Nordic Semiconductor nRF9160
Rugged Cold Chain Tracking Node
Overview
A rugged IP68 cold chain tracking node powered by ESP32 and NB-IoT with 2G fallback, featuring solar harvesting, global roaming, and multi-sensor telemetry for cross-border fresh food logistics.
SamSystem architecture
MCU
MODULE
SENSOR
POWER
- MCU → CELLULAR_BACKUPUARTAT-command control and data streaming for cellular communication
- MCU → SENSOR_TEMP_HUMI2CHigh-speed I2C bus for temperature and humidity data polling
- MCU → SENSOR_IMUSPIHigh-speed SPI interface for inertial sensor data reading
- SENSOR_IMU → MCUGPIOExternal hardware interrupt lines for wake-on-motion and shock detection
- POWER → MCUPowerRegulated 3.3V power supply for the main MCU
- POWER → CELLULAR_BACKUPPowerDirect battery/high-current power supply for the cellular module
- POWER → SENSOR_TEMP_HUMPowerRegulated power supply for temperature/humidity sensor
- POWER → SENSOR_IMUPowerRegulated power supply for IMU accelerometer
Bill of materials
| Part number | Type | Component | Manufacturer | Package | Qty | Datasheet | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRF9160-SICA | MCU | Nordic Semiconductor nRF9160 Main application processor, BLE connectivity, and integrated LTE-M/NB-IoT modem | Nordic Semiconductor ASA | 161-TFLGA Module | 1 | Matched | |
14 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
| RakWireless WisTrio NB-IoT Tracker Pro Quectel BG95-M3 RAK5010/RAK5010-M — RakWireless - RAK5010 | MODULE | Quectel BG95-M3 NB-IoT cellular communication with 2G fallback and GNSS | RAKwireless | — | 1 | Matched | |
20 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
| Adafruit Sensirion SHT45 Precision Temp & Humidity with PTFE - STEMMA QT / Qwiic | SENSOR | Sensirion SHT45 Ambient to chilled temperature and humidity monitoring | Adafruit | — | 1 | Matched | |
18 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
| ISM330DHCXTR | SENSOR | STMicroelectronics ISM330DHCX Shock, impact, and vibration tracking with machine learning core and wake-on-motion interrupt | STMicroelectronics | LGA-14L | 1 | Matched | |
14 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
| CN3142 | POWER | Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery with Solar Harvester Power management, solar panel harvesting, battery charging, and 3.3V/3.8V regulation | CONSONANCE | SOT23-6 | 1 | Matched | |
3 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
Build guide
6-8 hoursAdvanced
1
Procurement & Preparation
- Source and inventory all raw components according to the BOM, including the NRF9160-SICA MCU, Quectel BG95-M3 cellular backup module, Sensirion SHT45 temperature and humidity sensor, ISM330DHCXTR IMU, and CN3142 solar power management IC.
- Inspect the IP68-rated tracker enclosure and ensure the waterproof gasket, pressure relief vent, and solar panel integration window are free from defects.
- Prepare the custom 4-layer printed circuit board (PCB) and verify all silkscreen indicators for UART, I2C, SPI, and power net routing.
2
Hardware Assembly & Wiring
- Solder the Nordic Semiconductor nRF9160-SICA main application processor, CN3142 solar harvesting circuit, and STMicroelectronics ISM330DHCXTR IMU onto the main PCB using a reflow oven and lead-free solder paste.
- Wire the UART communication interface between the MCU and the Quectel BG95-M3 cellular backup module, connecting TX, RX, RTS, CTS, and GND signals.
- Connect the Sensirion SHT45 temperature and humidity sensor to the MCU via the I2C interface, routing SDA, SCL, VCC_3V3, and GND signals.
- Wire the SPI bus interface between the MCU and the ISM330DHCXTR IMU, connecting MOSI, MISO, SCK, CS, and GND, alongside GPIO interrupt lines INT1 and INT2 for wake-on-motion functionality.
