DEXATEK DK9178C Connector BLE Module
Data Sheet
| Product | BLE Module |
| Solution | Nordic nRF52832 aQFN Package |
| Model NO. | DK9178C (u.FL Connector) |
Overall Introduction
Dexatek’s DK9178C is a BT 5 stack (Bluetooth low energy or BLE) module designed based on Nordic nRF52832 SoC solution, which incorporates: GPIO, SPI, UART, I2C, I2S, PMD, PWM, ADC, and NFC interfaces for connecting peripherals and sensors Ideal solution for designs requiring Bluetooth 5 functionality networking.
Provides ultra-low power consumption and excellent wireless range with +4 dBm transmission Power and long range (encoded physical layer) Bluetooth 5 capabilities. New circuits are added TX power and reduces sleep current for perfect power management.
Application
- Home automation
- Building automation
- Industrial
- Health/fitness sensor and monitor devices
- Key fobs and wrist watches
- Remote controls
- Gaming controllers
- Remote control toys
- Mouse
- Keyboard
- Gaming
Product Specification
Feature
- Bluetooth ® 5.3 , 2.4 GHz transceiver,
- LE 2M PHY, LE 1M PHY
- 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps Bluetooth® low energy mode
- Proprietary 2.4 GHz – 2 Mbps, 1 Mbps
- nRF52832, ARM ® Cortex ® M4 32-bit processor with FPU, 64 MHz
- 512kB Flash and 64kB RAM
- Radio
- GFSK at 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps, QPSK at 250 Kbps
- -96 dBm sensitivity in Bluetooth ® low energy mode
- -20 to +4 dBm TX power, configurable in 4 dB steps
- Power Management
- 1.7 V to 3.6 V regulated supply
- Security features
- AES HW encryption with EasyDMA
- Peripheral interface / Hardware
- Type 2 NFC-A tag with wake-on field
- Touch-to-pair support
- Programmable peripheral interconnect (PPI)
- 32 general purpose I/O pins (GPIO)
- EasyDMA automated data transfer between memory and peripherals
- Nordic SoftDevice ready with support for concurrent multiprotocol
- 12-bit, 200 ksps ADC – 8 configurable channels with programmable gain
- 64 level comparator
- 15 level low-power comparator with wake-up from System OFF mode
- Temperature sensor
- 3×4 channel PWM unit with EasyDMA
- Audio peripherals – I2 S, digital microphone interface (PDM)
- 5x 32-bit timer with counter mode
- Up to 3x SPI master/3x SPI slave with EasyDMA
- Up to 2x I2 C compatible two-wire master/slave
- UART (CTS/RTS) with EasyDMA
- Quadrature decoder (QDEC)
- 3x real-time counter (RTC)
- Operation Temperature: -40 °C to 85 °C
Product Dimension
PCB Dimensions & Pin Indication
PCB Dimensions & Pin Indication
RF Layout Suggestion (aka Keep-Out Area)
Please follow below instruction to avoid from having Ground Pad in the area of our RF test pad. Otherwise, it may cause shortage to the module
Pin Assignment
| Pin | Name | Function | Description |
| 1 | GND | Ground | The pad must be connected to a solid ground plane |
| 2 | P0.25 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 3 | P0.26 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 4 | P0.27 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 5 | P0.28 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| AIN4 | Analog input | SAADC/COMP/LPCOMP input | |
| 6 | P0.29 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| AIN5 | Analog input | SAADC/COMP/LPCOMP input | |
| 7 | P0.30 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| AIN6 | Analog input | SAADC/COMP/LPCOMP input | |
| 8 | P0.31 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| AIN7 | Analog input | SAADC/COMP/LPCOMP input | |
| 9 | DEC4 |
Power |
1.3 V regulator supply decoupling Input from DC/DC regulator
Output from 1.3 V LDO |
| 10 | DCC | Power | DC/DC regulator output |
| 11 | VDD | Power | Power supply |
| 12 | GND | Ground | The pad must be connected to a solid ground plane |
| 13 | P0.00 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| XL1 | Analog input | Connection for 32.768 kHz crystal (LFXO) | |
| 14 | P0.01 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| XL2 | Analog input | Connection for 32.768 kHz crystal (LFXO) | |
| 15 | P0.02 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| AIN0 | Analog input | SAADC/COMP/LPCOMP input | |
| 16 | P0.03 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| AIN1 | Analog input | SAADC/COMP/LPCOMP input | |
| 17 | P0.04 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| AIN2 | Analog input | SAADC/COMP/LPCOMP input | |
| 18 | P0.05 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| AIN3 | Analog input | SAADC/COMP/LPCOMP input | |
| 19 | P0.06 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 20 | P0.07 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 21 | P0.08 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 22 | P0.09 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| NFC1 | NFC input | NFC antenna connection | |
| 23 | P0.10 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| NFC2 | NFC antenna connection | NFC antenna connection | |
| 24 | GND | Ground | The pad must be connected to a solid ground plane |
| 25 | P0.11 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 26 | P0.12 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 27 | P0.13 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 28 | P0.14 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| TraceData(3 | Trace port output | Trace port output | |
| 29 | P0.15 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| TraceData(2 | Trace port output | Trace port output | |
| 30 | P0.16 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| TraceData(1 | Trace port output | Trace port output | |
| 31 | P0.17 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 32 | P0.18 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| TraceData(0 | Trace port output | Trace port output | |
| 33 | P0.19 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 34 | P0.20 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| TraceCLK | Trace port clock output | ||
| 35 | P0.21 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| RESET | Configurable as system reset pin | ||
| 36 | SWDCLK | Digital input | Serial wire debug clock input for debug
and programming |
| 37 | SWDIO | Digital I/O | Serial wire debug I/O for debug and
programming |
| 38 | P0.22 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 39 | GND | Ground | The pad must be connected to a solid ground plane |
| 40 | P0.24 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
| 41 | P0.23 | Digital I/O | General purpose I/O |
Main Chip Solution
| RF IC | Crystal Frequency |
| Nordic NRF 52832 | 32MHZ |
32MHz crystal and RF (VDD) DC/DC inductor (Reg1) are already inside the module.
