Wi-Fi 7 module for superior Apple CarPlay and Android Auto user experience

Connect more concurrent users with the advanced Wi-Fi 7 capabilities of the Snapdragon® Auto Connectivity Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. This platform powers RUBY-W2, which supports automotive-grade connectivity with high throughput and low latency.

u-blox has launched its first automotive-grade Wi-Fi 7 module, allowing OEMs to improve the user experience of in-vehicle infotainment and telematics.

According to the TSR Wireless Connectivity Market Report 2024, the attach rate of Wi-Fi for in-vehicle infotainment and applications will increase sharply over the next five years. Wi-Fi 7 will greatly contribute to that growth, so early access to this technology will bring a competitive advantage to OEMs.

The RUBY-W2 brings multiple benefits of Wi-Fi 7 to the automotive market, including higher throughput, support for more concurrent users, and lower latency, resulting in better network availability and user experience for various in-vehicle applications. Typical use cases span infotainment and navigation and advanced telematics. For example, the device is designed to deliver best-in-class personalised video, audio, and gaming performance, supporting multiple passenger screens. In addition, the module enables FOTA updates and high-speed data off-loading. It offers a better user experience for the driver for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as it seamlessly connects the smartphone to the built-in display over Wi-Fi.

Based on Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform and the QCA6797AQ, the industry’s first automotive-grade Wi-Fi 7 access point solution, the RUBY-W2 series supports 2x2 MIMO Multi-Link Operation (MLO). It provides simultaneous performance on 5GHz and 6GHz bands, overcoming the congestion that may occur in the 2.4GHz band. Along with its advanced Wi-Fi capabilities, the module includes Bluetooth 5.4 technology with support for Bluetooth LE Audio, allowing energy-efficient, high-quality audio streaming and robust wireless connectivity.

The series features a 23mm x 23mm/23mm x 25mm form factor consistent with Qualcomm Technologies’ reference design, permitting migration between technology generations. Made in Europe to the highest quality, robustness, and reliability standards, it comes with various filter and antenna combinations to suit different application requirements.

“We are thrilled to start working with u-blox to integrate the most advanced Wi-Fi 7 chipsets from our Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform. Not only does the new u-blox wireless modules series, RUBY-W2, bring the benefits of Wi-Fi 7 to the automotive market, it also opens up new use cases for both Qualcomm Technologies and u-blox in the infotainment and telematics segments,” says Riccardo Calabro, senior director of Product Marketing and Sales at Qualcomm Germany GmbH.

Early samples of the RUBY-W2 series are available now.