Nordic Thingy:91 X Cellular IoT prototyping platform

The Nordic Thingy:91 X is a versatile prototyping platform designed for the development of cellular IoT applications. It is built around the nRF9151 System-in-Package (SiP) which supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, GNSS, and NR+, making it suitable for global use. This platform is particularly ideal for asset-tracking applications due to its capability to utilize multiple location tracking methods including cellular, Wi-Fi, and GNSS in conjunction with nRF Cloud Location Services. The device is also equipped with a comprehensive array of sensors that monitor environmental conditions and movement, enhancing its utility in various IoT applications.

To facilitate development and customization, the Nordic Thingy:91 X includes expansion options through a debug board connector and an expansion board connector compatible with Qwiic, STEMMA QT, and Grove systems. User interaction is enabled via two programmable buttons and visual feedback is provided through RGB LEDs. Connectivity features include a USB interface powered by the nRF5340 System-on-Chip (SoC), which also supports Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) for specific use cases. Additionally, the nRF7002 Wi-Fi companion IC enhances Wi-Fi location capabilities, complementing the robust connectivity options provided by the dual antennas for LTE and GNSS.

The device is designed to be immediately operational with minimal setup, as it comes bundled with SIM cards from Onomondo and Wireless Logic, preloaded with data. This allows for an easy connection to the nRF Cloud right out of the box. Power management is efficiently handled by the nPM6001 and nPM1300 PMICs, with the latter also providing battery charging and fuel gauging functionalities. The included 1350 mAh Li-Po battery supports extended field testing, making the transition from prototype to field deployment smoother.

The Nordic Thingy:91 X utilizes nRF Cloud, an IoT-optimized cloud service that integrates seamlessly with the device. It supports nRF Cloud Location Services, which offer efficient location data computation. The device’s firmware, developed using the nRF Connect SDK, is open source and can be customized to meet specific needs. It facilitates secure data transmission from Thingy:91 X to nRF Cloud, where it can be accessed through a user-friendly interface.

The nRF Connect SDK provides a comprehensive toolkit for developers working with Nordic Semiconductor devices. It includes the Zephyr RTOS, various samples, networking protocols, libraries, and hardware drivers, all essential for cellular IoT development. This SDK is crucial for leveraging the full capabilities of the Nordic Thingy:91 X in developing cutting-edge IoT solutions.

Nordic Thingy:91 X product brief [PDF]