Ublox NINA-W1 Series Quick setup guide

UBX-17005730 - R15
C1 - Public www.u-blox.com
NINA-W1 series
Stand-alone Wi-Fi and multiradio modules
System integration manual

Abstract
This document describes the system integration of NINA-W1 series stand-
alone modules, which
includes the NINA-W13 (Wi-Fi) and NINA-W10 and NINA-W15 series (multiradio) modules. These
modules feature a number of useful embedded security features, including secure boot that ensures
that only authenticated software can run on the module. NINA-W1 modules are
ideal for critical IoT
applications where security is important. The modules connect to a host system u
sing UART,
high-speed RMII, or GPIO interfaces.

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 Document information Page 2 of 54
C1 - Public
Document information
Title NINA-W1 series
Subtitle Stand-alone Wi-Fi and multiradio modules
Document type System integration manual
Document number UBX-17005730
Revision and date R15 27-Oct-2021
Disclosure Restriction C1 - Public
Document status descriptions
Draft For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Objective Specification Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Advance Information Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.
Early Production Information Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.
Production Information Document contains the final product specification.
This document applies to the following products:
Product name Document status
NINA-W101 Early Production Information
NINA-W102 Early Production Information
NINA-W106 Early Production Information
NINA-W131 Early Production Information
NINA-W132 Early Production Information
NINA-W151 Early Production Information
NINA-W152 Early Production Information
NINA-W156 Early Production Information
☞For information about the hardware, software, and current status of the available product types,
see the NINA-W10, NINA-W13 and NINA-W15 data sheets [3], [2] and [4].
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.

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 Contents Page 3 of 54
C1 - Public
Contents
Document information .............................................................................................................................2
Contents .......................................................................................................................................................3
System description ............................................................................................................................5
1.1 Overview........................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Architecture .................................................................................................................................................6
1.2.1 Block diagrams....................................................................................................................................6
1.3 CPU.................................................................................................................................................................7
1.4 Operating modes.........................................................................................................................................7
1.4.1 Power modes .......................................................................................................................................7
1.4.2 Low power modes with LPO..............................................................................................................8
1.5 Supply interfaces ........................................................................................................................................9
1.5.1 Module supply design (VCC).............................................................................................................9
1.5.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO)........................................................................9
1.5.3 VCC application circuits ....................................................................................................................9
1.6 System function interfaces ....................................................................................................................10
1.6.1 Boot strapping pins..........................................................................................................................10
1.7 Data interfaces..........................................................................................................................................10
1.7.1 Universal asynchronous serial interface (UART) .......................................................................10
1.7.2 Ethernet (RMII+SMI) ........................................................................................................................11
1.7.3 Serial peripheral interface (SPI).....................................................................................................13
1.8 Antenna interfaces...................................................................................................................................13
1.8.1 Antenna pin – NINA-W1x1 ..............................................................................................................13
1.8.2 NINA-W1x2 and W1x6 integrated antennas..............................................................................14
1.9 Reserved pins (RSVD) ..............................................................................................................................14
1.10GND pins .....................................................................................................................................................14
Software ............................................................................................................................................. 15
2.1 NINA-W13 and NINA-W15 u-connectXpress software ....................................................................15
2.2 s-center evaluation software..................................................................................................................16
2.3 SDK for open-CPU modules ....................................................................................................................16
2.4 Updating NINA-W13 and NINA-W15....................................................................................................16
2.4.1 Updating over UART ........................................................................................................................17
2.5 Developing and flashing NINA-W10 open-CPU software .................................................................21
2.5.1 Set up Toolchain and ESP-IDF v4 source files ............................................................................22
2.5.2 Setup path to ESP-IDF.....................................................................................................................22
2.5.3 Build and flash ...................................................................................................................................23
2.5.4 ESP-IDF Partition table....................................................................................................................24
2.5.5 Automatic bootloader on NINA-W10 EVK...................................................................................24
2.6 Arduino support for NINA-W10..............................................................................................................24
2.6.1 Downloading the Arduino IDE.........................................................................................................24
2.6.2 Downloading from the GIT repository...........................................................................................25
2.6.3 Downloading the toolchain .............................................................................................................26
2.7 Output power configuration ...................................................................................................................29