Shipment Packaging Information
| Model | Antenna | Photo |
| DK9178C | u.FL Connector |  |
- Unit Weight of Module: 0.68g (±0.02g)
- Packaging Type: Anti-static Tape & Reel
| Tape & Reel | |
| MPQ(Min. Package Qty) | 600 pcs per reel |
| Carton Contents (per Carton) | 600 pcs |
| Carton Dimension L*W*H cm | 37*36*6 |
| Gross Weight | About 1.9kgs |
Tape & Reel Packaging
| Part Number | DK91xxC |
| Quantity | 600 pcs |
| Date Code | 24xx |
Marking on Metal Shield
Label
Specification
Any technical spec shall refer to Nordic’s official documents as final reference.
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Operating Conditions
Electrical Specifications
General Radio Characteristics
Radio Current Consumption (Transmitter)
Radio Current Consumption (Receiver)
Transmitter Specification
RSSI Specification
Receiver Operation
RX Selectivity 
RX Intermodulation
Radio Timing 
CPU 
Power Management
Antenna
Below chart shows a few options of external antenna which has been tested and approved to use with DK9178C
| # | Photo | ModelNo. | Type | Supplier | Gain | Certification |
| 1 |  |
ANTX100ETH AB 2 4553 | Ex ternal | Yag eo | ≦ 2 dBi | FCC, IC, NCC, CE |
| 2 |  |
ANTX100P011 B 24003 | PCB | Yag eo | 2 .2dBi | FCC, IC, NCC, CE |
| 3 |  |
ANTX100P111 B 24003 | PCB | Yag eo | 3 .3dBi | FCC, IC, NCC, CE |
Reference Circuit
- This is a notification for circuit combinations and please refer below caution for specification, and carefully in detail description as applies to adapt on peripherals circuits.
- The module default is define on “LDO mode” and must add external 32.768 kHz crystal for MCU boot up.
- Pin DEC4 had built in 1?? decoupling capacitor in module.
- Please remove Y1/C7/C9 when using the internal 32MHz RC oscillator.
- When disable NFC function, please removal NFC Radio Frequency Coil and C235/C236/C237/C238 capacitor.
- Please add L1/L2/C2 in circuit if power setup “DC-DC” mode.
Notes and Cautions
- Follow the conditions written in this specification, especially the control signals of this module.
- The supply voltage should abide by the maximum ratings and must to supply within range of specification.
- This module should not be mechanically stressed when installed.
- Keep this module away from heat. Heat is the major cause of decreasing the life time of these modules.
- Avoid assembly and use of the target equipment in conditions where the module temperature may exceed the maximum tolerance.
- Keep this module away from other high frequency circuits.
- Refer to the recommended pattern when designing a board.
- Do not expose modules under direct sunlight for long duration. Modules should be kept away from humid and salty air conditions, and any corrosive gasses or substances. Store it within -40℃ to +125℃ before and after installation.
