u‑blox launches Bluetooth 5 module, NINA-B3, for smart cities
Wireless and positioning module and chip specialisit, u‑blox, has introduced a full Bluetooth 5-compliant NINA-B3 wireless microcontroller module.
Featuring Bluetooth low energy, long range connectivity, high data transfer rates and supporting Bluetooth mesh and 802.15.4, NINA‑B3 caters to applications in smart buildings, smart cities, and the Industry 4.0, including smart lighting systems, industrial sensor networks, asset tracking solutions, and building automation systems.
The introduction brings Bluetooth technology to applications that require long range connectivity and high data rates, says Pelle Svensson, market development manager, Product Center Short Range Radio at u‑blox. Based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52840 chip, the u‑blox NINA‑B3 Bluetooth low energy module is available in two versions.
The first variant, NINA‑B31, is pre-flashed with u-blox’s Connectivity Software. For product developers, eliminating the need for embedded programming means smoother, hassle-free integration and accelerated time-to-market, says u-blox. The proprietary secure boot ensures that security needs are met, even for the most critical industrial and medical applications, reassures the company.
The second variant, NINA‑B30, provides a broader scope of application thanks to Bluetooth mesh and Thread support as well as access to a whole host of wired and wireless interfaces. Its Cortex M4F microcontroller can run advanced applications on the module, reducing external hardware needs and to reduce end device size and costs.
NINA‑B3 is available with a sensitive internal antenna specifically designed for the module’s small form factor for optimal radio range performance even in small end product designs, claims u-blox. Pin compatibility with the other u‑blox NINA short-range communication modules allows product developers to design multiple device variants, e.g. featuring only Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
The Bluetooth 5-compliant NINA-B3 wireless microcontroller modules will be sampling by Q1 2018.
Swiss company, u‑blox provides wireless and positioning modules and chips for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. Products enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. The company’s portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions are specified by OEMs developing innovative solutions for the IoT. Headquartered in Thalwil, Switzerland, the company has offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
http://www.u-blox.com