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 Contents Page 4 of 54
C1 - Public
2.7.1 NINA-W10 series ..............................................................................................................................29
2.7.2 NINA-W13/W15 series ....................................................................................................................29
2.8 NINA-W10 OTP and production information ......................................................................................29
Design-in............................................................................................................................................. 30
3.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................................30
3.2 Supply interfaces ......................................................................................................................................30
3.2.1 Module supply (VCC) design...........................................................................................................30
3.2.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO)......................................................................31
3.3 Antenna interface.....................................................................................................................................31
3.3.1 RF transmission line design (NINA-W1x1)..................................................................................31
3.3.2 Antenna design (NINA-W1x1)........................................................................................................33
3.3.3 On-board antenna design ...............................................................................................................36
3.4 Data communication interfaces ............................................................................................................38
3.4.1 Asynchronous serial interface (UART) design............................................................................38
3.4.2 Ethernet (RMII+SMI) ........................................................................................................................38
3.5 General high-speed layout guidelines...................................................................................................38
3.5.1 General considerations for schematic design and PCB floor-planning.................................39
3.5.2 Module placement ............................................................................................................................39
3.5.3 Layout and manufacturing.............................................................................................................39
3.6 Module footprint and paste mask .........................................................................................................39
3.7 Thermal guidelines ...................................................................................................................................40
3.8 ESD guidelines ...........................................................................................................................................40
Handling and soldering................................................................................................................... 42
4.1 ESD handling precautions.......................................................................................................................42
4.2 Packaging, shipping, storage, and moisture preconditioning .........................................................42
4.3 Reflow soldering process.........................................................................................................................43
4.3.1 Cleaning ..............................................................................................................................................44
4.3.2 Other remarks ...................................................................................................................................44
Approvals............................................................................................................................................ 45
5.1 General requirements ..............................................................................................................................45
5.2 FCC/IC End-product regulatory compliance........................................................................................45
5.2.1 NINA-W101 and NINA-W102 FCC ID and IC certification number ........................................45
5.2.2 NINA-W13/W15 series FCC ID and IC certification number....................................................45
5.2.3 Antenna requirements ....................................................................................................................46
Product testing................................................................................................................................. 47
6.1 u-blox in-line production test..................................................................................................................47
6.2 OEM manufacturer production test .....................................................................................................48
6.2.1 “Go/No go” tests for integrated devices ......................................................................................48
Appendix .................................................................................................................................................... 49
AGlossary .............................................................................................................................................. 49
Related documents ................................................................................................................................ 51
Revision history ....................................................................................................................................... 52
Contact....................................................................................................................................................... 54

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 5 of 54
C1 - Public
System description
1.1 Overview
The NINA-W1 series of wireless and multiradio MCU IoT is suitable for industrial markets where
security is important. NINA-W1 includes the following stand-alone modules:
Model Description
NINA-W13 series
Wireless MCU modules integrate a powerful microcontroller (MCU) and a Wi-Fi
radio for wireless
communication. NINA-W13x modules come with pre-flashed application software and
support
802.11b/g/n in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Host systems set up and control the modules through an
AT
command interface to reduce the time and complexity of including Wi-Fi connectivity
into your application
designs. NINA-W13x modules offer top-grade security with secure boot
functionality that ensures that
applications start only with the original u-blox software, u-connectXpress.
NINA-W10 series Multiradio MCU modules
integrate a powerful microcontroller (MCU) and radio for wireless
communication. With open CPU architecture, NINA-W10 series modules are ideal for
advanced
applications that run on dual core 32-bit MCUs. The radio provides support for Wi-
Fi 802.11b/g/n in the
2.4 GHz ISM band, Bluetooth BR/EDR, and Bluetooth low energy communication. Leveraging
integrated
cryptographic hardware accelerators, NINA-W10 series modules offer top-grade security capable
of
secure boot.
NINA-W15 series NINA-W15x modules have similar performance as NINA-W10x modules but come with pre-
flashed
application software. Serving as a multiradio gateway, these modules provide support for Wi-
Fi
802.11b/g/n and dual-mode Bluetooth (Bluetooth BR/EDR low energy v4.2). Host systems
set up and
control the modules through an AT command interface to reduce the time and complexity
of including
Wi-Fi connectivity into your application designs. NINA-W15x series modules offer top-grade security
with
secure boot functionality that ensures that applications start only with the original u-blox software
,
u-connectXpress.
The modules are qualified for professional grade and support an extended temperature range of 40 °C
to +85 °C.

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 6 of 54
C1 - Public
1.2 Architecture
1.2.1 Block diagrams
Figure 1: NINA-W13 series block diagram
* Only on NINA-W101 and NINA-W102.
** 16 Mbit NINA-W101 and NINA-W102; 32 Mbit NINA-W106-00B; 64Mbit NINA-W106-10B
Figure 2: NINA-W10 series block diagram
(NINA-
W131)
Flash (16 Mbit)
Linear voltage regulators
RF
ROM
Wi-Fi
baseband
IO buffers
2xXtensa 32-bit LX6 MCU
SRAM (4Mbit)
Cryptographic
hardware
accelerations
PIFA antenna
(NINA-W132)
PLL
Quad SPI
VCC_IO
VCC (3.0
-3.6 V)
40 MHz
Reset
UART
RMII
EFUSE
GPIO
BPF
ANT
SPI
Flash (16/32/64 Mbit)**
Linear voltage regulators
RF
ROM
Wi-Fi
baseband
Bluetooth
Baseband
IO buffers
2xXtensa 32-bit LX6 MCU
SRAM
(4Mbit)
Cryptographic
hardware
accelerators
PIFA antenna
(NINA-W102)
PLL
Quad SPI
VCC_IO
VCC (3.0–3.6 V)
40 MHz
Reset
ANT (NINA-W101)
UART
RMII
I2C
SPI
SDIO
Quad SPI
JTAG
GPIO
ADC/DAC
EFUSE
CAN
BPF*
LPO
(NINA-W106)
PCB trace antenna

