SparkFun
SparkFun Thing Plus - nRF9160
Unlock the potential of cellular IoT with the SparkFun nRF9160 Thing Plus. This development board integrates the Nordic nRF9160 microcontroller, offering robust CAT M1 LTE and NB-IoT connectivity, alongside GPS capabilities. Designed with a Feather-compatible footprint, it simplifies prototyping with the Qwiic Connect System for solder-free I2C connections. Its efficient power management includes a 3.3V Buck-Boost converter and a remarkably low standby current draw of approximately 2µA, making it ideal for low-power applications. With 4MB of external NOR flash, it provides ample storage for your projects.
$134.40
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
1007
/ 1543
#1007 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
+53%
Above average
Processor
91603332
/ Nordic nRF (ARM Cortex M, -bit)
Who it's for
- Integrated Cellular IoT
- Low Power Consumption and GNSS
- Thing Plus/Qwiic Ecosystem
Who should skip it
- Higher Initial Cost
- Requires Data Subscription
- Increased Setup Complexity
Key Specs
Processor
Nordic nRF9160 (ARM Cortex M33, 32-bit)
Memory
256kB RAM, 1MB Onboard Flash, 4MB External Flash
Cellular Support
CAT M1 LTE and NB-IoT (Multiple Bands)
GPS Receiver
Supported (Active antenna required)
Interfaces
Up to 4x SPI, I2C, UART with Easy DMA
PWM Outputs
4x PWM with Easy DMA
Analog Inputs
12bit SADC with Easy DMA
Power Input
USB-C or External LiPoly battery
Features
- Cellular IoT connectivity (CAT M1/NB-IoT)
- Integrated GPS receiver
- Feather form factor compatibility
- Solder-free Qwiic I2C prototyping
- Ultra-low power standby mode
- ARM Cortex M33 processor
- USB-C for power and programming
- 4MB external NOR flash storage
What customers say
This professional grade development board earns high praise for its robust build quality and the powerful Nordic nRF9160 SiP, delivering reliable, low-power cellular connectivity and integrated GPS. Its compact Feather compatibility simplifies project integration. The core theme is specialized capability married to complexity. While the hardware is excellent for advanced IoT engineers, users consistently note a significant learning curve. Mastering cellular development, including modem setup and power optimization, requires dedication. Those who navigate these initial hurdles find the board indispensable for remote monitoring. Overall, the product is highly valued for its specialized function and quality, provided users anticipate a non-trivial development process.
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