Basic Facts for nRF52 Family
Below chart shows basic spec for Nordic nRF52 family, which is helpful to understand the differences between each SoC. Any discrepancy shall refer to Nordic’s technical document as final reference.
| Solution | Nordic 52840 | Nordic 52833 | Nordic 52832 | Nordic 52810 |
| Antenna | Ipex | Ipex | ||
| Antenna Vendor | Χ | Χ | ||
| RAM (KB) | 256KB | 128KB | 64KB | 24KB |
| Internal Flash | 1MB | 512KB | 512KB | 192KB |
| External flash | Χ | Χ | Χ | Χ |
| PIN OUT | 48 | 42 | 32 | 32 |
| Shielding Case | O | O | O | O |
| Package | 6x6mm QFN48 | 7x7mm aQFN™73 | 6x6mm QFN48 | 6x6mm QFN48 |
| RF | BT5.3 | BT5.3 | BT5.3 | BT5.3 |
| PA | Χ | Χ | Χ | Χ |
| Operating Temp | -40~85C | -40~105C | -40~85C | -40~85C |
| Tx Power(MAX) | 8dBm | 8dBm | 4dBm | 4dBm |
| Supply Voltage | 1.7V~5.5V | 1.7V~5.5V | 1.7V~3.6V | 1.7V~3.6V |
Useful Links
- Nordic Infocenter: Nordic Semiconductor Infocenter
- Nordic DevZone: Nordic Devzone Q&A
- Nordic Document: Nordic Techdoc
- Nordic Academy : Nordic DevAcademy
- nRF52832 Product Specification: nRF52832 – Versatile Bluetooth 5.2 SoC-nordicsemi.com
Full List of DEXATEK’s BLE Modules
| Nordic Solution | DEXATEK NO. | Antenna | RAM | Flash Memory |
| nRF52840 | DK9177A | IPEX | 256 kB | 1 MB |
| nRF52832 | DK9178C | IPEX | 64 kB | 512 kB |
| nRF52832 | DK9180C | PCB | 64 kB | 512 kB |
| nRF52840 | DK9181A | PCB | 256 kB | 1 MB |
| nRF52832 | DK9182C | CHIP | 64 kB | 512 kB |
| nRF52840 | DK9183A | CHIP | 256 kB | 1 MB |
| nRF52833 | DK9177B | IPEX | 128 kB | 512 kB |
| nRF52810 | DK9178D | IPEX | 24 kB | 192 kB |
| nRF52810 | DK9180D | PCB | 24 kB | 192 kB |
| nRF52833 | DK9181B | PCB | 128 kB | 512 kB |
| nRF52810 | DK9182D | CHIP | 24 kB | 192 kB |
| nRF52833 | DK9183B | CHIP | 128 kB | 512 kB |
FCC Statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and a human body.
If the identification number is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module, Contains FCC ID: SZY-DK91XXC. Co-location of this module with other transmitters that operate simultaneously are required to be evaluated using the multi-transmitter procedures. The host integrator must follow the integration instructions provided in this document and ensure that the composite-system end product complies with the requirements by a technical assessment or evaluation to the rules and to KDB Publication 996369.
The host integrator installing this module into their product must ensure that the final composite product complies with the requirements by a technical assessment or evaluation to the rules, including the transmitter operation and should refer to guidance in KDB 996369.
ISED Statement:
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause interference,
- This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
This equipment complies with ISED radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and a human body.
If the identification number is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module, Contains IC: 28614-DK91XXC. This device for operation in the band 5150-5250 MHz is only for indoor use to reduce the potential for harmful interference to co-channel mobile satellite systems.
Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC/ISED radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and a human body. The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or antenna. As long as 2 conditions above are met, further transmitter test will not be required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this module installed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that these conditions cannot be met (for example certain laptop configurations or co-location with another transmitter), then the FCC/ISED authorization is no longer considered valid and the
FCC/ISED ID cannot be used on the final product. In these circum stances, the OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate FCC authorization.
If the identification number is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module, Contains FCC ID: SZY-DK91XXC.
The grantee’s FCC ID can be used only when all FCC/ISED compliance requirements are met. The host integrator must follow the integration instructions provided in this document and ensure that the composite-system end product complies with the requirements by a technical assessment or evaluation to the rules and to KDB Publication 996369. The host integrator installing this module into their product must ensure that the final composite product complies with the requirements by a technical assessment or evaluation to the rules, including the transmitter operation and should refer to guidance in KDB 996369.
Manual Information To the End User
The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to install or remove this RF module in the user’s manual of the end product which integrates this module. The end user manual shall include all required regulatory information/warning as show in this manual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What are the typical applications of the DK9178C module?
A: The module is commonly used in home automation, industrial settings, health/fitness devices, gaming peripherals, and more. - Q: What is the flash and RAM capacity of the module?
A: The DK9178C has 512kB of flash memory and 64kB of RAM.
Documents / Resources
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DEXATEK DK9178C Connector BLE Module [pdf] User Manual DK91XXC, SZY-DK91XXC, SZYDK91XXC, DK9178C Connector BLE Module, DK9178C, Connector BLE Module, BLE Module |
 |
Dexatek DK9178C Connector BLE Module [pdf] User Guide DK91XXD, SZY-DK91XXD, SZYDK91XXD, DK9178C Connector BLE Module, DK9178C, Connector BLE Module, BLE Module, Module |