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 7 of 54
C1 - Public
* Only on NINA-W152 and NINA-W152
** Only on NINA-W156. Support in u-connectXpress – pending implementation
Figure 3: NINA-W15 series block diagram
1.3 CPU
NINA-W1 series modules use a dual-core system that includes two Harvard Architecture Xtensa LX6
CPUs with maximum 240 MHz internal clock frequency. The internal memory of NINA-W1 supports:
•448 kB ROM for booting and core functions
•520 kB SRAM for data and instruction
•16 or 32 Mbit FLASH memory for code storage, including hardware encryption to protect programs
and data.
•1 kbit EFUSE (non- erasable memory) for MAC addresses, module configuration, flash-encryption,
and Chip-ID.
Open CPU variants (NINA-W10) also support external FLASH and SRAM memory through a Quad SPI
interface.
1.4 Operating modes
1.4.1 Power modes
NINA-W1 series modules are power efficient devices capable of operating in different power saving
modes and configurations. Different sections of the modules can be powered off when they are not
needed, and complex wake up events can be generated from different external and internal inputs.
For details on the available power modes, see the data sheet for the corresponding module [2][3][4].
Flash (16 Mbit)
Linear voltage regulators
RF
ROM
Wi-Fi
baseband
IO buffers
2xXtensa 32-bit LX6 MCU
SRAM (4Mbit)
Cryptographic
hardware
accelerations
PIFA antenna
(NINA-W152)
PLL
Quad SPI
VCC_IO
VCC (3.0
-3.6 V)
40 MHz
Reset
UART
RMII
EFUSE
GPIO
BPF*
(NINA-W15
1)
ANT
Wi-Fi
baseband
(NINA-W156)
PCB trace antenna
SPI
LPO*
*

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 8 of 54
C1 - Public
1.4.2 Low power modes with LPO
An external 32.768 kHz LPO (Low Power Oscillator) signal is required for NINA-W10 series modules to
enable the lowest possible power consumption, frequency stability, and RTC accuracy in the various
ESP32 sleep and hibernate modes.
☞Support for LPO in u-connectXpress is pending implementation.
On NINA-W106 series modules, the LPO can be implemented using an external oscillator. The
oscillator must be connected to the LPO_IN signal on pin 5. Also, a > 200 nF capacitor must be placed
between pin 7 and ground. The amplitude range is 0.6 V < Vpp < VCC. If the input signal is square
wave, the bottom voltage should be higher than 200 mV.
☞Pin 7cannot be used as GPIO when LPO is used on NINA-W106 series modules.
For more information on the LPO, see the Espressif ESP32 datasheet [12], Espressif ESP32 Technical
reference manual [13], and Espressif ESP32 Hardware design guidelines [14].
☞On NINA-W101 and NINA-W102, the functions of pin 5and pin 7are reversed.
It is possible to wake-up the module using several methods, out of which “wake-up on external GPIO”
requires attention.
On NINA-W10 series modules, isolate the ESP32 GPIO pin 12 using rtc_gpio_isolate() to avoid
current leakage prior to the invocation of esp_deep_sleep_start():
void cbPWR_MGR_enterDeepSleep()
{
rtc_gpio_isolate(GPIO_NUM_12);
esp_deep_sleep_start();
}
The rtc_gpio_isolate() function disables input, output, pullup, pulldown, and enables the hold
feature for an RTC I/O pin. Use this function if any other RTC I/O pin also needs to be disconnected
from ESP32-internal circuits in deep sleep and hibernation modes. Disconnecting minimizes leakage
currents. The use of this function is typically necessary when an external pull-up or pull-down is used
on a pin that also contains a pull-up or pull-down.
In other cases, it might be possible to manually use the internal pull-ups and pull-downs of the ESP32
using the specific enable/disable functions, followed by rtc_gpio_hold_en().
void cbPWR_MGR_enterDeepSleep()
{
rtc_gpio_set_direction(EXT_WAKEUP_1_GPIO, RTC_GPIO_MODE_INPUT_ONLY);
rtc_gpio_pullup_dis(EXT_WAKEUP_1_GPIO);
rtc_gpio_pulldown_en(EXT_WAKEUP_1_GPIO);
rtc_gpio_hold_en(EXT_WAKEUP_1_GPIO);
esp_deep_sleep_start();
}
The rtc_gpio_hold_en()preserves the last known value during deep sleep and hibernate modes.
See the Espressif ESP32 data sheet [12] for more information about ESP32-internal circuits and
external GPIOs capable of waking up the module.
The power consumption in the various sleep modes is affected by the RTC clock source. Define the
appropriate RTC clock source, used during the sleep modes, by setting the CONFIG_ESP32_RTC_CLK_SRC
configuration option accordingly.