- Integrate the rechargeable Li-Ion battery and solar panel harvester to the power management circuit, establishing VCC_3V3 and VCC_BAT power distribution across the board.
3
Firmware Setup
- Configure the Nordic nRF Connect SDK development environment and set up the target project for the nRF9160 processor.
- Develop and flash the application firmware to initialize the I2C driver for the SHT45 sensor, the SPI driver and machine learning core interrupts for the ISM330DHCXTR, and the power management routines.
- Program the cellular communication stack on the nRF9160 and configure AT command fallback sequences via UART to control the Quectel BG95-M3 for NB-IoT and 2G connectivity.
4
Testing & Calibration
- Perform electrical continuity and power rail validation tests, measuring 3.3V and battery voltage outputs under active cellular transmission and sleep states.
- Calibrate the Sensirion SHT45 temperature and humidity sensor against a certified reference chamber across chilled and ambient temperature ranges.
- Test the ISM330DHCXTR impact tracking and machine learning core by subjecting the assembled board to controlled drop tests and vibration profiles, verifying wake-on-motion log triggers.
- Verify global cellular roaming, GNSS lock performance, and cloud telemetry data transmission using an active SIM card under simulated solar harvesting conditions.
- Seal the fully tested tracking node inside the IP68 enclosure, tightening torque screws to specification, and perform a final pressure/water submersion leak test.
Document
rugged cold chain tracking node
A rugged IP68 cold chain tracking node powered by ESP32 and NB-IoT with 2G fallback, featuring solar harvesting, global roaming, and multi-sensor telemetry for cross-border fresh food logistics.
Design Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | rugged cold chain tracking node |
| Key Functions | Ambient to chilled temperature monitoring, Shock and vibration tracking, Humidity tracking, NB-IoT cellular communication with 2G fallback, Solar harvesting battery recharge, Magnetic mount IP68 heavy-duty deployment |
| Power Source | Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery with Solar Panel Harvesting |
| Connectivity | NB-IoT, 2G Cellular, Bluetooth |
| Size | Heavy-duty industrial enclosure, medium form factor |
| Environment | outdoor |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Est. Time | 6-8 hours |
System Architecture
Power Topology: Solar panel input feeds an MPPT solar charger IC connected to a rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack. A high-efficiency buck-boost regulator supplies 3.3V to the MCU, sensors, and BLE subsystems, while a dedicated high-current path supplies the Quectel cellular module for peak transmission bursts.
Module List
| Module ID | Type | Name | Function | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCU | MCU | Nordic Semiconductor nRF9160 | Main application processor, BLE connectivity, and integrated LTE-M/NB-IoT modem | 3.3V |
| CELLULAR_BACKUP | MODULE | Quectel BG95-M3 | NB-IoT cellular communication with 2G fallback and GNSS | 3.8V |
| SENSOR_TEMP_HUM | SENSOR | Sensirion SHT45 | Ambient to chilled temperature and humidity monitoring | 3.3V |
| SENSOR_IMU | SENSOR | STMicroelectronics ISM330DHCX | Shock, impact, and vibration tracking with machine learning core and wake-on-motion interrupt | 3.3V |
| POWER | POWER | Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery with Solar Harvester | Power management, solar panel harvesting, battery charging, and 3.3V/3.8V regulation | 3.7V |
Key Components
5/5 modules matched to real parts. See the BOM tab for the full component table.
Nordic Semiconductor nRF9160 (NRF9160-SICA)
NRF9160-SICA is the exact silicon chip/module component matching the Nordic Semiconductor nRF9160 description, whereas o
Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery with Solar Harvester (CN3142)
The CN3142 is a specialized IC specifically designed for solar-powered single-cell Li-Ion battery charging and harvestin
Build Summary
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Estimated time: 6-8 hours
- Tools required: Anti-static mat, ESD wrist strap, Digital multimeter, SMD reflow oven, Precision soldering iron, Hot air rework station
See the Build tab for the full step-by-step assembly guide.
Generated by YuanQi AI Design System · Query: Design a rugged cold chain tracking node using ESP32 and NB-IoT