Full-featured Bluetooth 5 module for applications in smart buildings, smart cities and the Industry 4.0

U-blox is launching its full Bluetooth 5 compliant NINA-B3 wireless MCU module. Featuring Bluetooth low energy long range connectivity, high data transfer rates and supporting Bluetooth mesh and 802.15.4, the device caters to applications in smart buildings, smart cities, and the Industry 4.0, including smart lighting systems, industrial sensor networks, asset tracking solutions, and building automation systems. “We’re very excited to present U-blox’s solution to bring, for the first time, Bluetooth technology to applications that require long range connectivity and high data rates,” says Pelle Svensson, market development manager, Product Center Short Range Radio at U-blox.” Based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52840 chip, the module stands out for the attention given to streamlining product development. The module is available in two flavours. The first variant, NINA-B31, comes pre-flashed with the company’s Connectivity Software. For product developers, eliminating the need for embedded programming means smoother, hassle-free integration and accelerated time-to-market. The second variant, NINA-B30, gives customers a broader scope of application thanks to Bluetooth mesh and Thread support as well as access to a whole host of wired and wireless interfaces. Its powerful Cortex M4F microcontroller can run advanced applications right on the module, reducing external hardware needs and, ultimately, shrinking end device size and cutting costs. The module is available with a highly sensitive internal antenna specifically designed for its small form factor, achieving optimal radio range performance even in small end product designs. Pin compatibility with the other NINA short-range communication modules limits design effort for product developers developing multiple device variants, e.g. featuring only Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.