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 9 of 54
C1 - Public
When using an LPO, also enable boot-time calibration by setting CONFIG_ESP32_RTC_CLK_CAL_CYCLES
to at least 3000. The higher the number, the better accuracy, on the expense of boot time.
Frequency stability and system time accuracy is decreased when using sleep modes. To increase
accuracy, use an LPO and enable both high-resolution and RTC timers by setting
CONFIG_ESP32_TIME_SYSCALL accordingly.
If the ULP (ultra-low-power) co-processor is not required, the ULP functionality can be disabled by
unsetting the CONFIG_ESP32_ULP_COPROC_ENABLED option.
If the LPO detection fails, increase the CONFIG_ESP32_RTC_XTAL_CAL_RETRY option.
If “flash read err, 1000” messages are printed to the console after deep sleep reset, increase the
CONFIG_ESP32_DEEP_SLEEP_WAKEUP_DELAY value from its default 2000 µs.
See the Espressif ESP32 SDK [8] for more information on how these, and additional configuration
options and API functions, affect power consumption, frequency stability, and boot-time behavior.
1.5 Supply interfaces
1.5.1 Module supply design (VCC)
NINA-W1 series modules include an integrated Linear Voltage converter that transforms the supply
voltage. The output of the converter, presented at the VCC pin, provides a stable system voltage.
1.5.2 Digital I/O interfaces reference voltage (VCC_IO)
NINA-W1 series modules include an additional voltage supply input for setting the I/O voltage level.
A separate VCC_IO pin enables module integration in many applications with different voltage supply
levels (1.8 V or 3.3 V for example) without level converters. NINA-W1 series modules currently support
3.3 V IO levels only.
1.5.3 VCC application circuits
The power for NINA-W1 series modules is applied through the VCC pins. These supplies are taken
from either of the following sources:
•Switching Mode Power Supply (SMPS)
•Low Drop Out (LDO) regulator
An SMPS is the ideal design choice when the available primary supply source is of a higher value than
the operating supply voltage of the module. This offers the best power efficiency for the application
design and minimizes the amount of current drawn from the main supply source.
⚠When taking VCC supplies from an SMPS make sure that the AC ripple voltage is kept as low as
possible at the switching frequency. Design layouts should focus on minimizing the impact of any
high-frequency ringing.
Use an LDO linear regulator for primary VCC supplies that have a relatively low voltage. As LDO linear
regulators dissipate a considerable amount of energy, LDOs are not recommended for the step down
of high voltages.
DC/DC efficiency should be regarded as a trade-off between the active and idle duty cycles of an
application. Although some DC/DC devices achieve high efficiency at light loads, these efficiencies
typically degrade as soon as the idle current drops below a few milliamps. This can have a negative
impact on the life of the battery.

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 10 of 54
C1 - Public
If decoupling capacitors are needed on the supply rails, it is best practice to position these as close as
possible to the NINA-W1 series module. The power routing of some host system designs makes
decoupling capacitance unnecessary.
For electrical specifications, refer to the appropriate NINA-W1 series data sheet [2] [3] [4].
1.6 System function interfaces
1.6.1 Boot strapping pins
There are several boot configuration pins available on the module that must be set correctly during
boot, or the module may not boot properly. Table 1 shows the condition of the bootstrap signals that
determine the behavior of the module during the system startup.
☞Boot strap pins are configured to the default state internally on the module and must NOT be
configured externally, unless otherwise stated.
Pin State during boot Default Behavior Description
27 0 ESP boot mode (factory boot) ESP Factory boot
Mode/RMII clock line.
1 Pull-up Normal Boot from internal Flash
32 0 Silent Printout on UART0 TXD
during boot
1 Pull-up UART0 TXD Toggling
36 0 VDD_SDIO=3.3V (Not allowed) Internal flash voltage
1 10 kΩpull-up VDD_SDIO=1.8V
(VDD_SDIO should always be at 1.8 V)
Table 1: NINA-W1 series boot strapping pins
☞Additional requirements apply to pin 27, depending on the intended use-case for the module:
oOn NINA-W13/W15 modules, pin 27 must be in default state during the boot.
oCare must be taken if an RMII interface is to be included in the application design. As pin 27
connect to the RMII, it is important that the pin is in the correct state during the module boot
and before the RMII interface turns on. See also RMII Startup precautions.
oOn NINA-W10 modules, pin 27 is used to enter the ESP bootloader. Consequently, this pin
must be exposed on a pin header (or similar) to flash the module.
☞During boot, pin 32 controls if additional system information should be transmitted on the UART
interface during startup. After the system has booted, it is reconfigured to SPI_CS,the SPI chip
select signal.
☞During boot, pin 36 controls the voltage level of the internal flash during startup. After the system
has booted, it is reconfigured to SPI_MISO, the SPI slave data output signal. It must NOT be pulled
down by an external MCU or circuitry.
For the timing and algorithm for the detection of the SPI and RMII interfaces, see also the “Data and
command interfaces” section in the NINA-W13 and NINA-W15 data sheets [2] [4].
1.7 Data interfaces
1.7.1 Universal asynchronous serial interface (UART)
For data communication and firmware upgrade purposes, NINA-W1 series modules support an
interface comprised of three UARTs. Each UART supports the following signals:
•Data lines (RXD as input, TXD as output)
•Hardware flow control lines (CTS as input, RTS as output)
•DSR and DTS set and indicate the system modes

