Weartech-Comms / Bluetooth / Wireless

Synaptics launches ultra-low-power Wi-Fi/Bluetooth SoC family for embedded Edge AI IoT

Mon, Mar 10, 2025

Synaptics has extended its Veros Triple Combo connectivity portfolio with the SYN461x family of ultra-low-power (ULP) Wi-Fi 2.4/5/6 GHz, Bluetooth 6.0 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee/Thread) systems on chip (SoCs). Designed for the embedded Edge AI Internet of Things (IoT), the SYN461x is optimised for power, system integration, size, and rapid time to market while delivering rate-over-range performance and seamless interoperability. The versatile Matter-compliant SoCs offer advanced Bluetooth features, such as Channel Sounding and LE Audio—including Auracast. The SYN461x specifically targets consumer and industrial applications and is tailored for devices such as wearables, smart watches, audio speakers and headsets, home appliances, security cameras, asset trackers, and factory automation.

Launched in 2024, Veros encompasses Synaptics’ entire wireless portfolio of solutions characterised by performance, interoperability, coexistence, power efficiency, and bill of materials integration. Veros features built-in support for Synaptics Astra, the AI-Native compute platform for the IoT.

“The SYN461x family is a breakthrough addition to our Veros portfolio,” said Vineet Ganju, VP of Wireless Product Marketing at Synaptics. “The SoCs are our first in a series designed from the ground up for ULP embedded Edge AI IoT applications. We believe their low-power architecture, software support, and low-density packaging extend our broad-market reach and position us to share in a ~$3.2 billion market opportunity.

“The degree of versatility required to meet the unique connectivity needs of the diaspora of diverse low-power IoT applications demands a high degree of domain expertise,” said Phil Solis, Research Director at IDC. “Ultra-low-power and highly flexible solutions such as the SYN461x make a solid case for discrete, targeted, wireless SoCs in markets where more options are needed.”

The SYN461x family extends Synaptics’ Triple Combo series into ULP, highly optimised IoT applications where it delivers reliable connectivity of up to 50 Mbps while extending battery life and maximising range. Features include:

● Up to tri-band 1×1 Wi-Fi support across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz with power-optimised architecture
● Low-power Bluetooth/BLE—with Channel Sounding for precise distance measurement
● IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread/Zigbee) with Matter support for seamless interoperability across popular low-power networks
● Integrated Tx/Rx switch, LNAs, and PAs that reduce area BOM and system cost while simplifying design by only requiring a direct antenna connection
● Low-pin-count WLBGA package option for low-cost, plated-through-hole (PTH) PCBs (25% reduction in typical board cost)
● An integrated processor that offloads the host application processor to help minimise system power consumption
● Secure Boot to help ensure system integrity

https://www.synaptics.com

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Live webinar: Exploring Bluetooth LE with Channel Sounding

Tue, Feb 18, 2025

This webinar will delve into the capabilities of Bluetooth Core 6.0, focusing on the innovative Channel Sounding feature and how it can be explored with the NORA B2 module series powered by the Nordic Semiconductor nRF54L chipset series. Channel Sounding promises accurate and secure distance measurements opening up for new applications.

In partnership with Nordic Semiconductor

Agenda
• Introduction to Bluetooth Channel Sounding: Overview of Bluetooth Core 6.0’s hallmark feature, Channel Sounding, and its significance.
• How Channel Sounding Works: Detailed explanation of the mechanics behind Channel Sounding.
• About the nRF54L Series: Insights into the nRF54L chipsets that support Channel Sounding, provided by Nordic Semiconductor.
• Application and Use Case Examples: Real-world applications, including ‘Find My’ solutions, digital keys, HMI, and proximity interactions.
• Channel Sounding on NORA-B2 Modules: Demonstrations of Channel Sounding on u-blox’s NORA-B2 modules.
• Live Demo: Experience Channel Sounding in action.
• Q&A Session: Engage with our experts and get your questions answered.

