Tri-radio module supports Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.2 and IEEE 802.15.4

u-blox has released the MAYA-W2 tri-radio module. Supporting Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.2, and IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread and Zigbee) on a compact form factor, the module provides Wi-Fi 6 technology to industrial and consumer mass-market applications in industrial automation, smart building and energy management, smart home, healthcare, and many other applications.

The module futureproofs applications with an advanced set of connectivity features. Wi-Fi 6, also referred to as 802.11ax, provides better network efficiency – particularly in congested areas, lower latency, and improved range over previous Wi-Fi standards. Thread paves the way for low power, IP-based mesh networks commonly employed in home automation.

The dual-mode Bluetooth module supports Bluetooth classic and Bluetooth LE, including Bluetooth LE audio. New audio functionalities permit devices to concurrently transmit several distinct audio streams, simultaneously receive multiple audio streams, and broadcast audio streams to multiple users.

It is created to give developers a fast track to the market. All required Linux, Android, and FreeRTOS software drivers are open source. The FreeRTOS software drivers are pre-integrated into the MCUXpresso SDK. In contrast, the Android and Linux software drivers are pre-integrated into the BSPs for NXP’s i.MX application processors. This lessens design efforts, simplifying software integration and testing.

This professional-grade module is qualified for operation from -40C to 85C. The tri-radio module can readily be designed into any IoT device, including antenna pins, U.FL connectors, or a PCB antenna in four variants with three antenna options.

Product developers can easily evaluate the hardware utilising dedicated EVKs and M.2 cards that connect seamlessly to host platforms, including the latest range of NXP’s i.MX development boards.

“NXP’s recently announced IW612 is the industry’s first tri-radio device for enabling seamless, secure connectivity for smart home and industrial use cases and is ideally suited for addressing different ecosystems, including the new Matter protocol. As an NXP Gold Partner, u-Blox is one of the first companies to leverage this innovative solution for their new MAYA-W2 module – which will help expedite the development of high-performance, commercial end-products that require robust, secure, and reliable connectivity,” says Tom Eichenberg, Sr. director of marketing – Connectivity, at NXP Semiconductors.

“Working with customers, we’ve observed a clear need for secure and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity that goes beyond what Wi-Fi 4 can deliver. MAYA-W2 offers vastly improved Wi-Fi performance, particularly when it comes to handling crowded networks, while also supporting Bluetooth LE 5.2 and Thread. This tri-radio functionality makes it ideal for gateways and bridges in low-power IoT and mesh networks,” says Sebastian Schreiber, product manager at u-blox.