u-blox Launches JODY-W6 Module for Enhanced Automotive Connectivity

u-blox, a global provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies, has unveiled the JODY-W6 module. This compact module features concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth® LE Audio capabilities, designed to operate efficiently across varying temperatures.

Sized at 13.8 x 19.8 x 2.5 mm, the JODY-W6 offers concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi 6E alongside Bluetooth 5.3, including LE Audio. It targets automotive applications like infotainment and navigation systems, advanced telematics, and OEM telematics, aligning with the growing demand for enhanced wireless connectivity in the automotive industry.

According to the TSR Wireless Connectivity Market Report, Wi-Fi 6 and 6E technologies are gaining traction in automotive applications. Wi-Fi 6 focuses on efficiency, reducing data congestion, improving network capacity, and lowering power consumption. Wi-Fi 6E emphasizes spectrum, allowing more concurrent users, reduced congestion, and improved security.

The u-blox JODY-W6 integrates Wi-Fi 6E benefits and dual-mode Bluetooth with LE Audio. Certified globally, this module is engineered to withstand operating temperatures from -40°C up to 105°C.

Configurations with two or three antennas are available, and the module can integrate an LTE filter upon request. u-blox plans to offer an Evaluation Kit (EVK) and an M.2 card for the JODY-W6 series, ensuring compatibility with previous JODY modules for seamless scalability.

Sebastian Schreiber, Senior Product Line Manager at u-blox’s Short Range Product Center, emphasizes the JODY-W6’s adaptability and compact size. The module is designed to address congestion challenges and scalability requirements, serving specific use cases like support for AppleCarPlay® and AndroidAuto™, personalized entertainment, data off-loading, and smart/roof-integrated antennas.

The u-blox JODY-W6 is powered by an embedded NXP® Semiconductors AW693 chipset. According to Larry Olivas, Vice President and General Manager of Wireless Connectivity Solutions at NXP Semiconductors, the chipset includes advanced features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and target wake time (TWT), enabling diverse opportunities in the automotive domain.

The JODY-W6 module represents u-blox’s dedication to meeting evolving automotive industry demands, providing advanced wireless connectivity solutions for various applications within this sector.