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NORA-B2 series

NORA-B2 series
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NORA-B2 series

Product catalog summary
Overview: The NORA-B2 series is a stand-alone Bluetooth® Low Energy and IEEE 802.15.4 module designed for system integrators and design engineers. It supports embedding applications with the Zephyr RTOS integrated into the Nordic Semiconductor nRF Connect SDK.
Product Variants: The series includes several engineering sample products such as NORA-B201, NORA-B206, NORA-B211, NORA-B216, NORA-B221, and NORA-B226.
Interfaces: The module features various interfaces including power management, system clocks, RF antenna interfaces, serial peripherals (UART, SPI, QSPI, I2C, I2S), digital peripherals (PWM, QDEC), and analog interfaces (SAADC, COMP, LPCOMP).
Pin Definition: Detailed pin assignments and configurations are provided, including clock pins and dedicated peripheral pins.
Electrical Specifications: Includes absolute maximum ratings, recommended operating conditions, RF performance, and antenna radiation patterns.
Mechanical Specifications: Provides footprint dimensions and mechanical specifications for different NORA-B2 variants.
Qualifications and Approvals: Information on country approvals and Bluetooth qualification is included.
Product Handling: Guidelines on packaging, moisture sensitivity levels, reflow soldering, and ESD precautions are provided.
Labeling and Ordering Information: Details on module marking, product identifiers, identification codes, and ordering information are included.
Functional Description: The NORA-B2 series, based on Nordic Semiconductor's nRF54Lxx Bluetooth LE SoC, features an Arm Cortex-M33 processor with FPU, DSP instruction set, and CryptoCell-312 security. It includes a 128 MHz RISC-V coprocessor and scalable memory configurations. Supporting 2.4 GHz radio, it adheres to Bluetooth 6.0 Core and offers high-speed communication over various interfaces.
Applications: These modules are suitable for smart cities, industrial automation, medical devices, and more, with specific uses in wearables, sensors, and asset tracking.
Product Description: Common characteristics include a Nordic Semiconductor nRF54Lxx CPU, operating temperature range of -40 to +85 °C, and multiple peripheral interfaces. The modules support various radio modes and have specific power and sensitivity ratings.
Software: The Open CPU architecture allows for custom application development using the nRF Connect SDK, which integrates Zephyr RTOS and other tools.
Interfaces: NORA-B2 features multiple power domains for efficient operation, with specific domains for fast MCU, radio, peripherals, and low power. Integrated LDO and DC/DC regulators enhance power efficiency, with a main voltage regulator converting VCC to internal voltage. The module uses high-frequency and low-frequency clocks for various functions, with specific configurations for accuracy and power consumption. Supports two antenna solutions: an antenna pin for external antennas and an internal PCB antenna for space-constrained designs. The modules operate in different power modes, including System ON, System ON IDLE, and System OFF, to optimize power consumption based on application needs.
Power Management and Reset Mechanisms: The NORA-B2 modules do not have a dedicated pin for powering off; any GPIO pin can be configured to trigger System OFF mode. An under-voltage shutdown occurs if the VCC supply drops below the minimum limit, preventing parameter settings from being stored in non-volatile memory. Several reset sources are available, including power-on reset, pin reset, glitch detector, brownout reset, wake from System OFF mode reset, soft reset, CTRL-AP reset, and watchdog timer reset.
CPU and Memory: The NORA-B2 series integrates Nordic Semiconductor nRF54Lxx chips with Arm Cortex-M33 processors and a RISC-V coprocessor for efficiency. It includes an FPU, TrustZone technology, and operates at 128 MHz or 64 MHz. The system features flash and low-leakage RAM.
Direct Memory Access (EasyDMA): EasyDMA allows peripherals to interface directly with RAM, minimizing CPU interruptions and reducing power consumption.
Distributed Programmable Peripheral Interconnect (DPPI): The DPPI connects control signals between interfaces and system functions, enabling smart, power-efficient applications by bypassing the CPU for certain operations.
Global Real-Time Counter (GRTC): The GRTC operates in all power modes and can generate interrupts and events for precise timing, supporting Bluetooth LE advertising without CPU involvement.
Serial Peripherals: NORA-B2 supports UART, SPI, QSPI, I2C, and I2S interfaces, each with specific configurations and capabilities. UART supports up to five instances with hardware flow control and baud rates up to 4 Mbps. SPI supports up to five instances with clock frequencies up to 32 MHz. QSPI operates in main node mode for external memory connection. I2C supports multiple transmission speeds and clock stretching. I2S transfers audio streams with EasyDMA support.
