It offers simultaneous dual-band Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth LE Audio capabilities, demonstrating resilience in high-temperature environments.
u-blox made a significant announcement regarding its latest innovation, the JODY-W6. This is a concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi 6E module equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, featuring LE Audio, all in a remarkably compact form factor measuring just 13.8 x 19.8 x 2.5 mm. The primary focus of the JODY-W6 is to cater to the automotive sector, addressing critical use cases in infotainment, navigation, advanced telematics, and OEM telematics systems. The key features include:
- Revolutionary In-Car Entertainment and Connectivity
- Harnessing the Power of Telematics with Simultaneous Functionality
- Simultaneous Dual Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity (2×2 + 1×1)
- Seamless Integration of Bluetooth LE Audio
- Designed for Concurrent Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Operations
- Security and Encryption Features
The decision to develop the JODY-W6 module aligns with the findings of the TSR (Techno Systems Research CO. LTD.) Wireless Connectivity Market Report highlights the burgeoning growth of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E technologies within the automotive industry. Wi-Fi 6 emphasises efficiency by reducing data congestion, enhancing network capacity, and minimising overall power consumption. In contrast, Wi-Fi 6E concentrates on spectrum management, facilitating more concurrent users, alleviating congestion, and bolstering security.
It can deliver the advantages of Wi-Fi 6E while also incorporating dual-mode Bluetooth with LE Audio capabilities. This module has received global certifications and is engineered to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 °C to 105 °C. Customers can select between JODY-W6 modules with either two or three antennas and request integration of an LTE filter as needed. For added convenience, u-blox will offer an Evaluation Kit (EVK) and an M.2 card as part of 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, commented on the module’s versatility: “JODY-W6 is a smart and reliable solution that helps overcome congestion and fulfils scalability requirements through its highly adaptable compact size. Specific use cases include support for AppleCarPlay and AndroidAuto, personalised entertainment, data off-loading, and smart/roof-integrated antennas.”
It boasts an embedded NXP Semiconductors AW693 chipset, bringing enhanced automotive capabilities. Larry Olivas, Vice President and General Manager of Wireless Connectivity Solutions at NXP Semiconductors, praised the AW693 chipset, highlighting features such as MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and target wake time (TWT) that empower the JODY-W6 compact module. Samples of the JODY-W6 module are already available, and full-scale production is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2025. This development marks a significant leap in advancing wireless connectivity solutions for the automotive industry and beyond. TSR, a global business analyst group headquartered in Japan, provided insights into the Wireless Connectivity Market Report.
