Nordic Semiconductor launches nRF9151 software and development kit to achieve dual-mode IoT connectivity between satellite and cellular networks
2025-12-15
NRF9151 SMA DK - an ideal platform for creating cellular IoT, DECT NR+, and NTN solutions, with excellent RF performance

Nordic Semiconductor, the global leader in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, announced today the launch of the nRF9151 SMA Development Kit (DK), a specialized kit designed for RF engineers developing cellular IoT, DECT NR+, and non terrestrial network (NTN) applications. In addition to hardware releases, Nordic has also released a new version of modem firmware, adding satellite (NTN) communication support to the nRF9151 module - marking the first step for Nordic to achieve satellite direct communication.
 
Specially designed to optimize for harsh environments

The nRF9151 SMA development kit is designed specifically for high demand RF evaluations. It replaces the internal antenna with an SMA interface, allowing engineers to directly connect high-performance external antennas or laboratory equipment for precise characteristic analysis. This makes it a recommended platform for developing and evaluating cutting-edge cellular IoT, DECT NR+, and NTN designs, especially for scenarios where RF performance optimization is crucial. Typical application scenarios include remote areas with weak cellular signals, intelligent buildings with dense nodes, and industrial environments with RF shielding.

 
New firmware adds NTN technology supporting satellite direct connection to the Internet of Things

The new version of the modem firmware supports NB IoT NTN (3GPP rel 17) protocol, enabling satellite direct IoT communication. This firmware is compatible with both terrestrial LTE-M and NB IoT networks as well as GNSS systems, providing comprehensive support for the development and evaluation of hybrid connectivity solutions.
 
Kristian S æ ther, Senior Director of Long Range Products at Nordic Semiconductor, said, "As engineers continue to expand the boundaries of wireless connectivity through satellite IoT and DECT NR+technology, they need development tools with flexible and precise RF performance. The nRF9151 SMA DK development kit was born for this purpose, providing RF experts with refined control capabilities to help validate the most challenging design solutions - especially suitable for complex RF environments in direct satellite communication

Specially designed for RF precision and flexibility

The nRF9151 SMA development kit is equipped with an SMA interface that can connect external antennas and directly interface with laboratory equipment, achieving maximum RF flexibility and supporting precise performance verification and precise power measurement. This kit is optimized for the latest standards, providing an ideal platform for DECT NR+and NTN development, ensuring optimal connectivity performance for advanced projects.
 
Complete toolkit for rapid prototyping construction

This development kit includes all the necessary components for immediate prototyping, including high-performance Taoglas (LTE/NTN/NR+) and Kyocera (GNSS) antennas, as well as IoT SIM cards and trial data provided by Deutsche Telekom, Onomondo, and Monogoto, enabling instant ground to satellite connectivity.
 
The nRF9151 SMA development kit is fully compatible with Nordic's unified and scalable nRF Connect SDK, providing a complete development environment for various applications.
 
Now listed

The nRF9151 SMA development kit is now available for sale through Nordic distribution partner channels. The Alpha version of the modem firmware can be downloaded for free here.
 
About Nordic Semiconductor

Nordic Semiconductor offers low-power Bluetooth ®  Low Energy solutions, as well as ANT+, Thread, Matter, and Zigbee products, are the market leaders in ultra-low power wireless solutions. Our low-power wireless technology portfolio also includes Wi Fi technology, Power Management ICs (PMICs), as well as compact NB IoT, LTE-M, and Non Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions utilizing cellular network infrastructure.   
 
Nordic's award-winning, high-performance, and easy to integrate low-power Bluetooth brand is applied in various products, including wireless PC peripherals, gaming devices, sports and fitness equipment, mobile phone accessories, consumer electronics, industrial, and medical devices.     
 
Nordic Semiconductor provides industry-leading development tools, Nordic DevZone, nRF Cloud solutions, and machine learning/artificial intelligence design support teams. Nordic is a member of the ANT+Alliance, Bluetooth SiG, Thread Group, Zephyr Project, Connectivity Standards Alliance, Wi Fi Alliance, and GSMA. https://www.nordicsemi.cn/