Digital Peripherals: The modules provide PWM units for generating waveforms, and QDEC units for reading quadrature encoded data. PWM can control motors, LEDs, or audio signals, while QDEC is used for detecting mechanical shaft rotation.
Analog Interfaces: Eight GPIOs can be multiplexed for analog functions, including ADC, analog comparator, and low-power analog comparator. The ADC supports multiple modes and resolutions, with EasyDMA for direct RAM transfer. The comparator compares analog voltages with configurable reference levels and can generate system events.
COMP Shared Resources: The COMP shares analog resources with other peripherals and should not be disabled before stopping to avoid unpredictable behavior. Refer to the instantiation table in the nRF54L15_nRF54L10_nRF54L05 Preliminary Datasheet for more details.
Low Power Comparator (LPCOMP): The NORA-B2 module includes a low power comparator (LPCOMP) for reduced power operation with two modes: Single-ended and Differential. It can wake the system from sleep modes and shares resources with SAADC. Avoid disabling LPCOMP before it stops to prevent unpredictable behavior.
Analog Pin Options: Analog pins must not be connected to multiple functions simultaneously. Table 3 outlines possible connections for analog functions.
GPIO: NORA-B2 supports 31 GPIO pins, with 8 being analog-enabled. GPIO ports have different capabilities: Port 0 and 1 can wake the system from sleep. Port 2 is for high-speed signals but cannot wake the system. Table 4 details port capabilities.
Drive Strength: GPIO pins are configured for low current consumption, with an option for extra drive strength on Port 2 for higher current needs.
Debug Interface: NORA-B2 supports ARM Multi-drop SWD for debugging and flashing, and parallel trace output for real-time CPU instruction processing.
Pin Definition: Table 6 provides pin-out assignments for the NORA-B2 module. Some pins have specific configurations and limitations, especially when used for NFC or clock functions.
Dedicated Peripheral and Cross Power-Domain Pins: Table 8 lists pins dedicated for specific functions and their configurations.
Specifications:
  • Absolute Maximum Ratings: Exceeding these ratings can cause permanent damage. The module should not be operated beyond the specified conditions. Key parameters include VCC (supply voltage) ranging from -0.3 to 3.6 V, and maximum input current at NFC pin is 130 mA.
  • Maximum ESD Ratings: ESD sensitivity for all pins except ANT pin is 2 kV (HBM) and 500 V (CDM). Indirect contact discharge is ±8 kV.
  • Flash Memory Endurance: Endurance is 1000 write/erase cycles with a retention of 10 years at 85°C.
Recommended Operating Conditions:
  • Temperature Range: Storage temperature is -40 to +105°C, and operating temperature is -40 to +85°C.
  • Supply Voltage: VCC ranges from 1.7 to 3.5 V.
  • Current Consumption: Varies with Bluetooth LE mode, e.g., 3.3 mA for RX only at 1 Mbps.
  • RF Performance: Receiver input sensitivity ranges from -94 dBm to -102 dBm depending on mode and data rate. Maximum output power is +7 dBm.
  • Antenna Radiation Patterns: Detailed patterns are provided for different views and polarizations.
Mechanical Specifications:
  • Footprint Dimensions: Provided for NORA-B2x6 and NORA-B2x1 modules.
Qualifications and Approvals:
  • All approvals are pending for NORA-B2 module variants across various countries.
  • Bluetooth qualification is pending as per Bluetooth 6.0 specification.
Product Handling:
  • Packaging: Modules are delivered in hermetically sealed, reeled tapes.
  • Moisture Sensitivity: Rated at MSL level 4. Modules must be mounted within 72 hours after opening the dry pack.
  • ESD Precautions: Proper ESD handling is required to prevent damage.
Labeling and Ordering Information:
  • Labels include a Data Matrix with a unique serial number, Bluetooth address, and production date.
  • Product identifiers include model name, ordering code, and type number.
  • Ordering codes specify different module configurations and antenna types.
Abbreviations and Definitions: The document provides a comprehensive list of abbreviations and their definitions related to the NORA-B2 series, including technical terms such as ADC (Analog to Digital Converter), CPU (Central Processing Unit), and NFC (Near Field Communication).
Related Documents: A list of related documents is provided for further reference, including the NORA-B2 system integration manual and packaging information reference guide.
Revision History: The document has undergone revisions, with the latest update on 19-Feb-2025. Key updates include support for all nRF54L series, changes in supply voltage specifications, updates to Bluetooth Core version, and various documentation improvements.
Contact Information: For further support, contact details for u-blox AG are provided, including their address in Switzerland and a link to their support website.
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Catalog excerpts

