What are the differences between nRF9160 and nRF9161 apart from DECT NR+?

[ben_int]

We are starting a new design that requires a LTE-M chip. Upon comparing features between nRF9160 and nRF9161, I see 2 differences

• DECT NR+
• 3GPP Release 14 

First question: Is there any other difference between the 2 chips?

Second question: Can you elaborate on the 3GPP advantages of nRF9161? 

Product specification document of nRF9160 lists following about its 3GPP compliancy

• 3GPP LTE release 13 Cat-M1 and Cat-NB1 compliant
  • 3GPP release 13 coverage enhancement
• 3GPP LTE release 14 Cat-NB2 compliant

Product specification document of nRF9161 lists following about its 3GPP compliancy

• 3GPP LTE release 14 Cat-M1 compliant
• 3GPP LTE release 14 Cat-NB1 and Cat-NB2 compliant

[Achim Kraus]

I use a nRF9160, hw B1A, mfw 1.3.5 .

Connecting to 26202 LTE-M, Vodafone with REL14FEAT on, I assume that I get AS-RAI, which indicates, that at least experimental, a nRF9160 B1A also supports Rel 14.

Anyway, it would be very important, if there are some official statements from Nordic about the planed support.

[Martin Lesund]

Hi Ben,

Here are the main "hardware" differences between the current nRF91 Series.

	nRF9160	nRF9161	nRF9131
LTE-M	3GPP rel 13	3GPP rel 14	3GPP rel 14
NB-IoT	3GPP rel 13	3GPP rel 14	3GPP rel 14
DECT NR+		X	X
System in Package (SiP)	X	X
Mini System in Package (mini SiP)			X
LTE-M/NB-IoT/GPS modem	X
LTE-M/NB-IoT/GPS and DECT NR+ modem		X	X
Certified Bands	1-5, 8, 12-14, 17-20, 25-26, 28, 66	1-5, 8, 12-14, 17-20, 25-26, 28, 66, 85	1-5, 8, 12-14, 17-20, 25-26, 28, 66, 85
Frequency	700-2200 MHz	700-2200 MHz (LTE) 1,9 GHz (NR+)	700-2200 MHz (LTE) 1,9 GHz (NR+)
Supply Voltage Range	3.0 to 5.5 V	3.0 to 5.5 V	3.0 to 5.5 V (if nPM6000 is used)
Development kits	nRF9160 DK, Nordic Thingy:91	nRF9161 DK, Nordic Thingy:91 X
Packages	10x16x1.04 mm LGA	10x16x1.04 mm LGA	7x11x0.74 mm LGA

For nRF91x1:
The key difference is that the nRF91x1 devices will have modem firmware 2.0.x, a 3GPP release 14 baseline which means users access the typical release 14 features such as AS-RAI etc. in addition to new features such as reduced mobility and enhanced mobility. We also have cherry-picked some optional release 14 and release 15 features that we see can benefit users.
More excitingly are the Nordic-specific features we have added which we see as beneficial and based on customer feedback, namely Power Saving mode for roaming devices (PSM like sleep when the device is roaming in a network), and improved TTFF performance with offline GPS satellite acquisition. More details on what is supported in the new modem firmware can be found in the beta release notes.  Users can also expect new and improved features on the mfw 2.0.x in the future based on feedback and needs, so do not hesitate to contact us if you have any suggestions. 

For nRF9160:
The modem firmware (mfw) v1.3.x has 3GPP release 13 baseline while the option to cherry-pick optional release 14 features. The mfw v1.3.x is now in maintenance mode and will not get any new features; however, it will get bug fixes and maintenance updates when needed.
The important part is that nRF9160 will be available as long as customers want it, and since this device has been on the market for over 5 years with modem firmware updates and a new hardware revision it has proven its maturity and is a safe bet for a stable cellular product. 


Best regards,
Martin Lesund