u-blox Multiradio Module Outfitted for Wi-Fi 5 & BLE 5 in Vehicles and Industrial Devices

Switzerland-based wireless technology company u-blox has recently unveiled a new series of multi-radio modules intended for automotive and industrial applications.

 

JODY-W2. Image from u-blox

 

The JODY-W2 host-based modules are designed around Marvell’s (AEC-Q100 compliant) 88W8987xA automotive wireless SoC, which requires a host processor outfitted with Linux or Android and connects to the host processor using SDIO (for Wi-Fi) or high-speed UART (for Bluetooth) interfaces.

 

Designed for Confined, Rugged Spaces

u-blox designed JODY-W2 to have a compact footprint, measuring at 13.8mm x 19.8mm. The modules are built to work within the confined spaces in automotive infotainment systems, telematics systems, and industrial gateways. 

They can operate in a temperature range from -40°C to 105°C, making them useful for rugged environments. The modules are also said to provide access points for connections of eight devices with enough throughput for video streaming on several of those devices at the same time. 

 

Wireless Connections

On the wireless end, the JODY-W2 series provides a number of options, including Wi-Fi 5 1x1 single-antenna SISO IEEE 802.11ac with beamforming (data rates up to 433Mbps), and supports 802.11d/e/h/i/k/r/u/v/w/ai. They also offer Wi-Fi 20, 40, and 80MHz channels.

The modules are outfitted with Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy v5.0 (supporting 2Mbps), which are supported by a second dedicated antenna. 

 

Distinctions Between JODY-WI and JODY-W2

Although the JODY-W2 features the same form factor as the previous JODY-W1, there are some notable differences, including SoC packages and wireless configurations.

As mentioned earlier, the JODY-W2 is equipped with Marvell's 88W8987xA SoC, while the JODY-W1 features a Cypress CYW88359, which changes the wireless communications profile using a dual-band Wi-Fi with 2x2 MIMO 802.11a/b/g/n/a, and dual-mode Bluetooth V4.2 (Bluetooth/Bluetooth LE).

 

JODY-W2 supports both Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth Low-energy 5. 

 

The good news here is that, because of the similarities between the two devices, engineers can easily upgrade using existing designs.

 

Security and Encryption Details

The JODY-W2 series also includes a host of security options and offers 128-bit AES and TKIP hardware encryption engines, along with WPA, WAPI, WPA2, WPA3, WPS, and Easy Connect wireless security standards.

u-blox's senior principal of product strategy, Pelle Svensson, explains, “Connectivity is destined to be a key differentiator for car models in the coming years, and u-blox technology is clearly setting the pace here. Through our JODY platform, we are able to meet automotive OEMs’ requirements, and also address the subsequent aftermarket opportunities that are emerging. JODY-W2 sets new performance benchmarks and assures continued data security while coping with the elevated temperatures and challenging operating conditions that are unavoidable in automotive and industrial environments.”

 

Three Product Variants

The JODY-W2 series is being offered in three versions: the W263-00A, W263-00B, and W263-01A. The W263-00A and W263-00B are rated at 85°C, while the W263-01A can withstand temperatures up to 105°C.

Both are designed for automobile applications and both are AEC-Q100 compliant. The W263-00B  is targeted at industrial, monitoring, surveillance, and asset tracking applications.