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RAK5010-M WisTrio NB-IoT Tracker Datasheet

Overview​

Description​

The RAK5010-M-BG95 WisTrio NB-IoT Tracker is an advanced, highly flexible eMTC/NB-IoT/EGPRS tracker based on Quectel BG95-M3 (BG96 on the old model) LTE Cat M1&NB1, integrated with GPS, BLE, and a variety of sensors. The MCU running the board is a Nordic nRF52840 controller.

With the GPS and BLE features, the device can be used in a wide range of applications from outdoor to indoor scenarios where location-based services are necessary.

The board is equipped with two sensors on board: a humidity and temperature sensor and a 3-axis motion sensor. Additionally, the extension IOs in the module allow expandable sensor applications in addition to the onboard ones.

This board is particularly suitable to be used as a quick testing and prototyping tool for applications requiring Nb-IoT connectivity. Application development supports the GCC environment.

NOTE

RAK5010-M-BG95 is an updated model of RAK5010-M. It uses the same circuit board and components except for the Quectel cellular modem used. The RAK5010-M-BG95 uses BG95-M3 while the original RAK5010-M-BG95 uses BG96. It shares the same AT commands set as well so if you are using the AT command interface, the two versions are compatible. If using a custom firmware (created with our RUI V2 or another IDE), you have to take into account that on the BG95-M3 you cannot use the cellular connection and the GNSS location acquisition at the same time. You have to stop the cellular connection before you can start the location acquisition.

Features​

  • Quectel BG95-M3 with LTE CAT M1, LTE NB1, EGPRS and GNSS
  • Nordic nRF52840, with BLE 5.0 and long-range BLE
  • nRF52840 integrates the ultra-low power microcontroller ARM Cortex-M4 (64 MHz)
  • Built-in humidity and temperature sensor and 3-axis motion sensor
  • iPEX connectors for the LoRa and GPS antenna and an on-board ceramic antenna for the BLE
  • Nano SIM and ESIM options
  • Can be powered by either Micro USB, 3.7 V rechargeable battery or a 5 V Solar Panel Port
  • Multiple interfaces, I2C, UART, GPIO, and ADC

Specifications​

Overview​

The overview presents the RAK5010-M-BG95 WisTrio top view and its block diagram that shows the core of the board.

Module Overview​

Figure 1 shows the top view and the interfaces of the RAK5010-M-BG95 NB-IoT tracker board.

Zoomable
Figure 1: Top View of the Board with Interfaces

Figure 2 shows the bottom of the board. In Figure 3, the dimensions are shown, and Figure 4 shows the header pin spacing.

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Figure 1: Bottom View of the Board with Interfaces
Zoomable
Figure 1: Board Dimensions
Zoomable
Figure 1: Header Spacing

Block Diagram​

The block diagram below shows the internal architecture and external interfaces of the RAK5010-M-BG95 board.

Zoomable
Figure 1: RAK5010-M-BG95 Block Diagram

Hardware​

The hardware specification is categorized into seven parts. It discusses the interfacing, pinouts, and their corresponding functions and diagrams. It also covers the standard parameters of the board in terms of Electrical, Mechanical, and Environmental of which the tabular data of the functionalities and the standard values are presented. Moreover, a thorough discussion of the RAK5010-M-BG95 specification is included in this section.

Interfaces​

The node is built around the BG95-M3 module and the nRF52840 BLE chip. It provides the following interfaces, headers, jumpers, buttons, and connectors:

  • Micro USB
  • 2 sets of 4-pin 2.54 mm Headers (UART, GPIOS, I2C, power)
  • 4-pin J-LINK header
  • 2-pin Battery female interface
  • 2-pin Solar Panel female interface
  • LEDs
  • Reset Button
  • PWR Button for the BG95-M3

There are two antenna connectors:

  • LTE Antenna with iPEX connector
  • GPS Antenna with iPEX connector
Micro-B USB Interface​

A Standard Micro-B USB is compliant with USB 2.0 standard specification. This USB interface is connected to the USB port of NRF52840 by default. It also can connect to BG95-M3 by reworking some resistors on the board. If this USB port is connected to the BG95-M3, BG95-M3 AT command port, GNSS port, and debug port can be accessed through this USB. It is also used as a charge input port for the battery. The Micro-B USB pin definition is shown in Figure 6:

Zoomable
Figure 1: USB Connector Pinout
PinDescription
1USB_VBUS (+5 V)
2USB_DM
3USB_DP
4NC
5GND

This USB port is also used as a port for charging the battery.

