Tiny Bluetooth LE module utilizes dual Arm Cortex-M33 processors to support complex applications

The ISP2053-AX from Insight SiP employs Nordic nRF5340 SoC to power LE Audio and more

An ultra-miniaturized module based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF5340 high-end multiprotocol System-on-Chip (SoC) has been launched by Insight SiP. The ‘ISP2053-AX’ fully integrated module is offered in an 8 by 8 by 1mm package size, and is described by the company as the world’s smallest nRF5340 SoC-based module. It is designed for space-constrained, processor-intensive implementations, for example audio, medical, and high value consumer applications.

Nordic’s nRF5340 SoC is the world’s first wireless SoC to integrate dual Arm® Cortex®-M33 processors providing a high performance application processor alongside a fully programmable, ultra low power network processor and supporting major RF protocols including Bluetooth® 5.2, LE Audio, Bluetooth Direction Finding, Long Range, Bluetooth mesh, Thread, Zigbee, ANT™, IEEE 802.15.4, NFC and proprietary 2.4GHz RF software. The SoC also incorporates Arm CryptoCell-312, Arm TrustZone® technology, and Secure Key Storage for applications demanding the highest level of security.

Out-of-the-box short range wireless solution

In addition to the nRF5340 SoC, the ISP2053-AX module offers an integrated antenna, RF matching circuits, and will be precertified for global markets including Europe, the U.S., and Japan, together providing an out-of-the-box module for developers of sophisticated short range wireless solutions without them needing to get to grips with the complexities of RF design and certification.

We believe Nordic has established itself as the market leader for good reasons

Nick Wood, Insight SiP

The nRF5340 SoC’s high performance application processor is capable of DSP and Floating Point (FP), offering voltage and frequency scaling options and running up to 128 MHz (514 CoreMark) with dedicated 1 MB Flash and 512 KB RAM. The fully programmable, ultra low power network processor runs at 64 MHz (244 CoreMark) with dedicated 256 KB Flash and 64 KB RAM. The two processors can operate independently, offering the developer flexibility to optimize performance for power consumption, throughput, and low latency response.

The ISP2053-AX is designed to run on a coin cell battery, and can last up to several years between battery replacement (depending on the application) thanks to the SoC’s ultra low power characteristics. The new, power-optimized multiprotocol 2.4 GHz radio offers a TX current of 3.4mA (0dBm TX power, 3V, DC/DC) and RX current of 2.7mA (3V, DC/DC). Sleep current is as low as 0.9µA. The nRF5340 SoC-powered module also provides a full suite of peripheral connections including USB, QSPI, SPI, and UART and is qualified over an extended –40º to 105º C industrial operating temperature range.

Complete hardware prototyping solution

The ISP2053-AX Development Kit provides a complete hardware solution for prototyping, testing and programming with maximum flexibility. The module also provides both Zephyr real-time operating system (RTOS) and Nordic nRF Connect SDK (Software Development Kit) programming options. The SDK supports migration of Nordic’s Bluetooth SoftDevice Controller from the company’s proven SoftDevices used with the nRF52 Series.

“As a long term Nordic partner, it was a natural choice to develop the ISP2053-AX module based on this latest generation of technology,” says Nick Wood, Sales and Marketing Director of Insight SiP. “We are also strong believers that security in IoT will become an ever more pressing issue, so the Arm TrustZone-powered SoC aligns perfectly with this strategy.

“We believe Nordic has established itself as the market leader for good reasons – a clear strategy, excellent technical support, and high quality products at reasonable prices. We have never seen any reason to base our Bluetooth LE products on chips from any other supplier.”