Cellular IoT (LTE-M and NB-IoT)

Enabling a world of everything connected

Why cellular IoT

When evaluating the most suitable low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology for your Internet of Things (IoT) application, it's crucial to consider various factors beyond just technical specifications, which in itself can widely diverge from real-world performance. These are some of the key reasons why cellular IoT (comprising NB-IoT and LTE-M) can be a more suitable choice for your IoT project as opposed to LoRaWAN, Sigfox, Wi-SUN, or other LPWANs.

 icon Licensed vs unlicensed frequency bands: Cellular IoT operates in licensed frequency bands that leverage existing global infrastructure. While they entail subscription fees, they guarantee wide coverage, scalability, built-in quality of service, reliability, and uncompromising security. This allows you to focus on your specific IoT product development without the need to deploy and maintain infrastructure associated with other LPWAN technologies operating in unlicensed frequency bands.
   
 icon Data rate & robustness: As LPWAN technologies are typically used for devices that transmit/receive data infrequently, many are optimized for this use case. However, certain operations benefit from higher data rates, such as remote firmware updates. This is where cellular IoT stands-out as it can serve the infrequent data transmissions as well as the more intensive data bursts when they are needed.
   
 icon Power consumption: NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies were developed to enable low power, massive machine type communication applications. While other LPWAN technologies may look better on paper, that can often change drastically based on the use case and many other factors, and it comes at the cost of limited data rates. With cellular IoT you don't need to compromise between power consumption and data rates, you get the best of both worlds.
   
 icon Lifetime cost: While the up-front cost of some LPWAN technologies might look appealing, it's crucial to evaluate the full lifetime costs (deployment, data transmission, firmware updates, additional infrastructure setup and maintenance, etc), as that can greatly differ between technologies depending on the intended use case. Cellular IoT has a variety of connectivity models, from flat rates to pay-per-data, which brings predictable costs and removes concerns associated with own infrastructure maintenance.
   
icon Future-proof: LTE-M and NB-IoT are expected to be supported for until 2040 and beyond, since devices utilizing these technologies have a typical 10+ years lifespan. Your carrier subscription also works as insurance for a stable and maintained network during the full lifetime of your device. Infrastructure for other LPWAN technologies can suddenly be removed or shutdown, rendering your devices inoperative and putting your business at risk.

Unprecedented integration

Completely integrated cellular IoT solutions

The nRF91 Series uses the Arm Cortex-M33 as a dedicated application processor, fully programmable for the user. It has 1MB of FLASH, 256kB of RAM, and a broad array of peripherals. Beyond its LTE connectivity and positioning options, the series can support a broad selection of use cases and offers real edge computing possibilities for the world of cellular IoT and DECT NR+ (nRF9161, nRF9151 and nRF9131). Nordic provides the open-source nRF Connect Software Development Kit that users can use to develop their customized applications on the dedicated application processor. Note, the nRF9131 mini SiP does not have an integrated PMIC and Passives and crystals.

 graphical user interface, application

Feature comparison of our nRF91 Series devices

 Features nRF9160 nRF9161 nRF9151  nRF9131
CPU Arm Cortex-M33 @ 64MHz
 Arm Cortex-M33 @ 64MHz Arm Cortex-M33 @ 64MHz  Arm Cortex-M33 @ 64MHz 
Flash / RAM 1 MB / 256 KB 1 MB / 256 KB  1 MB / 256 KB 1 MB / 256 KB 
Arm Trustzone ✔️
 ✔️ ✔️  ✔️ 
Crypto acceleration Arm Cryptocell 310 Arm Cryptocell 310 Arm Cryptocell 310  Arm Cryptocell 310 
Integrated PMIC, passives & Xtral ✔️
 ✔️
 ✔️ 
Pre-certified ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
LTE-M 3GPP rel 13  3GPP rel 14  3GPP rel 14 3GPP rel 14 
 NB-IoT 3GPP rel 13 3GPP rel 14 3GPP rel 14  3GPP rel 14
DECT NR+   ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Certified Bands 1-5, 8, 12, 13, 17-20, 25, 26, 28, 66 1-5, 8, 12, 13, 17-20, 25, 26, 28, 65, 66, 85 1-5, 8, 12, 13, 17-20, 25, 26, 28, 65, 66, 85 1-5, 8, 12, 13, 17-20, 25, 26, 28, 65, 66, 85
Frequency 700-2200 MHz 700-2200 MHz (LTE)
1.9GHz (NR+) 		 700-2200 MHz (LTE)
1.9GHz (NR+) 		 700-2200 MHz (LTE)
1.9GHz (NR+) 
Maximum TX Power 23 dBm 23 dBm  23 dBm  23 dBm
Power Class 5 20dBm     ✔️  
Supply Voltage Range 3.0 to 5.5 V 3.0 to 5.5 V
 3.0 to 5.5 V 3.0 to 5.5 V (dependent on ref. design)
Operating temperature -40 to 85°C              -40 to 85°C           -40 to 85°C          -40 to 85°C         
Package options 10x16x1.04 mm LGA 10x16x1.04 LGA 11x12x1 mm LGA 7x11x0.74 mm LGA

Supported PMICs

nPM1300 PMIC

Power Management IC (PMIC) with unique system management features

The nPM1300 is designed to provide highly efficient power regulation for Nordic’s nRF52® and nRF53® Series, as well as the nRF54H20 advanced wireless multiprotocol Systems-on-Chip (SoC). The PMIC is also suitable for battery charging for applications based on the nRF91 Series systems-in-package (SiPs) for cellular IoT, by using the PMIC’s unregulated output to power the SiP's internal buck regulators.

