Sera NX040 Series - UWB + Bluetooth LE + NFC Modules

Recommended for New Design (RND)

Overview

Now available: The UWB 4 Click, powered by our Sera NX040!

The time has come for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to grow beyond the consumer and automotive segments into mainstream IoT devices. Our innovative integration of the best wireless silicon from NXP and Nordic Semiconductor has produced the secure, flexible Sera NX040 range. 

The series features tightly integrated hardware and RF designs, all optimized for low power operation and reducing the need for external clocks, filters and components. Already using Bluetooth LE for basic beaconing or RSSI-based ranging? Now, easily advance to the next level with NFC and UWB for more granular locationing and positioning. This granularity yields much higher accuracy compared to RSSI-only proximity applications in industrial environments. 

The Sera NX040 series provides added value hardware and software capabilities to accelerate your development of UWB/BLE applications: 

  • Rapid firmware app development in Python with on-module scripting engine via our Canvas Software Suite
  • Ranging toolkit: visualization and sample applications available 
  • Built on Zephyr RTOS for extensibility 
  • Tag-to-tag and tag-as-anchor applications for fast evaluation 
  • Mobile app for easy configuration and view of real-time tag status 
  • AT Command set for hosted designs, with host-side libraries

Build Your Wireless IoT Application with Canvas

Our Canvas™ software suite enables rapid embedded development across our MCU-based wireless products. Cross-chipset middleware, easy-to-use wireless APIs, on-module scripting and intuitive desktop/mobile tools are all available to dramatically ease embedded development.

Explore Canvas Software Suite

canvas-software-suite-white.png

Start Prototyping with our DVK Demos!

Our development kits and Canvas Software Suite provide several demos and sample applications to rapidly accelerate your UWB development. Our ranging toolkit sample application provides visualization of range finding between DVKs using the Xbit Desktop tool. The Xbit Desktop tool requires the Nordic/Zephyr-enabled USB adapter (part # 451-00004) to provide a Bluetooth Low Energy interface to the UWB DVKs.

To run two-way ranging and other sample applications, a Nordic/Zephyr-enabled USB adapter is required. 

  • For two way ranging with two DVKS: Two Sera DVKs, one USB adapter (451-00004)
  • For 3D positioning w/ multicast ranging: Four Sera DVKSs, one USB adapter (451-00004)
Sera DVKS and BL654 USB.png

Development Kits

  • 453-00174-K1

    453-00174-K1

    Note: To run two-way ranging and 3D positioning demos, the BL654 USB adapter # 451-00004 is required as well. 


    Additional Description
    Sera NX040 - UWB / Bluetooth LE Development Kit, MHF4L Connectors
    Includes antennas: NanoUWB, 2.4GHz FlexPIFA, NFC antenna
    Learn More
  • 453-00175-K1

    453-00175-K1

    Note: To run two-way ranging and 3D positioning demos, the BL654 USB adapter # 451-00004 is required as well. 


    Additional Description
    Sera NX040 - UWB / Bluetooth LE Development Kit, Integrated Antenna
    Learn More

Certified Antennas

Specifications

Chipset (Wireless)
NXP – Trimension™ SR040
Nordic Semiconductor – nRF52833
Wireless Specification
Ultra-Wideband
Bluetooth LE v5.4
NFC
Antenna Options
Integrated antenna
2x MHF4L Connector
Certifications
FCC, EU, UKCA, ISED, RCM, MIC, KCC
Bluetooth SIG and FiRa Consortium certified
Firmware Upgrade
UART (FW and Python application scripts)
OTA via BLE (FW and Python application scripts)
DAPLink via SWD/JTAG (FW)
Programming Options
Python-based application scripting language
AT Command Set
Configuration via mobile app
Software
Built on Zephyr RTOS
Ranging toolkit for visualization
Sample applications for python and AT commands
System Architecture
Hosted or Hostless
Part NumberAntenna TypeChipset (Wireless)Interfaces - GeneralPackagingProduct TypeSoftwareSystem ArchitectureTechnology
Sera UWB / Bluetooth LE / NFC Module with 2x MHF4L Connector
453-00174CBuy Now
External NXP Trimension SR040, Nordic nRF52833-CJAA UART, USB, GPIO, ADC, PWM, SPI, I2C Cut Tape Embedded Module AT Commands, Zephyr, Python Scripting Hosted or hostless Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, NFC
Sera UWB / Bluetooth LE / NFC Module with 2x MHF4L Connector
453-00174RBuy Now
External NXP Trimension SR040, Nordic nRF52833-CJAA UART, USB, GPIO, ADC, PWM, SPI, I2C Tape and Reel Embedded Module AT Commands, Zephyr, Python Scripting Hosted or hostless Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, NFC
Sera UWB / Bluetooth LE / NFC Module with Integrated Antenna
453-00175CBuy Now
Internal NXP Trimension SR040, Nordic nRF52833-CJAA UART, USB, GPIO, ADC, PWM, SPI, I2C Cut Tape Embedded Module AT Commands, Zephyr, Python Scripting Hosted or hostless Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, NFC
Sera UWB / Bluetooth LE / NFC Module with Integrated Antenna
453-00175RBuy Now
Internal NXP Trimension SR040, Nordic nRF52833-CJAA UART, USB, GPIO, ADC, PWM, SPI, I2C Tape and Reel Embedded Module AT Commands, Zephyr, Python Scripting Hosted or hostless Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, NFC

