Nordic Semiconductor introduced the Nordic Thingy:91 in mid-2019, a cellular IoT prototyping platform built around the Nordic nRF9160 system-in-package (SiP). It supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, and GPS, and includes features like an Arm Cortex-M33 core, Arm TrustZone security, and flash memory. The platform is ideal for creating IoT Proof-of-Concepts, demos, and prototypes, making it easy to test and deploy IoT applications.
The upgraded Nordic Thingy:91 X features the new Nordic nRF9151 SiP, offering support for LTE-M, NB-IoT, GNSS, and DECT NR+ for global connectivity, integrates the nRF5340 SoC for USB and Bluetooth LE, and the nRF7002 IC for Wi-Fi locations. The platform includes sensors for environmental and motion sensing, one expansion connector for Qwiic/STEMMA QT and Grove modules, and antennas for LTE, GNSS, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, the kit also features a Nano/4FF SIM slot, two SIM cards, and a 1,350 mAh Li-Po battery managed by nPM6001 and nPM1300 PMICs, to support field testing and efficient power management.
Nordic Thingy:91 X specifications:
- SiP – Nordic nRF9151 Arm Cortex-M33 @ 64 MHz with 1 MB flash, and 256 KB SRAM
- Memory – 4 MB external flash memory
- Connectivity
- LTE-M, NB-IoT, and GPS via nRF9151 + Nano/4FF SIM card slot
- Bluetooth 5.2 LE via nRF5340 SoC and acts as the board controller
- Wi-Fi location enabled by nRF7002 Wi-Fi 6 companion IC
- Antennas
- GNSS antenna
- LTE-M/NB-IoT/NR+ antenna
- Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz antenna shared between nRF5340 and nRF7002
- Sensors
- Environmental sensors for temperature, humidity, air quality, and air pressure.
- Motion
- Low-power 3-axis accelerometer and 6-axis IMU with gyroscope
- 3-axis magnetometer for additional motion tracking
- USB – USB Type-C port for computer connection and battery charging
- Expansion – Connector for Qwiic/STEMMA QT and/or Grove modules
- Debugging
- 2x SWF ports for RF measurements
- Program/debug connector
- Security – Arm TrustZone, Arm CryptoCell 310
- Misc
- Power switch
- 2x RGB LED, charge indicator LED
- SWD section switch
- 2x User programmable buttons
- Multiple SMD test points throughout the board
- Power supply
- 5V in via USB Type-C port
- Power supply managed by the nPM6001 PMIC
- 1350 mAh rechargeable Li-Po battery via battery connector
- Battery charging and fuel gauging via nPM1300 PMIC
- Dimensions – TBD
- Temperature Range – 0°C to 35°C
- Certifications – FCC (USA), CE (EUR)
The Nordic Thingy:91 X integrates with nRF Cloud, an IoT-optimized platform that supports nRF Cloud Location Services for efficient location data processing. Its open-source firmware, developed with the nRF Connect SDK, ensures secure data transmission to the nRF Cloud, where it can be easily accessed through an intuitive interface. The nRF Connect SDK, built on Zephyr RTOS, provides a toolkit with samples, protocols, libraries, and drivers, enabling developers to fully utilize the Thingy:91 X for customizable and advanced cellular IoT applications.
The device is ready for immediate use with minimal setup and features SIM cards from Onomondo and Wireless Logic for cellular connectivity right out of the box. For detailed information on the block diagram, RF interfaces, connection interfaces, and hardware description, refer to the documentation page.
This kit includes a current measurement and debug board to enable current consumption measurements for the power domains of the nRF9151 SiP, nRF7002 Wi-Fi 6 companion IC, and nRF5340 SoC using a power profiling tool. Additionally, the kit includes the Nordic Thingy:91 X board with a plastic enclosure and battery, two embedded SIMs (eSIMs) supported by a Nano 4FF SIM card slot, and an information leaflet. The power supply adapter is not included in the kit.
The Nordic Thingy:91 X multi-sensor cellular IoT prototyping platform is available from various retailers, including Arrow Electronics, Digi-Key Electronics, and more. As of this writing, Symmetry Electronics has 34 units in stock, priced at $98.75. Visit the product page for more details.
Sayantan Nandy, an electronics engineer with over four years of hands-on experience in PCB design, circuit development and power electronics, is proficient in EAGLE CAD, Ki-Cad, and Altium. He has a proven track record of delivering efficient and effective systems. His expertise extends from R&D, and prototyping to production support, making him a valuable asset to any engineering team.
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