Devices using the nPM1300 and a compatible SoC or SiP also get access to the Nordic Fuel Gauge, a highly accurate, ultra-low-power way of estimating state-of-charge of rechargeable batteries. 

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Certifications

Certified for global operations

nRF91 Series certifications

Our team of test and certification engineers is traveling the world to secure certifications for operations in all key regions and with all major operators.

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Modules

Hit the market faster with pre-certified modules

icon

3rd party cellular modules

Since chipset designs are complex and heavy on certification effort in cellular, Nordic provides a pre-certified module. To further simplify integration into a product, 3rd parties offer cellular modules that are assembled preapproved as end-products.

Perfect companions

Expanding your cellular applications with Nordic nPM Family PMICs, nRF70 Wi-Fi Companion ICs, Nordic's multiprotocol SoCs and nRF Cloud Services for limitless opportunities

The nRF91 Series devices stand as impressive solutions for Cellular and DECT NR+ connectivity. However, if your application requires the ability to connect with short-range devices, such as Bluetooth Low Energy or Matter applications, as well as leverage SSID-based WiFi locationing for enhanced positioning capabilities, or if it necessitates a low-power PMIC with a fuel gauge for battery monitoring in conjunction with rechargeable batteries, we offer perfect companion devices. By seamlessly integrating various components from our comprehensive product lineup, all powered by the unified nRF Connect SDK, you can effortlessly combine functionalities while enjoying the convenience of centralized support and supply.

  • SSID Wi-Fi locationing and nRF91 Series

    a circuit board for nbiot [nbiot],cellular module

    Wi-Fi Companion IC: Enhances the nRF91 Series with SSID-based Wi-Fi Location

    The nRF70 Series offers SSID-based Wi-Fi Location functionality, providing an incredibly effective method for obtaining low-power location data for devices situated both indoors and outdoors. By pairing an nRF70 Series device with an nRF91 Series device, a multitude of optional location services are available for applications utilizing the optimized nRF Cloud Location services. Depending on the desired accuracy and power consumption requirements, users can employ any combination of the following services: Assisted-GPS, Predicted-GPS, Multi-cell, Single-cell, and SSID Wi-Fi-based location services.


  • Multiprotocol SoCs and nRF91 Series

    logo             logo  
    		          nRF54 Logo
    Empowering short range technologies: Unleashing the potential of the Nordic's multiprotocol SoCs

    The Nordic's multiprotocol SoCs, comprising nRF52, nRF53, and the latest nRF54 Series, offers unparalleled capabilities to seamlessly integrate short range technologies into your cellular applications. Whether it's Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, Zigbee, or Matter, these devices present an exceptional choice. Renowned for their reliability and performance, they serve as trusted solutions to elevate any cellular application that necessitates communication through various short range protocols. Moreover, these devices enable the flexibility of future-proofing your end product by leveraging Firmware over the Air updates to unlock additional functionalities.

  • PMICs and nRF91 Series

    Front of an IC saying NPM1300, QEAAB0, 2302AC, with back showing QFN pads - nbiot [nbiot],cellular module

    Powerful Power Management: The perfect PMIC for nRF91 Series devices for cellular IoT applications.

    The nPM1300 Power Management IC (PMIC) is the perfect PMIC for the nRF91 Series that utilize rechargeable batteries. This versatile PMIC offers a range of exceptional features, including a low power fuel gauge for accurate battery monitoring, an external watchdog timer for reliable system reset, and support for additional GPIOs and three extra LEDs. With the nPM1300 PMIC and nRF91 Series devices, you can optimize power management, gain real-time insight into battery life, ensure system reliability, and enhance functionality for your cellular IoT application. Unleash the full potential of your product with this powerful combination.


  • nRF Cloud and nRF91 Series

    application
    IoT Services platform optimized for the nRF91 Series

    Experience the ultimate IoT services platform tailored exclusively for the nRF91 Series, the nRF Cloud. Unlike other cloud solutions that overlook the unique requirements of low power devices and constrained protocols, nRF Cloud is specifically optimized for Nordic devices, ensuring unparalleled performance and efficiency.

    Unlock the potential of nRF Cloud and gain access to cutting-edge services designed to enhance your application. Our advanced location services offer a wide range of options, including Assisted GPS, Predicted GPS, Multicell, Singlecell, and SSID Wi-Fi-based locationing. No matter your power consumption or accuracy needs, we have you covered.

    nRF Cloud also supports CoAP protocol, a UDP-based network protocol specifically designed for low power devices. Whether you're using LTE-M or NB-IoT, CoAP seamlessly integrates and delivers exceptional results.

    But that's not all. nRF Cloud provides top-notch security services and device management features to give you the utmost peace of mind.

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