LEDs​

Three LEDs are used to indicate operating status, here are their functions:

ColorConnectionFunction
🟢 Green LEDconnected to the nRF52840Defined by the user
🔵 Blue LEDconnect to the BG95-M3Indicates the status of the BG95-M3
🔴 Red LEDconnect to the BG95-M3Indicates the network status of the BG95-M3
RESET Push Button​

The Reset Push Button is used to reset the nRF52840. You can control the BG95-M3 reset with the firmware of the nRF52840.

PWRKEY Push Button​

When the BG95-M3 is in power off mode, it can be turned back on to normal mode by holding the PWRKEY button for at least 100 ms. Holding the PWRKEY button for at least 650 ms, the module will execute the power-down procedure after the PWRKEY is released.

IO Connections between the BG95-M3 and the nRF52840​

The nRF52840 communicates with the BG95-M3 primarily through the UART interface. There is, however, additional signaling between the two modules. This is for auto-monitoring of status indicators and control. The pin mapping is shown below:

Function of BG95-M3PIN definition on nRF52840
TX of UARTP0.08 (RX for the nRF52840)
RX of UARTP0.06 (TX for the nRF52840)
BG95-M3_CTSP0.11
BG95-M3_RTSP0.07
BG95-M3_RIP0.27
BG95-M3_STATUSP0.31
BG95-M3_RESETP0.28
BG95-M3_PWRKEYP0.02
BG95-M3_WDISABLEP0.29
BG95-M3_DTRP0.26
BG95-M3_AP READYP0.30
BG95-M3_PSMP0.03

If BG95-M3_RESET, BG95-M3_PWRKEY, and BG95-M3_WDISABLE are not set correctly, the BG95-M3 module will not boot up normally. When powering up, the BG95-M3 RESET should be retained at a low-level voltage, the BG95-M3_WDISABLE should be retained at a low-level voltage, and the BG95-M3_PWRKEY should be given a pulse with a high level, and at least 100 ms width to turn the BG95-M3 normally.

Zoomable
Figure 1: Turning on the BG95-M3 via the PWRKEY
Antenna Connector​

The connectors for both the GPS and LTE antennas are iPEX. Make sure that the LTE antenna is tuned to work at the operational frequency of your LTE provider, corresponding to your region.

Pin Definition​

There are two connectors on the board:

P1​

Solar Panel Interface

PinPin NameDescription
1C0NN_5VPositive of Solar Panel
2GNDGND
NOTE

The output of the solar panel cannot exceed 5.5 V. Otherwise, it may cause permanent damage to the board.

P2​

Li-Ion Battery Connector

PinPin NameDescription
1GNDGND
2VBATPositive of the Battery
J9​

J9 is a J-LINK connector, with a J-LINK debugger, you can program and debug nRF52840.

PinPin NameDescription
1VDD1.8 V default. Reference voltage for J-LINK, note 1
2SWDIOSWD data signal(1.8 V tolerant)
3SWDCLKSWD clock signal(1.8 V tolerant)
4GNDGND
NOTE

VDD of J9 should connect to the PIN1 of SEGGER J-LINK (see Figure 8) debugger for SWDIO/SWDCLK reference voltage. If this pin is not connected correctly, the J-LINK logic level may not match the required VDD for nRF52840, and it may damage the nRF52840.

