New u-blox MAYA-W2 Radio Modules Have Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.2, and Optional Thread, Zigbee, Matter Support
Launching in three Wi-Fi and BLE variants, plus a fourth adding 802.15.4 support, these compact modules build on NXP's chips.
Embedded wireless specialist u-blox has announced the MAYA-W2 module family of devices offering compatibility with Wi-FI 6, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.2, and optional IEEE 802.15.4 including Thread, Zigbee, and Matter in a single small footprint part.
"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," claims Sebastian Schreiber of his company's latest product launch. "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."
The MAYA-W2 is a family of four key modules, all offering roughly equivalent features: dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with a 18dBm output power and support for operation as a micro access point with up to 16 stations, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.2 with 20dBm output power and support for Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy, and LE Audio modes.
Where the parts differ is in their physical connectivity: The MAYA-W260-00B has two U.FL connectors; the MAYA-W261-00B has two antenna pins; and the MAYA-W266-00B has an on-board PCB antenna. The MAYA-W271-00B, finally, has two antenna pins but three radios — adding in 802.15.4 support missing from the other models in the family. The top-end part also offers a single SPI interface, alongside the same UART, SDIO, and PCM interfaces as the other models in the family.
All models are based on NXP's IW611 chip, aside from the 802.15.4-capable MAYA-W271-00B that uses the newer IW612. "As an NXP Gold Partner, u-blox is one of the first companies to leverage [the IW612] for their new MAYA-W2 module," NXP's Tom Eichenberg says, "which will help expedite the development of high-performance, commercial end-products that require robust, secure, and reliable connectivity."
The first MAYA-W2 samples are due beginning in June, u-blox has confirmed, alongside evaluation kits; pricing and mass availability, however, have not yet been announced. more information is available on the company website.