nRF9160 and nRF9161 Compatibility and Availability

RE: nRF9160 and nRF9161 Compatibility and Availability

SE-ASE — Wed, 07 May 2025 12:47:46 GMT

I'm surprised that a company like Nordic doesn't automatically specify compatibility
 with the previous model. I'd expect that from a high-tech company. What's also
 common practice is to create a combination layout/footprint and make it available
 to the customer. I couldn't find one online. So please develop a combination
 layout and make it available to us. Thanks.

RE: nRF9160 and nRF9161 Compatibility and Availability

Hakon — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:06:59 GMT

[quote user=""]Can you confirm the ongoing availability of the nRF9160? Are there any plans for its discontinuation or end of life?[/quote]

Many cellular customers are expected to continue using the same modules for decades, and we are committed to supporting and maintaining the nRF9160 for these users. Please note that the nRF9160 is now in maintenance mode, and no new features are anticipated for the modem firmware v1.3.x, but bug fixes will be updated as needed.

[quote user=""]Are the nRF9160 and nRF9161 pin-compatible?[/quote]

The nRF9161 is pin-compatible with the nRF9160, but not drop-in compatible. There are minor changes in the footprint, specifically some ground pads. Detailed information will be available in the forthcoming nRF9161 Hardware Design Guidelines. So, if they are to change to nRF9161, a PCB respin would be needed.

[quote user=""]Is there any official documentation or guidelines for migrating from the nRF9160 to the nRF9161?[/quote]

I'm not sure, but I don't believe there is anything yet. You can look at the product specification of the nrf9160 and nrf9161 and check what differences need to be accounted for. Maybe this can also be helpful

RE: nRF9160 and nRF9161 Compatibility and Availability

rajeev — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:09:00 GMT

As a user of nRF9161, here are my thoughts:

Can you confirm the ongoing availability of the nRF9160? Are there any plans for its discontinuation or end of life?
This Nordic can answer.
Are the nRF9160 and nRF9161 pin-compatible?
Nope. There pads are different as there are extras for grounding on nRF9161.
The best way to avoid mismatch is use Nordics reference Altium design files or KiCad footprints for this SiP.
Is there any official documentation or guidelines for migrating from the nRF9160 to the nRF9161?
I have not seen any or aware of.

RE: nRF9160 and nRF9161 Compatibility and Availability

Hakon — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:22:52 GMT

Hello,

I have asked about this internally.