BLE modules series reduce current consumption and double processing capacity

u-blox has expanded its portfolio with six new variants of the NORA-B2 BLE modules. Now integrating the complete range of Nordic Semiconductor's next-level nRF54L Series of ultra-low power wireless SoCs, NORA-B2 provides a versatile solution for mass market segments thanks to its choices of antennas, architectures and chipsets.

The new additions keep delivering on NORA-B2 promises, delivering multiple operational benefits. The wireless modules combine ultra-lower power consumption and high processing efficiency, consuming up to 50% less current than previous-generation devices while doubling process capacity. They also provide excellent security features, which makes them ideal for various IoT applications, such as smart home devices, industrial automation, or healthcare.

The entire NORA-B2 series comprises four variants that differ in memory sizes, design architectures and price levels to match virtually any device manufacturer's requirements.

The range includes:

NORA-B20 uses ultra-low power nRF54L15 SoC and integrates a 128MHz Arm Cortex-M33 processor, a RISC-V co-processor, and an ultra-low power multiprotocol 2.4GHz radio. It comes with 1.5MB of NVM and 256KB RAM.

NORA-B21, based on ultra-low power nRF54L10 SoC, is designed for mid-range applications. It has 1MB of NVM and 192KB of RAM and can handle multiple wireless protocols simultaneously, including BLE, Bluetooth Mesh, Thread, Matter, Zigbee, and Amazon Sidewalk.

NORA-B22 is designed for cost-sensitive applications but still supplies access to up to 31 GPIOs. It offers 0.5MB of NVM and 96KB of RAM.

NORA-B26 is designed for customers using the Network Co-Processor architecture. It comes pre-flashed with the u-blox u-connectXpress software, allowing customers to easily integrate Bluetooth connectivity into their products without prior knowledge of BLE or wireless security.

All NORA-B2 modules are designed for PSA Certified Level 3 security. They include features such as secure boot and updates, tamper detection, and secure FOTA updates. These security measures ensure that IoT devices remain protected against potential threats, safeguarding data and functionality. NORA-B2 modules are also qualified against Bluetooth Core 6.0 and include Channel Sounding, allowing endless cost-effective possibilities in tracking and locating use cases.

The device variants either come with an antenna pin for connecting an external antenna of choice or are designed with a patented PCB antenna, supplying best-in-class RF performance. All module versions come with global certification, enabling device manufacturers to launch their products worldwide with minimal effort.

"We are excited to see Nordic's entire nRF54L Series of SoCs seamlessly integrated into the NORA-B2 module series. The market demand for energy-efficient solutions at a competitive cost is growing rapidly, and this product category is well-positioned to meet that need. u-blox's commitment to staying ahead of industry and market trends reinforces our confidence in this valuable partnership," says Thomas Holmberg, regional sales director at Nordic Semiconductor.

Samples of NORA-B20 are now available. Early samples of NORA-B21 and NORA-B22 are available for evaluation in limited quantities. The pre-release version of u-connectXpress software for NORA-B26 is also available for early adopters.