Key Presenters
• Paal Kastnes – Technical Product Manager – Nordic Semiconductor
• Sebastien Delaby – Senior Product Manager – u-blox

Highlights
• Bluetooth Core 6.0 Specification: Introduction to Channel Sounding, providing sub-meter accuracy and enhanced security.
• Application Scenarios: Improved tracking solutions, digital key functionalities, enhanced HMI safety, and adaptive proximity interactions.
• NORA-B2 Module Series: Featuring the latest nRF54L series chipsets, these modules offer robust performance and low power consumption.
• Interactive Demonstrations: Witness the practical implementations of Channel Sounding technology.

https://register.gotowebinar.com

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New Bluetooth module from Panasonic Industry

Thu, Feb 13, 2025

The newly launched small and cost-effective PAN B511-1C Bluetooth module from Panasonic Industry features great performance and great memory while minimising current consumption based on the Nordic nRF54L15 single chip controller.
A dedicated number of GPIOs is positioned at the edge of the module, with the rest of the GPIOs located at the bottom pad. In total, the module provides access to all 32 GPIOs of the chip. Despite its hybrid packaging of castellated holes and LGA, the module remains at the small size of a 2-cent coin. This way, it combines the advantages of both worlds without compromising on size and enables one of the best pin-to-size ratios for Bluetooth modules currently on the market. Its edge pins facilitate easier hand-soldering and support the use of inexpensive 2-layer PCB designs and optical inspection methods, eliminating the need for costly X-ray machines.
The module also features an embedded microcontroller and ARM Cortex- M33 with a high amount of flash memory of 1.5 MB and a RAM size of 256 kB.
An output power of 8dbm makes the module ideally suited for the European market. The main target applications are lighting, home appliances, industrial sensors, medical devices, healthcare wearables and energy management devices and solar farms. Furthermore, the PAN B511-1C is ideally suited for Matter applications, as it comes equipped with additional flash memory and is fully compatible with the PAN MAX Service that facilitates the production and launch of Matter production. The module will be available in three distinct spec variants to cater to diverse project needs.
The PAN B511-1C Bluetooth module will be certified for CE RED, FCC, ISED and MIC. Samples are already available now and the start of mass production is scheduled for June 2025.

https://industry.panasonic.eu

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u-blox expands its NORA-B2 Bluetooth LE modules series to address all mass market segments

Thu, Feb 06, 2025

u-blox has expanded its portfolio by introducing six new variants of the NORA-B2 Bluetooth Low Energy modules. Now integrating the entire range of Nordic Semiconductor’s next-level nRF54L Series of ultra-low power wireless Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), NORA-B2 offers a versatile solution for mass market segments thanks to its choices of antennas, architectures and chipsets.

The wireless modules combine ultra-lower power consumption and high processing efficiency, consuming up to 50% less current than previous-generation devices while doubling process capacity. They also security features, which makes them ideal for a wide range of IoT applications, such as smart home devices, industrial automation, or healthcare.

The entire NORA-B2 series comprises four variants that differ in memory sizes, design architectures and price levels to match almost any device manufacturer’s requirements.

• NORA-B20 features an ultra-low power nRF54L15 SoC with a 128 MHz Arm Cortex-M33, RISC-V co-processor, and 2.4 GHz multiprotocol radio. It includes 1.5 MB NVM and 256 KB RAM.
• NORA-B21, built on the nRF54L10 SoC, supports multiple wireless protocols (Bluetooth LE, Mesh, Thread, Matter, Zigbee, Amazon Sidewalk) with 1.0 MB NVM and 192 KB RAM.
• NORA-B22 is a cost-effective option with up to 31 GPIOs, 0.5 MB NVM, and 96 KB RAM.
• NORA-B26 is pre-flashed with u-blox u-connectXpress, enabling easy Bluetooth integration without prior expertise.

All NORA-B2 modules are designed for PSA Certified Level 3 security. They incorporate features such as secure boot and updates, tamper detection, and secure firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates. These security measures ensure that IoT devices remain protected against any potential threats, safeguarding both data and functionality. NORA-B2 modules are also qualified against Bluetooth Core 6.0 that includes Channel Sounding, enabling endless cost-effective possibilities in tracking and locating use cases.

NORA-B2 variants either come with an antenna pin for connecting an external antenna of choice or are designed with a patented PCB antenna providing best-in-class RF performance. All module versions come with global certification allowing device manufacturers to launch their products worldwide with minimal effort.
Samples of NORA-B20 are now available. Early samples of NORA-B21 and NORA-B22 are available for evaluation in limited quantities. The pre-release version of u-connectXpress software for NORA-B26 is also available for early adopters.

https://www.u-blox.com

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