Figure 8 shows the definition of a 20-Pin segger J-LINK connector:

Zoomable
Figure 1: J-LINK Pinout
PinSignalTypeDescription
1VTrefInputThis is the target reference voltage. It is used to check if the target has power, to create the logic-level reference for the input comparators, and to control the output logic levels to the target. It is normally supplied from the VDD of the target board and must not have a series resistor.
J10 and J12​

J10 and J12 are IO extension headers. Those are bridged from the nRF52840 IOs, through logical level shift circuits. Thus, the IOs level is set by the VREF pin. The function of these IOs is configurable. They can work as UART, I2C, general GPIO, or ADC.

  • Definition of J10:
PinPin NameDescription
1GNDGND
2VBATConnected to the Battery
3AINConfigurable IO, connected to AIN3 (P0.05) on nRF52840. If used as ADC, the input range is configurable. Refer to the manual of nrf52840. If used as general IO, the logic level is 1.8 V, and there is no level shift on it.
4NRF_IO1Configurable IO, connected to P0.19 on the nRF52840. There is a level shift circuit between this pin and the nRF52840
  • Definition of J12:
PinPin NameDescription
1EXT_VREFReference level for the IO extensions
2NRF_IO2Configurable IO, connect to P0.20 on the nRF52840. There is a level shift circuit between this pin and the nRF52840
3NRF_IO3Configurable IO, connect to P1.02 on the nRF52840. There is a level shift circuit between this pin and the nRF52840
4NRF_IO4Configurable IO, connect to P1.01 on the nRF52840. There is a level shift circuit between this pin and the nRF52840

The logic level shift circuit on the RAK5010-M-BG95 board connects EXT_VREF to your extension board’s power and equalizes it to the logical level of the IO on your extension board.

Zoomable
Figure 1: Typical Converter Circuitry

System on a Chip (SoCs) and Sensors​

This section provides detailed specifications about the different modules present in the RAK5010-M-BG95 device.

1. BG95-M3 Module​
BG95-M3 Frequency Bands​
LTE BandsGSMRx-DiversityGNSS
Cat M1 & NB1:---
LTE-FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/ B5/B8/B12/B13/B18/ B19/B20/B26/B28GSM850/GSM900Not SupportedGPS, GLONASS, BeiDou/ Compass, Galileo, QZSS
BG95-M3 Key Features​
FeatureDetails
Power SupplySupply Voltage: 3.3 V – 4.3 V Typical supply voltage: 3.8 V
Transmitting Power- Class: 3 (23 dBm ± 2 dB) for LTE-FDD bands
- Class: 3 (23 dBm ± 2 dB) for LTE-TDD bands
- Class: 4 (33 dBm ± 2 dB) for GSM850
Class: 4 (33 dBm ± 2 dB) for GSM900
- Class: 1 (30 dBm ± 2 dB) for DCS1800
Class: 1 (30 dBm ± 2 dB) for PCS1900
Class: E2 (27 dBm ± 3 dB) for GSM850 8-PSK
Class: E2 (27 dBm ± 3 dB) for GSM900 8-PSK
Class: E2 (26 dBm ± 3 dB) for DCS1800 8-PSK
Class: E2 (26 dBm ± 3 dB) for PCS1900 8-PSK
LTE Features- Supports LTE Cat M1 and LTE Cat NB1
- Supports 1.4 MHz RF bandwidth for LTE Cat M1
- Supports 200 kHz RF bandwidth for LTE Cat NB1
- Supports SISO in the DL direction Cat M1: Max. 300 Kbps (DL)/375 Kbps (UL) Cat NB1: Max. 32 Kbps (DL)/70 Kbps (UL)
GSM FeaturesGPRS:
- Supports GPRS multi-slot class 33 (by default)
- Coding scheme: CS-1, CS-2, CS-3, and CS-4 Max. 107 Kbps (DL), Max. 85.6 Kbps (UL)
EDGE:
- Supports Edge multi-slot class 33 (by default)
- Supports GMSK and 8-PSK for different MCS Downlink
- Coding Schemes: CS 1-4 and MCS 1-9 Uplink Coding Schemes: CS 1-4 and MCS 1-9 Max. 296 Kbps (DL), 236.8 Kbps (UL)
2. nRF52840 Module​
ParameterDetail
CPUARM® Cortex®-M4 32-bit processor with FPU, 64 MHz
Flash1 MB
RAM256 KB
BLE ProtocolBLE 5.0
BLE Tx Power8 dBm max
BLE Rx Sensitivity95 dBm @ 1 Mbps BLE mode
BLE Data Rate2 Mbps, 1 Mbps, 500 Kbps, 125 Kbps
Current Consumption4.8 mA in Tx, 4.6 mA in Rx, and 1.5 uA in Sleep Mode
3. Humidity and Temperature Sensors​