NORA-B2 series-1

NORA-B2 series Stand-alone Bluetooth® Low Energy and IEEE 802.15.4 module Data sheet Abstract Targeted towards system integrators and design engineers, this technical data sheet includes the functional description, pin definition, specifications, country approval status, handling instructions, and ordering information for the NORA-B2 series stand-alone Bluetooth® Low Energy and IEEE 802.15.4 modules. OEMs can embed their own application in conjunction with the Zephyr RTOS (Real -Time Operating System) integrated into the Nordic Semiconductor nRF Connect SDK.

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NORA-B2 series-2

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet Subtitle Stand-alone Bluetooth® Low Energy and IEEE 802.15.4 module Product status Corresponding content status Functional sample Draft For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published In development / Objective specification Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later. Engineering Advance information Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be sample published later. Initial production Early production Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be information published...

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NORA-B2 series-3

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet

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NORA-B2 series-4

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet

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NORA-B2 series-6

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet Based on the Nordic Semiconductor nRF54L1 5, nRF54L10 ,and nRF54L05 Bluetooth® LE System on Chip (SoC), the NORA-B2 series of small stand-alone modules includes Arm® Cortex®-M33 processor, which provides a floating-point unit (FPU), digital signal processor (DSP) instruction set, and CryptoCell™-31 2 security architecture. It also features a 128 MHz RISC-V coprocessor and scalable memory configurations of up to 1.5 MB NVM and up to 256 KB RAM. Supporting a 2.4 GHz radio, NORA-B2 features Bluetooth® Channel Sounding, LE Audio, and 802.1 5.4-2020 standards such as Thread,...

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NORA-B2 series-7

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet1.3 Block diagram Figure 1: Block diagram of NORA-B2 series1.4 Product variantsThe NORA-B2 series modules come with two different antenna options. NORA-B2x1 supports an antenna pin for use with external antennas, while NORA-B2x6 includes an integrated PCB antenna. All product variants are professional grade.Table 1 describes the main differences between the NORA-B2 various module variants.Variants CPU Antenna RAM Flash Weight [g] Dimensions [mm] NORA-B201 nRF54L15 Pin 256 kB 1.5 MB <1 11.2 x 10.4 x 1.9 Functional description

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NORA-B2 series-8

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet 1.5 Product Description Table 2 describes the common characteristics supported by all NORA-B2 module variants. Item Operating temperature Operating voltage Available GPIO Arm Cortex-M33 with TrustZone technology Operating speed Floating point unit (FPU) Single precision with DSP instructions Data Watchpoint and Trace (DWT), Embedded Trace Microcells (ETM), Instrumentation Trace Macrocell (ITM), Cross Trigger Interface (CTI), Serial Wire Debug (SWD) TrustZone®, isolation, tamper detection, and cryptographic engine side-channel leakage protection SPI: up to 5 main node...

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NORA-B2 series-9

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet 1.6 Software The Open CPU architecture of NORA-B2 series modules allows integrators to develop and run their own applications on the built-in Arm® Cortex®-M33 core. u-blox recommends the Nordic Semiconductor nRF Connect SDK [5] for development. The nRF Connect SDK integrates the Zephyr Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), MCUboot secure bootloader, and Nordic Semiconductor’s nrfxlib device drivers for the nRF54Lxx and peripherals. Functional description

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NORA-B2 series-10

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet 2 Interfaces NORA-B2 supports a wide range of connectivity options, including a 2.4 GHz radio with an antenna connection, digital and analog I/O, and debug capabilities. The module provides full access to all GPIOs and peripheral interfaces available on the embedded nRF54Lxx, ensuring seamless integration into customer applications. For more information regarding function and use, see also the nRF54Lxx datasheet [4]. 2.1 Peripherals power domains NORA-B2 features multiple Power Domains (PD) for low-power operation, including fast MCU and lower speed domains. Figure...

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NORA-B2 series-11

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet 2.1.1 Fast MCU domain The fast MCU domain powers the Arm Cortex-M33 processor and its supporting debug system, which enables debugging and Embedded Trace Macrocell (ETM) tracing. The CPU executes program code from RRAM through an instruction cache. Data is stored in single-cycle RAMs, which are divided into multiple bus subordinates but form a continuous RAM space in the memory map. The fast domain also contains high-speed peripherals. Lower speed domains NORA-B2 are three lower speed power domains: • Radio domain – contains the short-range radio as well as supporting...

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NORA-B2 series-12

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet • External source – An externally generated 32.768 kHz clock source applied to XL1, and XL2 pins. The accuracy of the clock is dependent on the external source. • Synthesized clock (LFSYNT) – 32.768 kHz clock generated from the HFCLK, which assumes the accuracy is ±20 ppm. LFSYNT requires HFCLK to run, which results in higher-than-average power consumption. 2.4 RF antenna interfaces 2.4.1 2.4 GHz radio (ANT) NORA-B2 model versions support two 2.4 GHz antenna solutions: • NORA-B2x1 modules include an antenna pin (ANT). The pin has nominal characteristic impedance of...

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NORA-B2 series-13

NORA-B2 series - Data sheet The three main power modes are: • System ONDLEsub-modes • System OFF- lowest power consumption Depending on the application, the module should spend most of its time in either System ON IDLE or System OFF mode to minimize current consumption. System ON is the default operation after power-on reset. You can switch on or reboot the NORA-B2 modules in one of the following ways: • Rising edge on the VCC pin to a valid supply voltage • Issuing a reset of the module. See also Module reset. An event to wake up from the System OFFmode to the active mode can be triggered by:...

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*Prices are pre-tax. They exclude delivery charges and customs duties and do not include additional charges for installation or activation options. Prices are indicative only and may vary by country, with changes to the cost of raw materials and exchange rates.