, the NINA module is
directly supplied by the board and everything is running at 3.3 V.
Figure 10: Jumper positions for default power configuration
Connector
annotation
Add jumper
to pins
Description
J7
7, 8
Selects the board regulated 3.3 V net as source for the VDD_NINA net.
9, 10
Powers up the Interface MCU, USB hub, and UART to USB converter with 3.3 V.
J22
1, 3
Powers up the NINA module. The NINA VCC and VCC_IO pins are connected to the selected
source for the VDD_NINA net.
2, 4
Powers up the peripherals directly connected to NINA such as LEDs and external memory with
the NINA supply voltage.
Table 3: Jumper positions for default power configuration
J7
BOARD
NINA
3V3
34
2 1
J22
VCC_IO
VCC
7
8
9
10
NINA module powerboard I/O power
J22: 2-4 J22: 1-3
PC communication
MCU
DC/DC
EVB powered
J7: 9-10J7: 7-8

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Battery powered, 3 –1.7 V
Figure 11 shows the default configuration for battery-powered operation, where the jumpers
highlighted with dashed lines are optional.
The battery voltage is connected to VDD_NINA, which in turn, is connected to the NINA-B3 VCC
supply. If needed, a jumper can be added to J22 pins - 2 and 4 to supply LEDs and other peripherals
with power –as long as this does not exceed the maximum current rating of the battery. If the NINA
module has to be configured, the VDD_MCU net can be connected to enable PC communications by
adding a jumper to the J7 pins 9 and 10.
☞Jumpers must be connected to both J7: 9-10 and J22: 2-4 to be able to communicate with the
NINA module from a PC. If possible, the EVB power configuration should be switched to the
default 3.3 V configuration, as connecting an extra board peripheral might deplete the battery.
⚠Do not connect jumpers J7: 5-6 and J7: 7-8 at the same time while a battery is connected! This
might cause damage to the battery.
Figure 11: Jumper positions for battery powered operation (jumpers shown with dashed lines are optional)
Connector
annotation
Add jumper
to pins
Description
J7
5, 6
Selects the battery connected to the battery holder as source for the VDD_NINA net.
9, 10
(Optional) Powers up the Interface MCU, USB hub, and UART to USB converter with 3.3 V.
J22
1, 3
Powers up the NINA module. The NINA VCC and VCC_IO pins are connected to the selected
source for the VDD_NINA net.
2, 4
(Optional) Powers up the peripherals directly connected to NINA such as LEDs and external
memory with the NINA supply voltage.
Table 4: Jumper positions for battery powered operation (two optional jumpers)
J7
BOARD
BATT
3V3
34
2 1
J22
VCC_IO
VCC
5
6
9
10
NINA module powerboard I/O power
(optional)
J22: 2-4 J22: 1-3
PC communication
(optional)
MCU
J7: 9-10
Battery powered
J7: 5-6

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Battery powered with protection diode, 2.7 –1.7 V
This use case is meant to protect the battery from current back surges. When using the NFC
interface, there is a risk that the applied electromagnetic field can cause back surges on the module
power supply lines that typically damage a non-chargeable battery. To prevent this potential damage,
a schottky diode is added in series with the battery to block any back current surges.
Figure 12 shows the jumper configuration for connecting the diode for battery-powered operation,
where the jumper is added to J7 pins 3 and 4 instead of pins 5 and 6. The jumpers shown in dashed
lines are optional.
☞The diode will lower the voltage level of the battery by about 0.3 V.
Figure 12: Jumper positions for battery powered operation using the protection diode
Connector
annotation
Add jumper
to pins
Description
J7
3, 4
Selects the diode protected battery as a source for the VDD_NINA net.
9, 10
(Optional) Powers up the Interface MCU, USB hub, and UART to USB converter with 3.3 V.
J22
1, 3
Powers up the NINA module. The NINA VCC and VCC_IO pins are connected to the selected
source for the VDD_NINA net.
2, 4
(Optional) Powers up the peripherals directly connected to NINA such as LEDs and external
memory with the NINA supply voltage.
Table 5: Jumper positions for battery powered operation with a protection diode (two optional jumpers)
J7
BOARD
BATT DIODE
3V3
34
2 1
J22
VCC_IO
VCC
3
4
9
10
NINA module powerboard I/O power
(optional)
J22: 2-4 J22: 1-3
PC communication
(optional)
MCU
J7: 9-10J7: 3-4
Battery powered
with protection