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 11 of 54
C1 - Public
You can use the UARTs in 4-wire mode with hardware flow control, or in 2-wire mode with TXD and
RXD only. In 2-wire mode, CTS must be connected to the GND on the NINA-W1 module.
☞2-wire mode is not recommended, because it is prone to buffer overruns.
The UART interface is also be used for firmware upgrade. See also Software.
The u-connectXpress software adds the DSR and DTR pins to the UART interface. Although these
pins are not used as they were originally intended, these control the state of NINA modules.
Depending on the configuration, DSR can be used to:
•Enter command mode
•Disconnect and/or toggle connectable status
•Enable/disable the UART interface
•Enter/leave STOP mode
The functionality of the DSR and DTR pins are configured by AT commands. For further information
about these commands, see also the u-connectXpress AT commands manual [1].
Typical UART interface characteristics are described in data sheet references [2], [3] and [4] .
Interface Default configuration
UART interface 115200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and hardware flow control
Table 2: UART port default settings
It is recommended that the UART is either connected to a header for firmware upgrade or made
available for test points.
The IO level of the UART follows VCC_IO.
1.7.2 Ethernet (RMII+SMI)
⚠NINA-W13 only supports Reduced Media-independent Interface (RMII) from software version
2.0.0 onwards.
NINA-W1 series modules include a full RMII for Ethernet MAC to PHY communication over the Station
Management Interface (SMI). RMII and SMI use nine signals in total. The RMII and SMI interfaces
require an external 50 MHz clock source either from a compatible PHY chip or from an external
oscillator.
The two-wire SMI is used to configure the PHY chip. It uses a clock line and a data line to setup the
internal registers on PHY chip.
The pin multiplexing of the RMII interface imposes limitations in the functionality of NINA-W13/W15
series module when using the interface. The following functions are turned off when RMII
communication is initiated:
•Red, Green and Blue LEDs are disabled
•UART is run without flow control as CTS and RTS functionality is disabled. In this case, CTS must
not be connected to ground.
•DSR and DTR functionality is disabled
The following resistors must be added to enable RMII support:
•1 kΩpull up to RMII_MDIO pin
•4.7 kΩpull up to RMII_CRSDV pin
•10 Ω series resistors for all RMII/SMI pins

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 12 of 54
C1 - Public
1.7.2.1 RMII Startup precautions
The RMII_CLK input (GPIO27) is multiplexed with the ESP boot pin. Therefore, to ensure that the boot
mode is not entered inadvertently, the RMII_CLK (GPIO27) must be held high during boot for at least
1.5 ms.
When using u-connectXpress, the RMII_CLK pin is monitored during boot. The u-connectXpress
software checks the availability of the clock signal 1.2 s after boot. You must make sure to that the
RMII_CLK signal is available at that time to enable the RMII interface. The clock signal can be enabled
beforehand, but only if the requirement to avoid entering the ESP boot mode is not interfered with.
On EVK-NINA-W1, these startup precautions are implemented using two buffers and a RC delay
circuit that override the RMII clock from the PHY. This delays the clock so that it starts a short time
(50 ms) after the module boot.
Figure 4: EVK-NINA-W1 RMII clock delay circuit
1.7.2.2 MAC to PHY connection
When connecting NINA-W1 series modules to an external PHY circuit, both the RMII and SMI
interfaces must be connected. The default PHY address (0x1) must be configured on the PHY side.
Follow the recommendations of your chosen PHY chip supplier for implementation details.
An example of a PHY implementation is shown in Figure 5. PHY KSZ8081 is recommended and is used
on the EVK-NINA-W1.

