Ublox NORA-W10 Series User manual

UBX-22002764 - R02
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EVK-NORA-W10
Evaluation kit for NORA-W10 series modules
User guide
Abstract
The document describes how to set up and use the EVK-NORA-W101 and EVK-NORA-W106
evaluation kits for prototyping NORA-W10 open CPU, multiradio modules. To obtain the different
options for debugging and the development capabilities included in the evaluation board see NORA-
W10 system integration manual [2].

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Document information
Title
EVK-NORA-W1
Subtitle
Evaluation kit for NORA-W10 series modules
Document type
User guide
Document number
UBX-22002764
Revision and date
R02
22-Jul-2022
Disclosure restriction
C1-Public
Product status
Corresponding content status
In development /
Prototype
Objective specification
Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Engineering sample
Advance information
Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Initial production
Early production information
Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Mass production/
End of life
Production information
Document contains the final product specification.
This document applies to the following products:
Product name
Document status
EVK-NORA-W101
Objective specification
EVK-NORA-W106
Objective specification
☞For information about the hardware, software, and status of the available product types, see the
NORA-W10 data sheet [1].
u-blox or third parties may hold intellectual property rights in the products, names, logos and designs included in this
document. Copying, reproduction, modification or disclosure to third parties of this document or any part thereof is only
permitted with the express written permission of u-blox.
The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for its use. No warranty, either express or
implied, is given, including but not limited to, with respect to the accuracy, correctness, reliability and fitness for a particular
purpose of the information. This document may be revised by u-blox at any time without notice. For the most recent
documents, visit www.u-blox.com.
Copyright © u-blox AG.

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Contents
Document information................................................................................................................................2
Contents ..........................................................................................................................................................3
1Product description ..............................................................................................................................4
1.1 Key features .................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Kit includes ................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2.1 EVK-NORA-W101...............................................................................................................................5
1.2.2 EVK-NORA-W106...............................................................................................................................5
2Setting up the evaluation board.......................................................................................................6
3Hardware description...........................................................................................................................7
3.1 Overview........................................................................................................................................................7
3.2 Power .............................................................................................................................................................7
3.2.1 Powering the board ............................................................................................................................8
3.3 Reset..............................................................................................................................................................9
3.4 Buttons........................................................................................................................................................10
3.5 LEDs.............................................................................................................................................................11
3.6 Serial communication ..............................................................................................................................12
3.7 32.768 kHz low frequency clock.............................................................................................................13
3.8 Current sensing headers .........................................................................................................................14
3.9 External JTAG debug interface..............................................................................................................15
3.10 QSPI memory .............................................................................................................................................16
3.11 Jumpers......................................................................................................................................................17
3.12 Header pin-out ...........................................................................................................................................18
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
AGlossary ................................................................................................................................................. 21
Related documentation ........................................................................................................................... 22
Revision history.......................................................................................................................................... 22
Contact.......................................................................................................................................................... 22

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1Product description
The EVK-NORA-W10 evaluation kit provides stand-alone use of the NORA-W10 series module.
All pins and interfaces supported on NORA-W10 series modules are conveniently accessed from the
evaluation board. A simple USB connection provides the physical interface for the power,
programming, and COM ports. A USB peripheral connector, reset button, and four other user buttons
are available.
GPIO signals are available on headers that are compatible with the Arduino® form factor. This allows
easy use of existing Arduino shields. Current sense resistors allow for measuring current into the
module and into the shield.
This guide provides setup instructions for starting development and describes the hardware
functionality of the EVK-NORA-W10 board.
1.1 Key features
EVK-NORA-W2 provides developers with access several practical features for testing and evaluating
the connectivity options supported in NORA-W2 series modules, including:
•Used for evaluation of NORA-W101 or NORA-W106 modules
•COM ports and debug ports over USB
•Full GPIO of the NORA-W1 series
•Buttons and status LEDs for user interaction
•32.768 kHz crystal
•USB peripheral connector
•Power input through USB-C or pin sockets
•Current measurement access points from pin headers and jumpers
Figure 1: EVK-NORA-W10 evaluation board (top view)

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1.2 Kit includes
1.2.1 EVK-NORA-W101
•EVK-NORA-W10 evaluation board with NORA-W101 module
•USB-C to USB-A adapter cable
•2.4 GHz U.FL antenna
1.2.2 EVK-NORA-W106
•EVK-NORA-W10 evaluation board with NORA-W106 module –equipped with 2.4 GHz integrated
antenna (external antenna not supplied)
•USB-C to USB-A adapter cable

