u-blox launches compact, ultra-low-power Wi-Fi 6/6E module for IoT devices
u-blox has introduced the ALMA-W1 series of compact Wi-Fi 6/6E modules, combining ultra-low-power wireless connectivity, Bluetooth LE and 802.15.4 support for battery-powered IoT devices. Based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF7120 and nRF7120E system-on-chips (SoCs), the modules offer flexible integration options and Edge AI capabilities for industrial and consumer applications.
Designed for connected products where size, power consumption and development time are critical, the ALMA-W1 series provides a ready-to-integrate alternative to chip-down wireless designs. Developers can choose between wireless microcontroller (MCU) and network processor configurations, with u-blox’s u-connectXpress software supporting faster integration.
The series also extends u-blox’s short-range connectivity portfolio into the Nordic Semiconductor Wi-Fi ecosystem, combining Nordic technology with u-blox’s module integration and certification expertise.
Compact design and flexible connectivity
The ALMA-W1 modules are available in a range of configurations, including dual-band and tri-band Wi-Fi, internal or external antenna options, and optional additional flash memory.
Embedded-antenna variants measure 10.4 × 14.3 mm, while external-antenna versions measure 10.4 × 11.2 × 1.9 mm.
The modules are aimed at applications including:
Healthcare and medical equipment
Smart home and access control devices
Industrial automation and asset tracking
Smart city and aftermarket telematics systems
UAVs, robotics and precision agriculture
Additional features include 63 configurable GPIOs, multiple peripheral interfaces and support for Bluetooth LE features such as Channel Sounding.
u-connectXpress simplifies IoT integration
For developers opting for network processor operation, u-connectXpress provides pre-flashed, AT-command-based connectivity software. This includes the Wi-Fi driver, Bluetooth stack, communication protocols and security libraries, reducing the software integration workload and helping accelerate time-to-market.
The ALMA-W1 series also offers global certification, supporting deployment across international markets.
Edge AI with ultra-low-power Wi-Fi
Selected ALMA-W1 variants incorporate a dedicated Axon neural processing unit (NPU) for low-latency Edge AI applications. By enabling AI workloads to run locally, the modules can reduce reliance on cloud processing while improving responsiveness.
According to u-blox, the NPU can deliver performance improvements of up to 15 times, alongside greater energy efficiency, compared with running the same workloads on the CPU.
Kjetil Holstad, Executive Vice President of the Wi-Fi Business Unit at Nordic Semiconductor, said:
“Battery life is the defining requirement for the next wave of Wi-Fi IoT, and ultra-low power is what we designed the nRF71 series around. With more than 20 times lower connected stand-by current than our previous generation, Nordic is making Wi-Fi 6 practical for devices that must run for years on a small battery.”
He added that ALMA-W1 combines this performance with global certification, flexible antenna and memory options, and u-connectXpress software to help developers move from concept to product more quickly.
Availability
The u-blox ALMA-W1 series will be showcased at electronica 2026. Initial samples are available to selected customers, with the sampling programme set to expand shortly.
Further information and technical documentation are available from the u-blox ALMA-W1 product page.