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 13 of 54
C1 - Public
Figure 5: EVK-NINA-W1 Ethernet PHY implementation
1.7.2.3 MAC to MAC connection
When connecting NINA-W1 series modules using a direct MAC to MAC connection, the SMI interface
can be left unconnected. Depending on the routing of the RMII interface on the host PCB, termination
resistors can also be needed.
An external 50 MHz oscillator is needed while running a MAC-to-MAC connection.
1.7.3 Serial peripheral interface (SPI)
⚠NINA-W13 and NINA-W15 modules support SPI from software version 3.0.0 onwards.
In addition to UART support, NINA-W13 and NINA-W15 modules also include a Serial Peripheral
Interface (SPI) for data communication. The module acts as an SPI slave.
The following SPI signals are available:
•Chip select as input (SPI_CS)
•Data lines (SPI_MOSI as input, SPI_MISO as output)
•Clock (SPI_SCLK as input)
•Optional hardware flow control lines (SPI_NORX and SPI_DRDY as output)
For details on SPI operation, see also the u-connectXpress SPI peripheral protocol specification [10].
1.8 Antenna interfaces
Antenna interfaces are different for each module variant in the NINA-W1 series.
1.8.1 Antenna pin – NINA-W1x1
NINA-W1x1 modules are equipped with an RF pin. The pin has a nominal characteristic impedance of
50 Ωand must be connected to the antenna through a 50 Ωtransmission line. This allows reception
of radio frequency (RF) signals in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
Choose an antenna with optimal radiating characteristics for the best electrical performance and
overall module functionality. An internal antenna, integrated on the application board or an external
antenna connected to the application board through a proper 50 Ωconnector, can be used.
When using an external antenna, the PCB-to-RF-cable transition must be implemented using either
a suitable 50 Ωconnector, or an RF-signal solder pad (including GND) that is optimized for 50 Ω
characteristic impedance.

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 System description Page 14 of 54
C1 - Public
1.8.1.1 Antenna matching
The antenna return loss should be as low as possible across the entire band when the system is
operational to provide optimal performance. The enclosure, shields, other components, and
surrounding environment impacts the return loss that is seen at the antenna port. Matching
components are often required to retune the antenna to 50 Ωcharacteristic impedance.
It is difficult to predict the actual matching values for the antenna in the final form factor. Therefore,
it is good practice to have a placeholder in the circuit with a “pi” network, with two shunt components
and a series component in the middle. This allows maximum flexibility while tuning the matching to
the antenna feed.
1.8.1.2 Approved antenna designs
NINA-W1 modules come with a pre-certified design that can be used to save costs and time during
the certification process. To take full advantage of this service, you must implement the antenna
layout in accordance with u-blox reference designs. Reference designs are available on request from
u-blox.
The designer integrating a u-blox reference design into an end-product is solely responsible for any
unintentional emission levels produced by the end product.
The module may be integrated with other antennas. In which case, the OEM installer must certify the
design with respective regulatory agencies.
1.8.2 NINA-W1x2 and W1x6 integrated antennas
To simplify integration, NINA-W1x2 and W1x6 modules are equipped with an integrated antenna. An
integrated antenna design means there is no need for an RF trace design on the host PCB. This means
less effort is required in the test lab.
NINA-W1x2 modules use an internal metal sheet PIFA antenna, while the NINA-W1x6 modules are
equipped with a PCB trace antenna that is based on technology licensed from Proant AB.
1.9 Reserved pins (RSVD)
Do not connect the reserved (RSVD) pin. Reserved pins are allocated for future interfaces and
functionality.
1.10 GND pins
Good electrical connection of module GND pins, using solid ground layer of the host application board,
is required for correct RF performance. Firm connections provide a thermal heat sink for the module
and significantly reduce EMC issues.

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 Software Page 15 of 54
C1 - Public
Software
2.1 NINA-W13 and NINA-W15 u-connectXpress software
NINA-W13/W15 stand-alone modules are delivered with embedded u-connectXpress software.
Using industry-standard AT commands, this is the software that manages the combination of
Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi connectivity supported in NINA-W13 and NINA-W15
standalone modules, specifically:
•Wi-Fi (NINA-W13 and NINA-W15)
•Bluetooth (NINA-W15)
•Bluetooth Low Energy (NINA-W15)
For information about the features, capabilities, and use of u-connectXpress software, see the
u-connectXpress AT commands manual [1] and u-connectXpress user guide [6].
Typical examples of the applications and use cases supported by NINA-W13 and NINA-W15 series
modules include:
•Gateway connection of Bluetooth low energy sensors to the cloud over Wi-Fi or Ethernet
•Bridge communication over serial, Wi-Fi, PPP, or Ethernet interfaces
•Wi-Fi hotspot connection using Local Area Network or Tethering
•Device configuration using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connected smartphones
•Secure cloud connection using TLS and MQTT protocols
Figure 6 shows the structure of the embedded u-connectXpress software delivered in NINA-W13 and
NINA-W15 standalone modules.
Figure 6: NINA-W13/W15u-connectXpress software structure