The Temperature and Humidity Sensor is an SHTC3 from Sensirion.

Temperature​
ParameterConditionsValueUnits
AccuracyTyp±2.0° C
ToleranceMaxSee Figure 2° C
Repeatability-0.1° C
Resolution-0.01° C
Specified Range--40 to +125° C
Response Timeτ 63%< 5 to 30s
Long-term DriftTyp.< 0.2° C/y
Humidity​
ParameterConditionsValueUnits
AccuracyTyp±2.0%RH
ToleranceMaxSee Figure 2%RH
Repeatability-0.1%RH
Resolution-0.01%RH
Hysteresis-±1%RH
Specified RangeExtended0 to 100%RH
Response Timeτ 63%8s
Long-term DriftTyp.< 0.25%RH/y
4. 3-Axis Motion Sensor​
SymbolParameterTest ConditionMin.Typ.Max.Unit
FSMeasurement RangeFS bit set to 00±2.0g
FS bit set to 01±4.0g
FS bit set to 10±8.0g
FS bit set to 11±16.0g
SoSensitivityFS bit set to 00; High-resolution mode1mg/digit
FS bit set to 00; Normal mode4mg/digit
FS bit set to 00; Low Power mode16mg/digit
FS bit set to 01; High-resolution mode2mg/digit
FS bit set to 01; Normal mode8mg/digit
FS bit set to 01; Low-power mode32mg/digit
FS bit set to 10; High-resolution mode4mg/digit
FS bit set to 10; Normal mode16mg/digit
FS bit set to 10; Low-power mode64mg/digit
FS bit set to 11; High-resolution mode12mg/digit
FS bit set to 11; Normal mode48mg/digit
FS bit set to 11; Low-power mode192mg/digit

Antennas​

1. LTE Antenna​
Zoomable
Figure 1: iPEX onboard connector for the LTE antenna

A PCB antenna (Figure 11) is included with the board. In case you want to use another antenna, keep in mind that you need to have the proper connector (iPEX) and have it tuned to the frequency band of operation in your region.

Zoomable
Figure 1: PCB LTE Antenna with Pigtail
LTE Antenna Specifications​
ItemSpecifications
Range of Frequency806-960/1710-2700 MHz
VSWR≤1.5
Gain1.0
PolarizationLinear
Impedance (Ω)50
Antenna TypePCB
LTE Antenna Environmental Requirements​

The antenna environmental requirements are listed in the table below:

ConditionsTemperatureHumidity
Working-40° C ~ +75° C0% ~ 95%
Storage40° C ~ +85° C0% ~ 95%
2. GPS Antenna​
Zoomable
Figure 1: iPEX onboard connector for the GPS antenna
GPS Antenna Power Supply Control​

To support low power and long battery life, the active GPS antenna power supply should be shut down when the system doesn’t access the data from the GPS module. The GPS power supply is controlled by nRF52840 with MOSFET. The pin map of GPS_EN on Nrf52840 is P1.07 and the circuit is shown in Figures 13 and 14:

