U-blox Launches Automotive-Grade Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 JODY-W3 Module Family
Offering dual-mode Bluetooth 5.1 with direction finding plus Wi-Fi 6 u-blox's latest design is drop-in compatible with other JODY-W modules.
Wireless module specialist u-blox has announced the launch of its first Wi-Fi 6 module, a dual Wi-Fi 2x2 MIMO and dual-mode Bluetooth 5.1 part designed primarily with the automotive sector in mind.
Wi-Fi 6, the new generational naming scheme given to what was formerly known as 802.11ax, is designed to bring a range of improvements over its previous-generation equivalents — many of which, such as improvements in runtime on battery-powered devices and a reduction in latency, are of particular interest to the embedded user. Following the announcement of the Wi-Fi Certified 6 programme by the Wi-Fi Alliance last year, the first officially certified devices are beginning to appear — including a module from u-blox.
"Wi‑Fi 6 delivers a leap in performance over previous Wi‑Fi standards, delivering functionality that makes it ideal for use in automotive systems," claims u-blox's senior director for product strategy in short range radio Håkan Svegerud, "both in OEM equipment and aftermarket telematics solutions."
The JODY-W3 series of multi-radio modules, first spotted by CNX Software, are primarily — though not exclusively - aimed at the automotive market. The Wi-Fi side handles 2.4GHz and 5GHz connectivity, falling back to earlier Wi-Fi revisions if a Wi-Fi 6 access point isn't available; the radio can also act as an access point itself, supporting up to 32 stations, or in station and Wi-Fi Direct modes. The secondary radio, meanwhile, provides Bluetooth 5.1 support — including the new direction finding capability.
The JODY-W3 is designed to be drop-in compatible with designs for the JODY-W1 and JODY-W2 module, and comes in two flavors: The JODY-W374 includes two antenna connections for separate Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth antennas, while the JODY-W377 adds a second Wi-Fi antenna. Both models measure just 19.8x13.8x2.5mm and have an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Additional interfaces include UART, PCM, PCIe, and SDIO, though an external microprocessor is required for the module to operate.
More information is available on the official product page.