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 Software Page 16 of 54
C1 - Public
2.2 s-center evaluation software
u-blox s-center client software provides a convenient tool with which to configure u-blox standalone
modules. It runs on PCs running Windows XP onwards (x86 and x64) with Net Framework 4.5 or later
and is available for download from www.u-blox.com. For further information about how to use this tool,
see also the s-center user guide [8].
2.3 SDK for open-CPU modules
As NINA-W10 open-CPU modules are delivered without flashed software, you develop your
application design using the utilities and device-level APIs supported by the module chipset supplier.
The ESP-IDF Software Development Kit is available from the Expressif website. It bundles the Wi-Fi
stack and the broad range of drivers and libraries necessary for building your development
environment. See also Output power configuration.
Figure 7 shows the architecture of NINA-W10 open-CPU software in relation to the MCU, transceiver
and ESP-IDF SDK.
Figure 7: NINA-W10 open CPU software
2.4 Updating NINA-W13 and NINA-W15
New versions of NINA-W1 u-connectXpress software can be flashed to the module over the UART
interface. See also Updating software with -center and Updating software with AT commands.
The following pins should be made available as either headers or test points to flash the module:
•UART (RXD, TXD, CTS, RTS)
•Pin 27
•RESET_N
•SWITCH_1 and SWITCH_2 (optional)

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 Software Page 17 of 54
C1 - Public
☞To enable re-programming of the module, UART signals connected to host must not interfere with
the flashing procedure. UART pins must be put in tri-state by host or have the possibility to
disconnect completely. Another option is to let the host software handle the update procedure
using the XMODEM protocol or some form of UART pass-through function.
2.4.1 Updating over UART
NINA-W1 u-connectXpress software includes the bootloader for flashing NINA-W1 over the UART
interface. The software is available for download at www.u-blox.com.
Distributed in a single ZIP container, the software includes two separate binary files and one JSON
file that includes the software label, software description, file name, version, flash address, image
size, image id, file permissions, and signature file reference for the SoftDevice and
ConnectivitySoftware applications:
•Java Script Object Notation:
NINA-W1XX-CF-<version>.json. For example: NINA-W15X-CF-1.0.json
•ConnectivitySoftware:
NINA-W10X-SW-x.y.z-<build>.bin. For example: NINA-W15X-SW-4.0.0-006.bin
•Signature file:
NINA-W1XX-SI-x.y.z-<build>.txt. For example: NINA-W15X-SI-4.0.0-006.txt
2.4.1.1 Updating software with s-center
⚠To update NINA-W1 u-connectXpress requires s-center software version 4.6.2 or later. See also
the s-center user guide [9].
Procedure
1. Connect the supplied serial cable from the J8 connector on EVK-NINA-W1 to the USB port your
computer. For further information about setting up EVK-NINA-W1, see also EVK-NINA-W1 user
guide [7].
2. Download and the latest version of the s-center and u-connectXpress software from u-blox
Product Resources. See also the EVK-NINA-W1 user guide [7] and s-center user guide [9].
3. Start s-center and choose "USB Serial Port (COMx)" in the drop-down “COM Port” menu. All other
dialog settings are set to default.
4. Select Open Port. A series of AT commands and response are shown in the “Console Window”.
5. Select Tools > Software Update.

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 Software Page 18 of 54
C1 - Public
6. Check that the correct COM port is shown in “Settings”. Select File and choose the NINA-W1XX-
CF-<version>.json file from the unzipped u-connectXpress container.
7. Select Update. The module then reboots using the secure bootloader and flashing of the
application starts automatically.
2.4.1.2 Updating software with AT commands
☞You can send AT commands to NINA-W1 to execute certain tasks over the serial interface, using
open-source terminal emulator software that supports XMODEM, like TeraTerm or ExtraPuTTy.
Alternatively, you can send all AT commands described in this section using the s-center software
in AT mode. The examples given in this procedure have been created and tested on EVK-NINA-W1
using TeraTerm. See also the u-connectXpress AT command manual [1] and Bootloader protocol
specification [11].
The bootloader must be running when the software is “sent” to the module. You start the bootloader
using either:
•AT commands
•Pressing the SW1 and SW2 buttons simultaneously during a module reset (initiated by setting
RESET_N low). For further information about the module reset, see also the data sheet [2][3][4].
☞In contrast to the s-center configuration, UART hardware flow is not used for updating software
using AT commands. The file download uses standard XMODEM-CRC16 protocol and 128 bytes
packets.
Prerequisites
As a prerequisite to updating software using AT commands, you must open the JSON file included in
the download container and make note of the defined values to be parsed with the update command.
You also need to copy the signatures given in the related txt files, as shown in Figure 9. This
information is needed during the install. The defined values to include in the command, together with
the signature file (NINA-W1XX-SI-x.x.x-xxx.txt) are shown in Table 3.
Figure 8: Defined values for ConnectivitySoftware shown in the JSON file
[
{
"Label": "ConnectivitySoftware",
"Description": "NINA-W15X u-blox connectivity software",
"File": "NINA-W15X-SW-4.0.0-006.bin",
"Version": "NINA-W15X-SW-4.0.0-006",
"Address": "0x20000",
"Size": "0x12F1E0",
"Id": "0x0",
"Permissions": "rwx",
"SignatureFile": "NINA-W15X-SI-4.0.0-006.txt"
}
]

