U-blox has introduced a set of Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth expansion cards that plug into NXP Semiconductors’ i.MX processor evaluation kits. The cards, which adhere to the M.2 form factor, connect u-blox modules powered by wireless SoCs from NXP.
“NXP is committed to accelerating the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi 6, and by collaborating with module partners like u-blox, we are making it easier and faster for developers to design smart connected devices that also leverage the power of our embedded processors,” said Jay White, senior marketing manager of Mass Market for Wi-Fi Solutions with NXP. “These new cards from u-blox leverage our highly integrated 88W8987 and 88Q9098 Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth chipsets and easily plug into the M.2 sockets of our i.MX evaluation and development kits, making it significantly easier for developers to explore the many wireless connectivity possibilities enabled by their modules.”
The company is launching two wireless-connectivity cards based on its JODY modules. The cards are produced to the M.2 Type 2230 Key E form factor, for which sockets are offered on the latest range of NXP i.MX evaluation boards.
The M2-JODY-W3 card includes a u-blox JODY-W3 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 module. The module’s NXP 88Q9098 chipset supports IEEE 802.11ax and dual-mode Bluetooth 5.1. It runs concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks using dual MACs and 2×2 MIMO antenna set-up in each band.
These new cards can be employed to evaluate wireless connectivity options in the context of NXP i.MX evaluation kits and embedded systems boards produced by NXP partners. Use cases for these highly functional parts can include industrial automation, remote diagnostics and patient monitoring, vehicle navigation and telematics, in-vehicle infotainment and hands-free audio, payment terminals, security cameras, and other applications requiring high data rates.
To facilitate the use of the M2-JODY-W3 and M2-JODY-W2 cards with legacy evaluation boards that do not offer an M.2 socket, the company provides a convenient microSD-to-M.2 adapter that connects to a standard microSD socket or a microSD-to-SD adapter for boards with a standard SD socket.