Emcraft nRF9151 SOM Offers LTE-M, NB-IoT, DECT NR+, and GNSS Connectivity for IoT Projects

The nRF9151 System-On-Module (SOM) by Emcraft is a compact (30.5mm x 55mm) and powerful embedded module designed for advanced cellular IoT applications. Built around the Nordic Semiconductor nRF9151 SiP, it features an ARM Cortex-M33 CPU with Arm TrustZone security, running at 64MHz. It supports LTE-M/NB-IoT, DECT NR+, and GNSS for versatile connectivity, with U.fl connectors for external antennas.

The SOM includes 1MB Flash and 256KB RAM onboard, an additional 16GB SPI NOR Flash, and uses Nordic’s PM1300 for efficient power management, enabling longer battery life. It is used for remote monitoring, asset tracking, and other low-power, wide-area IoT solutions. Emcraft offers both software and hardware support services, along with a starter kit featuring the SOM and a development baseboard to aid prototyping and development.

Previously, we have written about other SoMs for IoT applications, including the iWave iW-RainboW-G55M, the Olimex iMX8MP-SOM, the Variscite VAR-SOM-AM62P, and many more. Feel free to check those out if you are interested in this topic.

Emcraft nRF9151 SOM Specifications:

• SoC: Nordic Semiconductor nRF9151 SiP
  • CPU: Arm Cortex-M33 CPU @ 64MHz
  • Security: Arm TrustZone support
  • Memory: 256KB RAM (integrated)
  • Storage: 1MB Flash
• Storage:
  • 16GB SPI NOR Flash
• Connectivity:
  • LTE-M / NB-IoT / DECT NR+ modem
  • GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
  • U.FL connectors for LTE and GNSS antennas
• Interfaces:
  • I²C-based Real-Time Clock (RTC)
  • 2x 50-pin 0.4mm pitch B2B connectors
  • UART
  • ADC
  • Coexistence pin
  • Signals for nPM1300 software configuration
  • Power signals like 5V, VBAT, 3V, and GND
  • Additional I/O via development baseboard (with starter kit)
• Misc:
  • SIM card holder
  • eSIM support (Optional)
• Power Management:
  • – +5V input voltage
  • Nordic PM1300 power management IC
  • Efficient battery charging
  • Low-power operation for extended run times
• Dimensions: 30.5mm x 55mm

The module runs on the Nordic SDK with support for the Zephyr RTOS. It includes a custom Asset Tracker v2 application, supports Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) updates, and can connect to the Nordic Cloud for easy device management. If you want to know more about the firmware and software, visit the documentation along with the GitHub source code.

The Emcraft also offers the SOM-NRF9151 Starter Kit, a development platform designed for building and testing applications using the Emcraft nRF9151 System-On-Module. It includes the SOM-NRF9151 module and a matching development baseboard (SOM-NRF9151-BSB), making it easier to prototype and develop IoT solutions. This kit has a USB-C port for both power and programming. It also includes an IMU sensor, a barometer and temperature sensor, various headers for I/Os, power, and configuration, along with a few LEDs, buttons, and a connector for a battery.

At the time of writing, Emcraft hasn’t shared pricing or availability details for the nRF9151 System-On-Module (SOM) or the starter kit. To get one, you’ll need to reach out to them directly. More information is available on the company product page.

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