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 Software Page 19 of 54
C1 - Public
Figure 9: Typical ConnectivitySoftware and SoftDevice signature file
Command syntax
You use the software update command AT+UFWUPD with following syntax to update the
u-connectXpress software.
AT+UFWUPD=<mode>,<baud_rate>[,<id>,<size>,<signature>,<name>,<flags>]
The defined values for each parameter are shown in Table 3.
Parameter Type Description
<mode>
Enumerator Download mode:
0: Update mode for the ConnectivitySoftware through the serial port
1: Bootloader mode for updating through the serial port.
<baud rate>
Enumerator Baud rate in bits per second: 115200 (default), 230400, 460800, or 921600
<id>
Integer ID number of the software image.
<size>
Integer Size of the firmware image. Enter the size integer for the respective software as
defined in the NINA-W1XX-SI-x.x.x-xxx.txt file. Shown in hex format in the JSON
file but must entered as bytes in decimal notation in the command.
<signature>
String RSA signature of the firmware image as base64-encoded string.
Enter the 344-character text string defined in the
NINA-W1XX-SI-x.x.x-xxx.txt
file.
<name>
String The name of the firmware. Maximum string length is 22.
<flags>
String Permissions for using the firmware image. Permission flags are marked in UNIX style:
"rwx" is the default flag for the u-connectXpress software.
"
rw
" is the default flag for other binary images.
Table 3: Defined values for update parameters
2.4.1.2.1 Setting up the serial port
☞You can send AT text commands to NINA-W1to execute tasks using open-source terminal
emulator software that supports XMODEM like TeraTerm or ExtraPuTTy. Alternatively, you can
send all AT commands described in this section using the s-center software in AT mode. See also
the s-center user guide [9].
Procedure
The examples in this procedure have been created and tested on EVK-NINA-W1 using TeraTerm.
1. Connect the supplied serial cable from the J8 connector on EVK-NINA-W1 to the USB port your
computer. For more information about setting up EVK-NINA-W1, see also the EVK-NINA-W1
user guide [7].
2. Download and unzip the latest u-connectXpress software from u-blox Product Resources.
3. Discover the COM port number for the USB Serial Port on your computer (MS Windows:
Start>Device Manager>Ports). See also “Setting up the evaluation board” in the EVK-NINA-W1
user guide [7].
N04lae2U7ztBojLvyBmHJKvuQmyioscrE3kdQviDcqSwST59Dg8WZbcN5C6xwZtA3vE/A0M2h3JulhVv49
UIIjzhTZwYLLrnWGNWgu4cAPkmMHkZa5MZl/QSb/GeT8naXe7oVTS2S2NzXX83N+ovmTVBMpkfQiEoNJw5
u5+agXq3J4kz9g1LylUNtHbucAJR5cs1hsrOC+UZSULY2+4jNqxdN3m6BlvQyycxJCJ2J49cnB85RdY4bf
JlPGTwcqtGp2Z014Y/Z7PjeNOMoTFUKZDWN6e+U8a8e6pULCBLqBH5gC/UU/aSLJLsLL64VEKt2NJB5lZ2
fqgzZr82Dqmrpw==

NINA-W1 series - System integration manual
UBX-17005730 - R15 Software Page 20 of 54
C1 - Public
4. Start your chosen terminal emulator and open the connection to the USB serial port (COMx).
5. Setup the serial port and connection. Set “Speed” to 115200 with all other parameters set to
default. Select New setting.
2.4.1.2.2 Updating u-connectXpress connectivity software only
☞You can send AT text commands to NINA-W1 to execute tasks using open-source terminal
emulator software that supports XMODEM like TeraTerm or ExtraPuTTy. Alternatively, you can
send all AT commands described in this section using the s-center software in AT mode. See also
the s-center user guide [9].
Procedure
The examples in this procedure have been created and tested on EVK-NINA-B41 using TeraTerm.
1. Setup the serial port connection. See also Setting up the serial port.
2. Enter Software version identification AT+GMR command to find out the current version of your
u-connectXpress software.
AT+GMR
"2.0.0-025"
OK