Zoomable
Figure 1:
Zoomable
Figure 1: iPEX onboard connector for the GPS antenna
  • Set P1.07=1, GPS antenna power is on.
  • Set P1.07=0, GPS antenna power is off.
GPS Antenna Specifications​
Zoomable
Figure 1: GPS Antenna
ItemSpecificationsPET
Range of Receiving Frequency1575.42±1.1±2.5
Center Frequency (MHz) w/ 30 mm2 GND plane1575.42±3.0
Bandwidth (MHz) (Return Loss ≤ -10 dB)≥10±0.5
VSWR (in Center Frequency)≤1.5±0.5
Gain (Zenith) (dBi Typ.) w/ 70 mm2 GND Plane4.5±0.5
Axial Ratio (dB) w/ 70 mm2 GND Plane3.0±0.2
PolarizationRight-Handed Circular-
Impedance (Ω)50-
Frequency Temperature Coefficient (ppm/ºC)0±10-
GPS Antenna Amplifier Specifications​
ItemSpecifications
Frequency Range1575.42 MHz
Gain27 dB
VSWR≤ 2.0 V
Noise Coefficient≤ 2.0 dB
DC Voltage3 ~ 5 V
DC Current10 mA
GPS Antenna Environmental Test Performance Specifications​
ItemNormal Temp.High Temp.Low Temp.
Amplifier Gain27 dB ± 2.027 dB ± 2.027 dB ± 2.0
VSWR≤ 2.0≤ 2.0≤ 2.0
Noise Coefficient≤ 2.0≤ 2.0≤ 2.0
NOTE

High-temperature test: Soap in temperature (85° C) and humidity (95%) chamber for 24 hours and return to normal temperature (at least for 1 hour) without visual shape change.
Low-temperature test: Soap in temperature (-40° C) chamber for 24 hours and return to normal temperature (at least for 1 hour) without visual shape change.

GPS Antenna Environmental Requirements​
ConditionsTemperatureHumidity
Working-35° C ~ +80° C0% ~ 95%
Storage-35° C ~ +80° C0% ~ 95%

Electrical Characteristics​

Schematic Diagram​
Zoomable
Figure 1: Schematic Diagram Part 1
Zoomable
Figure 1: Schematic Diagram Part 2
Zoomable
Figure 1: Schematic Diagram Part 3
Absolute Maximum Ratings​

Functional operation of the device under the conditions listed is not advised. Hence, exposure to maximum rating conditions may affect device reliability.

RatingsMaximum Value (V)
Vbus, power supply on UBS port-0.3 - 5.5
Vbat, battery voltage-0.3 - 4.3
Vconn solar panel voltage-0.3 - 5.5
IOs of J-link (J9)-0.3 - 1.9
IOs of BG95-M3, nRF52840 - J10 and J12-0.3 -VREF
ESD2000
warning

The RAK5010-M, like any electronic equipment, is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Improper handling can cause permanent damage to the module.

Current Consumption​
ConditionsCurrent
The nRF52840 is Running, the BG95-M3 transmits data @ NB1, 23 dBm200 mA
BLE transmits @ 0 dBm, the BG95-M3 is in power saving mode7 mA
The nRF52840 is in sleep mode, the BG95-M3 is in power saving mode13 µA
NOTE

For the above results to be reached, the nRF52840 regulator has to be in DC-DC mode and all the sensors have to be in sleep mode.

Power Requirements​

The RAK5010-M-BG95 tracker board can be powered by a battery, connected to the P2. The nominal operational voltage of the battery should be within the range in the table:

MinTypeMaxUnit
3.33.74.3V

If a rechargeable battery is used, the USB connector is used as a charging port. The voltage and current supplied to the battery through the port should not exceed the ones in the table below.

ParameterValue
Charging Voltage4.5-5.5 V
Charging Current500 mA

A suitable Li-Ion battery would have the following parameters:

ParameterValue
Standard Voltage3.7 V
Charging Voltage4.2 V
CapacityAs required
Discharge Current2 A

A 5 V solar panel can be connected to the board via the P1 connector to serve the purpose of charging the battery.

warning

To avoid damage both to the battery and board:

  1. Do not power the USB port if a non-rechargeable battery is connected to the RAK5010-M.
  2. Do not attach the solar panel if the non-rechargeable battery is used.
Zoomable
Figure 1: Battery Charging via Solar Panel
Laboratory Testings​

Figure 20 and Figure 21 display the average current consumption based on the different test cases.

