U-blox Unwraps Pair of Wi-Fi 6 Modules for Cost-Sensitive Designs

U-blox recently announced the MAYA-W5 and NORA-W5 series, its new Wi-Fi 6 module families designed for IoT applications requiring reliable wireless connectivity, compact size, and simplified integration. The modules target applications ranging from industrial automation and smart buildings to healthcare devices and asset-tracking systems.

The MAYA-W5 and NORA-W5 modules provide Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE connectivity. 

The new module families provide two different implementation paths. MAYA-W5 is a host-based Wi-Fi 6 module intended for designs that already include an external processor, while NORA-W5 integrates an Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller to function as a standalone wireless platform. Both series combine Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity while helping developers avoid the complexity of chip-level RF design, certification, and wireless integration.

Two Approaches to Wi-Fi 6 Integration

While both module families are built around Texas Instruments wireless chipsets, they will target different system structures. The MAYA-W5 series uses the TI CC3351 chipset and operates as a host-based module, providing dual-band Wi-Fi 6 over an SDIO interface and Bluetooth LE 5.4 over UART. The module measures just 10.3 mm x 14.3 mm x 1.9 mm and includes an integrated PCB antenna.

The NORA-W5 series is based on TI's CC3501 and CC3551 devices and incorporates an onboard 160-MHz Arm Cortex-M33 MCU, enabling the chip to operate as a standalone wireless subsystem. Depending on the variant, NORA-W5 supports single-band or dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE 5.4, 4 MB or 8 MB of flash memory, and either an integrated or an external antenna. Module dimensions range from 10.4 mm x 11.2 mm to 10.4 mm x 14.3 mm depending on the configuration.

Features Aimed at Industrial IoT Deployment

The NORA-W5 family includes a broad set of interfaces for embedded development, including UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, CAN, SDIO, GPIO, and ADC support. Security features include Arm TrustZone-M, secure boot, secure firmware updates, secure FOTA capabilities, TLS encryption, and WPA3 wireless security. Support for Matter and Wi-Fi 6 Target Wake Time (TWT) is also included.

For developers seeking faster deployment, selected NORA-W5 variants support U-blox's U-connectXpress software platform. This allows wireless functionality to be configured through AT commands rather than requiring extensive embedded software development. The modules also support Wi-Fi access point functionality, enterprise security features, MQTT, HTTP, and Wi-Fi scanning capabilities.

Wi-Fi 6 uses OFDMA technology to allow multiple connected devices to share network resources more efficiently. 

Both module families are rated for operation from -40°C to +85°C and are intended for industrial-grade deployments. Internal and external antenna options provide flexibility for different enclosure and performance requirements across various uses, while pin compatibility with other NORA modules simplifies migration between products.

Reducing Design Complexity and Supply Chain Risk

U-blox has designed the MAYA-W5 and NORA-W5 families to eliminate much of the work associated with chip-level wireless development. Tasks such as RF design, antenna tuning, protocol integration, and regulatory certification are largely handled within the module, allowing developers to focus on the end application and potentially shorten development timelines.

The MAYA-W5 and NORA-W5 are also designed and manufactured in Europe, which can help manufacturers reduce supply chain risk while providing the added benefit of a globally certified wireless platform for production deployments. 

The MAYA-W5 and NORA-W5 series expand U-blox's short-range connectivity portfolio with Wi-Fi 6 modules primarily aimed at industrial and IoT applications. By offering both host-based and standalone systems, along with integrated security, global certifications, and compact form factors, the new modules provide developers with multiple paths to add modern wireless connectivity while reducing integration efforts.

All images used courtesy of U-blox.