NINA-B222 Click

How does it work?

NINA-B222 Click is based on the NINA-B222, a standalone dual-mode Bluetooth module from u-blox designed for integration in professional-grade applications. Featuring Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support, this module is pre-loaded with the u-connectXpress software (version 5.2.0), enabling easy configuration and management. The software provides robust support for peripheral and central roles, the Serial Port Profile (SPP), GATT client and server, beacons, and the proprietary u-blox Bluetooth Low Energy Serial Port Service, all controllable through intuitive AT commands from a host MCU. Designed for diverse industrial and commercial environments, its intended applications span industrial automation, wireless device configuration, point-of-sale systems, and healthcare equipment, making it a versatile choice for demanding scenarios.

Engineered for security and reliability, the NINA-B222 incorporates secure boot technology to ensure it operates exclusively with authentic u-blox firmware. This guarantees top-tier protection for sensitive data and communication channels. It also features an integrated antenna, ensuring excellent wireless performance without requiring external components. It meets RED standards and is globally certified for compliance in major markets, including Great Britain (UKCA), the United States (FCC), Canada (IC/ISED RSS), Japan (MIC), Taiwan (NCC), South Korea (KCC), Australia/New Zealand (ACMA), Brazil (Anatel), and South Africa (ICASA). It qualifies for ISO 16750 standards, ensuring dependable operation in professional-grade environments.

This Click board™ establishes communication between the NINA-B222 and the host MCU through a UART interface, using standard UART RX and TX pins and hardware flow control via CTS and RTS pins. The default communication speed is set at 115200bps, ensuring efficient data exchange. The host MCU configures wireless communication and other features using high-level AT commands, making it easy to manage without requiring in-depth knowledge of Bluetooth protocols. Additionally, the board includes an SPI interface with a maximum clock speed of 10MHz, allowing the NINA-B222 to operate exclusively in “SPI peripheral mode,” where the host MCU, running in “SPI host mode,” sends commands to the NINA module. To properly use the CS pin, users must select the appropriate interface (UART or SPI) and determine whether the CS pin will function as the UART CTS or SPI Chip Select pin. This is achieved by setting the CS SEL jumper to the correct position.

In addition to the standard interface pins, the module uses other mikroBUS™ pins, such as the SRY pin, which acts as an SPI data-ready output, and the reset pin (RST) for module resetting. The NINA-B222 software extends the UART interface beyond the usual RX, TX, CTS, and RTS signals by including the DSR (Data Set Ready) and DTR (Data Terminal Ready) pins, available on the unpopulated J1 header. These pins manage the state of the NINA-B222. The DSR pin can enter command mode or disconnect/toggle the connectable status, depending on the configuration.

Additional features on this board include the SYS BOOT jumper, which selects the system boot mode based on its position. Position 1 is for normal boot from internal flash, while position 0 is for ESP boot mode (factory boot). The board also features SW1 and SW2 buttons for system control. When both buttons are pressed simultaneously at start-up, the module enters bootloader mode. If this state is maintained for over 10 seconds without sending commands to the bootloader via UART, the u-connectXpress application will automatically boot, restoring the module settings to their factory defaults. Pressing only the SW1 button will restore the UART serial settings to their default values.

This board also features an unpopulated J2 header with four general-purpose input pins and one I/O pin on the mikroBUS™ socket, the IO5. Additionally, the Click board™ includes a user-configurable RGB LED indicator labeled LD2, which indicates various module statuses.

This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before using MCUs with different logic levels. It also comes equipped with a library containing functions and example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

Specifications

Pinout diagram

This table shows how the pinout on NINA-B222 Click corresponds to the pinout on the mikroBUS™ socket (the latter shown in the two middle columns).

Notes	Pin					Pin	Notes
SPI Data-Ready Output	SRY	1	AN	PWM	16	IO5	General-Purpose I/O
Reset / ID SEL	RST	2	RST	INT	15	RTS	UART RTS
UART CTS / SPI Select / ID COMM	CS	3	CS	RX	14	TX	UART TX
SPI Clock	SCK	4	SCK	TX	13	RX	UART RX
SPI Data OUT	SDO	5	MISO	SCL	12	NC
SPI Data IN	SDI	6	MOSI	SDA	11	NC
Power Supply	3.3V	7	3.3V	5V	10	NC
Ground	GND	8	GND	GND	9	GND	Ground

Onboard settings and indicators

NINA-B222 Click electrical specifications

Software Support

NINA-B222 Click demo application is developed using the NECTO Studio, ensuring compatibility with mikroSDK‘s open-source libraries and tools. Designed for plug-and-play implementation and testing, the demo is fully compatible with all development, starter, and mikromedia boards featuring a mikroBUS™ socket.

Example Description

This example desmonstrates the use of NINA-B222 Click board by processing the incoming data and displaying them on the USB UART.

Key Functions

• ninab222_cfg_setup Config Object Initialization function.
• ninab222_init Initialization function.
• ninab222_set_device_name This function sets the local name used as device name for Bluetooth Classic.
• ninab222_set_connectability This function sets the GAP connectability mode by using the UART serial interface.
• ninab222_set_enter_mode This function requests the module to move to the new mode by using the UART serial interface.

Application Init

Initializes the driver and performs the Click default configuration.

Application Task

Reads and processes all incoming data and displays them on the USB UART.

Application Output

This Click board can be interfaced and monitored in two ways:

• Application Output – Use the “Application Output” window in Debug mode for real-time data monitoring. Set it up properly by following this tutorial.
• UART Terminal – Monitor data via the UART Terminal using a USB to UART converter. For detailed instructions, check out this tutorial.

Additional Notes and Information

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.