Equipments:

  • Oscilloscope
  • RAK5010-M-BG95 WisTrio NB-IoT Tracker Pro

Cellular Packet Sending

The RAK5010-M-BG95 WisTrio NB-IoT Tracker Pro takes 489.733 ms to send a Cellular packet which consumes 64.9 mA of current.

  • Sending Time: 489.733 ms
  • Current consumption: 64.9 mA
Zoomable
Figure 1: Oscilloscope Screen Capture of Cellular Packet Sending

Sleep Mode

The RAK5010-M-BG95 WisTrio NB-IoT Tracker Pro when in sleep mode consumes 20.5 uA of current.

  • Current consumption: 20.5 uA
Zoomable
Figure 1: Oscilloscope Screen Capture of RAK5010-M-BG95 LoRa Module in Sleep Mode

Mechanical Characteristics​

Module Dimensions​
Zoomable
Figure 1: Top View
Zoomable
Figure 1: Bottom View

Environmental Characteristics​

The table below lists the operation and storage temperature requirements:

ParameterMinTypicalMax
Operational Temp. Range-35° C+25° C+75° C
Extended Temp. Range-40° C+25° C+80° C
Storage Temp. Range-40° C+25° C+80° C

Firmware​

Download the latest firmware version of the RAK5010-M-BG95 WisTrio provided in the table below.

warning

RAK5010-M-BG95 and RAK5010-BG95 have the same PCB, but their firmware is different and not interchangeable.

ModelVersionSource
RAK5010-M-BG95V3.0.0.15Download

Models / Bundles​

Ordering Information​

Part NumberBuilt-in Nordic nRF52840Built-in Nordic BG95-M3Built-in Temperature and Humidity SensorBuilt-in 3-axis Motion SensorBuilt-in Pressure SensorBuilt in Light Sensor
RAK5010-BG95✓✓✓✓✓✓
RAK5010-M-BG95✓✓✓✓

Certification​

rohs

RoHS Certification

Home
Quick Start Guide
AT Command Manual
  • Overview
    • Description
    • Features
  • Specifications
    • Overview
      • Module Overview
      • Block Diagram
    • Hardware
      • Interfaces
        • Micro-B USB Interface
        • LEDs
        • RESET Push Button
        • PWRKEY Push Button
        • IO Connections between the BG95-M3 and the nRF52840
        • Antenna Connector
      • Pin Definition
        • P1
        • P2
        • J9
        • J10 and J12
      • System on a Chip (SoCs) and Sensors
        • 1. BG95-M3 Module
          • BG95-M3 Frequency Bands
          • BG95-M3 Key Features
        • 2. nRF52840 Module
        • 3. Humidity and Temperature Sensors
          • Temperature
          • Humidity
        • 4. 3-Axis Motion Sensor
      • Antennas
        • 1. LTE Antenna
          • LTE Antenna Specifications
          • LTE Antenna Environmental Requirements
        • 2. GPS Antenna
          • GPS Antenna Power Supply Control
          • GPS Antenna Specifications
          • GPS Antenna Amplifier Specifications
          • GPS Antenna Environmental Test Performance Specifications
          • GPS Antenna Environmental Requirements
      • Electrical Characteristics
        • Schematic Diagram
        • Absolute Maximum Ratings
        • Current Consumption
        • Power Requirements
        • Laboratory Testings
      • Mechanical Characteristics
        • Module Dimensions
      • Environmental Characteristics
    • Firmware
  • Models / Bundles
    • Ordering Information
    • Certification

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Copyright © 2014-2024 RAKwireless Technology Limited. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2014-2024 RAKwireless Technology Limited. All rights reserved.

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