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2Setting up the evaluation board
The EVK-NORA-W10 is delivered without any software (open CPU) and the software must be
developed by the user.
The following devices are applicable:
•EVK-NORA-W101
•EVK-NORA-W106
Connect the external power supply to the EVK as described in Powering the board. The green status
LED (D10) is lit when the internal EVK 3.3 V supply is active.
⚠Before powering up the EVK-NORA-W106, be sure to connect the 2.4 GHz antenna to the U.FL
antenna connector (J12). Failing to do can cause module malfunction.
⚠Observe that the inrush current when powering-up the EVK. The current level can be significantly
higher than it is during normal operation.
The operating system installs the correct COM port drivers automatically. The drivers need to be
installed only when you connect the unit to a new computer for the first time. For more information
about the COM ports and their configuration, see the FTDI FT231XQ-R Datasheet [3].
Windows OS automatically assigns one COM port to the unit.
To view the assigned COM ports on Windows 10:
1. Open the Control Panel and click Hardware and Sound.
2. Click Device Manager in Devices and Printers. This opens the Device Manager window where you
can view the assigned COM ports.
NORA-W10 open CPU module variants are used for developing custom software based on the
Espressif IoT Development Framework (ESP-IDF) that provides a self-sufficient SDK and API for
application development. Before compiling custom software, the ESP-IDF must be configured for use
with the NORA-W10 open CPU variant. For information about setting up the ESP-IDF work
environment, see the NORA-W10 system integration manual [2].

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3Hardware description
☞Design files for the EVK-NORA-W10 PCB are available from your local u-blox support team.
3.1 Overview
Figure 2 shows the physical location of the power switch, supported IO signals, LEDs, buttons, and
connectors on the EVK-NORA-W10 board.
Figure 2: EVK-NORA-W10 PCB overview
3.2 Power
The EVK-NORA-W1 has three possible power sources:
•USB supply from the debug interface
•USB peripheral supply from the NORA-W1module
•+5 V [ 3.6–5.5 V supply from the 2.54 mm pitch pin header (J1 pin-8)
Each of the three power sources are separated using a Schottky diode (D1 –D3, MBR120VLSFT3G).
The diode prevents reverse voltage to any of the other supplies, which means that the power sources
can be connected simultaneously. See Figure 3 and Figure 4.
GPIO8
GPIO9
NC.
IOREF
RESET
+3V3
VBUS
GND
GND
+Vin
GPIO11
GPIO12
GPIO13
GPIO5
GPIO15
GPIO16
GPIO0
GPIO21
NC.
GND
GPIO36
GPIO37
GPIO35
GPIO34
GPIO38
GPIO33
GPIO10
GPIO14
GPIO2
GPIO3
GPIO4
GPIO46
TxD
RxD
GPIO45
GPIO6
GPIO1
GPIO7
GPI047
GPIO48
GPIO18
GPIO17
LED4:TxD
LED6:RTS
LED5:RxD
LED7:CTS
LED8:DTR
LED9:DSR
BTN1:GPIO46
BTN2:GPIO0
BTN3:GPIO47
BTN4:GPIO48
RGB LED
RF-port
POWER LED D10
POWER SW6
RESET BTN
J1
J2
J3
J4
J7
J5
Buttons and switches
Not connected
IO-signals
Color code
LEDs
Supply voltage
Ground connection
Pin-1 indicator
GPIO42
GPIO41
GPIO40
GPIO39
Header
J8
J20
J79

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⚠Only if the power protection circuits are left intact can the USB be safely connected at the same
time as external power. This makes programming of the module easier.
⚠The EVK USB type C connectors are only capable of handling 5 V input, 12 V is not allowed.
3.2.1 Powering the board
Set the power switch (SW6) “ON” to extend the VBUS supply to the 3.3 V LDO regulator and power up
the board. The LDO regulator powers the +3V3, VDD and VDD-IO power rails. The green LED (D1) is
lit when power is applied. See also LEDs.
Figure 3: EVK schematic - power supply
Figure 4: EVK schematic - IOREF separation
+3V3 (J1 pin 4) can supply external parts with up to 50 mA (max).
IOREF (J1 pin 2) is the external supply input to the IO voltage level shifters (optional). A protection
diode (Maxim MAX40203AUK) with a voltage drop of 28 mV at 100 mA separates IOREF from +3V3.

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3.3 Reset
EVK-NORA-W10 provides a hardware reset to the NORA-W10 module. The Reset button (SW5) is
connected to the module RESETn signal.
To enter bootloader mode, hold down the Boot button (SW2) during the USB power on. To enter the
programming mode, assert a reset in bootloader mode. See also Figure 5.
Figure 5: EVK schematic - reset and boot buttons
UART-DTR and UART-RTS can be used to initiate BOOT and nRESET as an alternative to using the
buttons SW2 and SW5. Figure 6 shows the location and schematic for these circuits.
Figure 6: Alternative BOOTn and RESET using UART-DTR and RTS
Signal name
Description
GPIO0/BOOTn
GPIO0 input to module interface during normal operation.
Drive low during power-up to enter bootloader mode on NORA-W1 module.
RESETn
NORA-W1 reset signal.
Table 1: EVK reset signals

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3.4 Buttons
In addition to the RESET button, the evaluation board also supports four user buttons that are active-
low and connect to ground when pressed. The functionality of these buttons is controlled by the
system software through the GPIO interface. The buttons and the associated GPIO signals are shown
in Figure 7.
☞The BOOTn button is multifunctional. Press the button when powering on the board to enter the
boot mode. When the power cycle is complete, the button can then be used for other user
functions in the software.
Figure 7: EVK schematic - user buttons