NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160 is a cellular and navigation transceiver module from NimbeLink's Skywire® LTE-M series. This RF module integrates 4G LTE CAT-M1/NB-IoT connectivity with support for multiple global carriers (AT&T, Orange, Telstra, Telus, Verizon, Vodafone) across frequency bands spanning 700MHz to 2.1GHz. The module operates at 375kbps data rate and features chassis mount configuration with GPIO, I2C, SPI, and UART serial interfaces.

The NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160 is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics. Identification of equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for ongoing production and development requirements.

Substiute Parts

NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160

NimbeLink, LLCIn Stock: 998NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160-B

NimbeLink, LLCIn Stock: 872NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160-B Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Manufacturer: NimbeLink, LLC
• Series: Skywire® LTE-M
• RF Family/Standard: Cellular, Navigation
• Frequency Bands: 700MHz, 800MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1.7GHz, 1.8GHz, 1.9GHz, 2.1GHz
• Serial Interfaces: GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART
• Voltage Supply Range: 3.3V ~ 5.5V
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C
• Mounting Type: Chassis Mount
• Antenna Configuration: Antenna Not Included
• RoHS Compliance: RoHS Compliant
• Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)

Protocol Compatibility Consideration: The primary distinction between the main part and its substitute relates to protocol support. The NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160 supports 4G LTE CAT-M1/NB-IoT, while the substitute part NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160-B supports 4G LTE CAT-4 with GPS integration. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications, frequency coverage, and interface configurations, enabling functional substitution within applications requiring these connectivity standards.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160-B is the designated substitute for the discontinued NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160.

Selection Basis:

The NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160-B maintains active product status with confirmed availability (765 Pcs in stock), whereas the original part is discontinued. Both parts are manufactured by NimbeLink, LLC within the Skywire® LTE-M series and share identical electrical specifications, frequency band coverage, serial interface configurations, voltage supply ranges, and operating temperature specifications.

The substitute part is RoHS Compliant and carries Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited), matching the original part's compliance profile. Both parts feature chassis mount configuration with no integrated antenna, ensuring mechanical and form-factor compatibility.

The primary technical distinction is protocol support: the substitute provides 4G LTE CAT-4 connectivity with integrated GPS functionality, whereas the original supported 4G LTE CAT-M1/NB-IoT. This protocol difference does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility and represents an enhancement in connectivity capability for applications requiring CAT-4 performance or GPS integration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160-B directly replace the NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160 in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical electrical specifications (3.3V ~ 5.5V supply, -40°C ~ 85°C operating range), frequency band coverage (700MHz to 2.1GHz), serial interface configuration (GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART), and chassis mount form factor. The substitute part is pin-compatible and mechanically interchangeable.

Q: What is the primary difference between these two parts?

A: The NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160 supports 4G LTE CAT-M1/NB-IoT protocols, while the NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160-B supports 4G LTE CAT-4 with integrated GPS functionality. Both parts operate across the same frequency bands and maintain identical electrical characteristics.

Q: Does the substitute part require different firmware or software configuration?

A: This determination is outside the scope of provided electrical and mechanical parameters. Firmware compatibility must be verified through NimbeLink technical documentation specific to each protocol implementation.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the main part and substitute?

A: The original part packaging is not specified in available documentation. The substitute part is supplied in Tray packaging. Both parts are classified as Module package type.

Q: Is the NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160-B RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The substitute part is RoHS Compliant with Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited), matching the original part's compliance status.

Q: What is the availability status of the substitute part?

A: The NL-SWN-LTE-NRF9160-B is Active with 765 Pcs of new original stock currently available, compared to the discontinued status of the original part.

Q: Are both parts suitable for the same frequency bands and carrier networks?

A: Both parts support identical frequency bands (700MHz, 800MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1.7GHz, 1.8GHz, 1.9GHz, 2.1GHz). The original part explicitly supports AT&T, Orange, Telstra, Telus, Verizon, and Vodafone. The substitute part supports AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks with CAT-4 protocol.