Documentation

Name Part Type Last Updated
Product Brief - Sera NX040 Series All Product Brief 09/23/2024
Sera NX040 Module, MHF4L (453-00174) - PCB Footprint (DXF and Altium Format) All Technical Drawings 09/21/2023
3D Model - Sera NX040 Module, MHF4L Antenna (940-00304-R2.0) All Technical Drawings 09/08/2023
3D Model - Sera NX040 Module, Trace Antenna (940-00229-R2.0) All Technical Drawings 09/08/2023
Sera NX040 Module, Trace Antenna (453-00175) - PCB Footprint (DXF and Altium Format) All Technical Drawings 09/21/2023
Sera NX040 SCH Symbols (Altium Format) All Technical Drawings 09/21/2023
Schematic - Sera NX040 DVK with Integrated Antenna All Technical Drawings 09/21/2023
Schematic - Sera NX040 DVK with External Antenna All Technical Drawings 09/21/2023
Firmware - Sera NX040 Series (GitHub) All Software 04/03/2024
Datasheet - Sera NX040 Series All Datasheet 03/25/2024
User Guide - Sera NX040 DVK All Documentation 03/25/2024
Application Note - Sera NX040 UWB Ranging All Application Note 01/31/2024
User Guide - Sera NX040 Software All Documentation 01/05/2024
User Guide - Canvas Python All Documentation 12/14/2023
Overview - Canvas Software Suite All Documentation 12/14/2023
Regulatory Information Guide - Sera NX040 Series All Certification 01/03/2024
EU Certifications - NX040 Series All Certification 01/03/2024
AS/NZS Certifications - NX040 Series All Certification 01/03/2024
FCC Certifications - NX040 Series All Certification 01/03/2024
ISED Certifications - NX040 Series All Certification 01/03/2024

FAQ

Can I develop my application on the NX040 using the nRF Connect SDK?

No.  The nRF Connect SDK is not supported as the SW interface to the NXP SR040 UWB device is not publicly available. The NX040 supports command/response AT Interface or Ezurio Canvas FW with MicroPython scripting for application development.

The Sera NX040 datasheet specifies a power supply range of 1.8V-3.6V with 3.3V being typical. Are there any conditions that would require a higher voltage than 1.8V?

The module works down to 1.8V and there are no technical issues with using a 1.8V power supply. However, designs may want to consider setting the lower voltage limit as 2.0V as it is possible that a UWB current spike could occur when the host or BLE radio is doing some other function which could potentially cause a brownout/reset on the UWB chip.

Why can’t the Sera NX040 module configured as a responder in a two-way ranging configuration use a coin cell battery?

One of the NX040 UWB module power supply options is battery supply – limited peak current capability mode. This mode is typically reserved for tags who are considered Initiators. In a two-way ranging session, devices configured in a responder role are continuously listening in receive mode for an initiator. The current draw in receive mode is too high for a battery to support. 

Similarly, in a 3D positioning setup, the device used as an anchor (responder) will need to be externally powered.

Tag (initiator) devices can run on a battery given they do not need to be listening for other devices.

The Sera 040 DVK is not being recognised by Windows, where do I find dapi drivers?

Windows should natively support the Sera 040 DVK using CMIS-DAP v2 interface drivers that will appear in device manager under Universal Serial Bus  devices.

If in Windows device manager you see an error with CMIS-DAP v2 interface in other devices then it may be that you are using a USB hub or dock that is preventing Windows from properly identifying the Sera 040 DVK. In which case try plugging the DVK directly into a USB port on your laptop or PC and it should be discovered automatically

I am having problems installing pyocd for Python

At the time of writing there may be issues installing pyocd for Python 3.12. If you experience issues such as failing to build wheel for hidapi, try reverting to Python 3.10 or 3.11.

We have also seen issue where pyocd reports an error during install, requiring VS C++ build tools. Be sure to install the C++ build tools using the link in the error. If the C++ build tools install fail then try to temporarily disable virus checking (or consult with your IT department) as we have seen some antivirus block some VS scripts used during build tool installation.

