Powered by Nordic: Our technology partnership

Why hardware matters

When we set out to design VoltSense P2, we had three non-negotiable requirements:

• Extreme low power consumption – The device must last 2-3 months on a single charge
• Reliable cellular connectivity – Even in remote marinas and coastal areas with weak signal
• Global compatibility – Support for LTE-M and NB-IoT networks across Europe, North America, and beyond

After evaluating dozens of cellular IoT modules from various manufacturers, one stood out: the Nordic Semiconductor nRF9151.

Meet the nRF9151

The nRF9151 is a System-in-Package (SiP) that combines a powerful Arm Cortex-M33 processor, cellular modem, GPS receiver, and advanced power management – all in a compact 10mm x 16mm package.

But what makes it special for marine IoT applications like VoltSense?

1. Ultra-low power design

The nRF9151 is purpose-built for battery-powered IoT devices. Its innovative Power Saving Mode (PSM) allows the modem to enter deep sleep between data transmissions, consuming just 2.7 µA in standby mode.

For context, that's about 1000 times less power than a typical smartphone modem. This efficiency is what allows VoltSense P2 to run for months on a 2400mAh battery while still checking in hourly.

2. Extended coverage

Nordic's modem supports both LTE-M (Cat-M1) and NB-IoT connectivity with advanced features like:

• Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX): Allows the device to sleep for extended periods while remaining reachable by the network
• Repetition and coverage enhancement: Boosts signal in challenging environments like metal-hulled boats or below-deck installations
• Multi-band support: Works on cellular bands used worldwide, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean

This means VoltSense P2 can connect reliably even when your phone shows just one bar – or no bars at all.

3. Integrated GNSS

The nRF9151 includes a built-in GPS/GLONASS receiver with support for A-GPS (Assisted GPS). This allows VoltSense P2 to acquire a GPS fix in seconds rather than minutes, saving precious battery life on every location update.

4. Future-proof architecture

Nordic's SiP architecture allows for over-the-air firmware updates to both the application processor and the cellular modem. This means we can add new features, improve performance, and support new network technologies long after your VoltSense P2 ships.

Nordic's ecosystem advantage

Beyond the hardware itself, Nordic Semiconductor provides an exceptional development ecosystem:

• nRF Connect SDK: A comprehensive software development kit with ready-to-use libraries for LTE-M, NB-IoT, GPS, and cloud connectivity
• DevZone support: Active community forums and direct technical support from Nordic engineers
• Rigorous testing: Nordic collaborates with cellular carriers worldwide to ensure compatibility and reliability
• Security features: Hardware-backed cryptography and secure boot for protecting user data

This ecosystem allowed our small team to bring VoltSense P2 to market faster and with higher quality than would have been possible with other platforms.

Real-world performance

The proof is in the results. Since launching VoltSense P2 with the nRF9151, we've seen:

• 99.7% uptime across our fleet of deployed devices
• 2-3 month battery life with hourly updates (6-12 months in Winter Mode)
• Successful connections in marinas across 15 countries, from Finland to Spain
• Reliable GPS fixes even with the device installed below deck

Sustainability and Nordic values

As a Nordic company ourselves (we're based in Estonia), we appreciate Nordic Semiconductor's commitment to sustainability:

• Energy efficiency: Ultra-low power consumption reduces battery replacement frequency
• Long product lifecycle: Nordic supports their chips for 10+ years, enabling long-lasting products
• RoHS compliance: All components meet strict environmental standards
• Local partnership: Short supply chains and regional collaboration

What's next?

Our partnership with Nordic Semiconductor continues to drive innovation at VoltSense. We're currently exploring:

• 5G NR support: Future-proofing for next-generation cellular networks
• Enhanced GPS features: Improved accuracy and faster fix times
• Edge computing capabilities: Processing data locally to reduce data costs and improve privacy
• Wi-Fi connectivity: Combining cellular and local wireless for hybrid connectivity modes

Why we share this

We believe in transparency. When you buy a VoltSense P2, you're not just getting a "black box" – you're investing in a product built on proven, reliable technology from industry leaders.

Nordic Semiconductor's nRF9151 is at the heart of what makes VoltSense P2 so dependable. Their engineering excellence, combined with our marine-specific software and cloud platform, creates a monitoring solution you can trust to protect your boat year-round.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to the Nordic Semiconductor team for their technical support, documentation, and partnership. We're proud to be part of the Nordic ecosystem and to build products that showcase what's possible with their technology.

Here's to building reliable, sustainable marine IoT solutions together. ⚓🇳🇴🇪🇪