Can I send data over the UWB channel using Laird's Sera NX040 UWB tag?

Data transfer over the UWB channel is not currently supported by NXP's firmware that is loaded to Laird's Sera NX040 UWB tag.

What kind of accuracy can be expected with the NX040, relative to two-way ranging?

Laird's NX040 has an accuracy of +/-10cm for two-way ranging.


What is Fira and do I need to be a member to use UWB?

fira logo

fira is the industry consortium that defines the UWB ranging specification and  certifies products for the purposes of interoperability. The name stands for "fine ranging".

There are various levels of fira membership as listed at the link below

membership levels

Ezurio (formerly Laird Connectivity) is an adopter member of fira.

fira membership is required to access specifications (fira intellectual property) and to certify end products.


Resource Center

Become an Ezurio Customer to Gain Exclusive Access to Our Design Experts

  • Antenna Scans
  • Antenna selection and placement
  • Custom antenna design
  • Worldwide EMC testing / certifications
  • Embedded RF hardware / firmware design
  • Cloud architecture and integration
  • Mobile application development
  • Product & Industrial Design

Talk to an Expert

Buy Now

Distributor Part In Stock Region Buy
DigiKey 453-00174-K1 31 North America Buy Now
Mouser 453-00174-K1 24 North America Buy Now
Farnell 453-00174-K1 3 EMEA Buy Now
Future Electronics 453-00174-K1 2 North America Buy Now
Arrow Electronics 453-00174-K1 0 North America Buy Now
Avnet 453-00174-K1 0 North America Buy Now
Farnell 453-00174C 247 EMEA Buy Now
Future Electronics 453-00174C 125 North America Buy Now
Mouser 453-00174C 115 North America Buy Now
Arrow Electronics 453-00174C 0 North America Buy Now
Avnet 453-00174C 0 North America Buy Now
DigiKey 453-00174R 992 North America Buy Now
Mouser 453-00174R 476 North America Buy Now
Arrow Electronics 453-00174R 0 North America Buy Now
Avnet 453-00174R 0 North America Buy Now
Future Electronics 453-00174R 0 North America Buy Now
Mouser 453-00175-K1 37 North America Buy Now
DigiKey 453-00175-K1 19 North America Buy Now
Farnell 453-00175-K1 7 EMEA Buy Now
Future Electronics 453-00175-K1 6 North America Buy Now
Arrow Electronics 453-00175-K1 0 North America Buy Now
Avnet 453-00175-K1 0 North America Buy Now
Farnell 453-00175C 250 EMEA Buy Now
Future Electronics 453-00175C 125 North America Buy Now
Mouser 453-00175C 107 North America Buy Now
Arrow Electronics 453-00175C 0 North America Buy Now
Avnet 453-00175C 0 North America Buy Now
DigiKey 453-00175R 861 North America Buy Now
Mouser 453-00175R 449 North America Buy Now
Arrow Electronics 453-00175R 0 North America Buy Now
Avnet 453-00175R 0 North America Buy Now
Future Electronics 453-00175R 0 North America Buy Now

Distributors

Distributor Phone Number Region Website
Arrow Electronics 1-855-326-4757
+44 2039 365486
APAC, North America, South America, EMEA Website
Avnet 1-480-643-2000
+44 1628 512900
APAC, North America, South America, EMEA Website
Braemac Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia +61 2 9550 6600
+64 9 477 2148
APAC Website
Cal-Chip Connect 1-215-942-8900
North America Website
DigiKey 1-800-344-4539
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
EBV Elektronik EMEA Website
Farlink Technology China, Hong Kong +86 13266922199
APAC Website
Farnell 1-800-936-198
+44 3447 11 11 22
EMEA Website
Future Electronics 1-800-675-1619
1-514-428-8470
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
Glyn +49-6126-590-0
EMEA Website
Hy-Line Germany Only +49 89 614 503 0
EMEA Website
Jetronic China, Hong Kong and Taiwan 852-27636806 
APAC Website
Laird Connectivity 1-847-839-6925
+44 1628 858941
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
M2M Germany +49-6081-587386-0
EMEA Website
Martinsson +46 8 7440300
EMEA Website
McCoy South East Asia +65 6515 2988
APAC Website
Mouser 1-800-346-6873
+44 1494 427500
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
RS Components +852-2421-9898
+44 3457-201201
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
Ryoyo Japan +81-3-3543-7711
APAC Website
Solsta UK Only +44 (0) 1527 830800
EMEA Website
Supreme Components International India, South East Asia +65 6848-1178
APAC Website
Symmetry Electronics 1-866-506-8829
North America Website
Tekdis Australia and New Zealand +61 3 8669 1210
APAC Website
Telsys +972 3 7657666
EMEA Website
WPG +44 1628 958460
EMEA Website