u-blox MAYA-W4 Brings Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE to IoT

u-blox, a global leader in wireless and positioning technologies, has launched the MAYA-W4, a groundbreaking tri-radio module designed to redefine connectivity for IoT applications. Combining Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) 5.4, and 802.15.4 (supporting Thread and Matter protocols), the MAYA-W4 delivers reliable, secure, and versatile connectivity for diverse industries. From industrial tools and medical devices to smart home systems, this compact and power-efficient module addresses the growing demand for seamless IoT integration.

Transforming IoT with Tri-Radio Connectivity

The u-blox MAYA-W4 module introduces a transformative approach to IoT connectivity by integrating three essential wireless technologies: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE 5.4, and 802.15.4. This combination ensures a versatile, secure, and reliable solution for developers aiming to address the diverse needs of industrial, medical, and consumer IoT applications. By delivering superior performance, reduced energy consumption, and advanced network capabilities, the MAYA-W4 sets a new standard for IoT device connectivity and interoperability.

Wi-Fi 6 Integration

The inclusion of dual-band Wi-Fi 6 addresses the increasing need for efficient and high-speed wireless communication in IoT devices. Wi-Fi 6 significantly reduces network congestion, even in environments with multiple connected devices, ensuring a seamless user experience. This capability is particularly vital in applications requiring high data throughput, such as industrial tools and smart appliances. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6’s enhanced power efficiency helps extend device battery life, making it ideal for energy-sensitive IoT applications. With its ability to support dense network environments, the MAYA-W4 ensures reliable and uninterrupted connectivity for mission-critical tasks.

Bluetooth LE 5.4

Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) 5.4 provides the MAYA-W4 with robust capabilities for low-power, secure mesh networks. This technology is highly suited for smart homes, wearable devices, and medical IoT applications where power efficiency is paramount. Bluetooth LE 5.4 offers enhanced security features to protect sensitive data and ensures a reliable connection across extended ranges. Its ability to support scalable, low-energy networks empowers developers to create interconnected IoT ecosystems that are both efficient and secure.

802.15.4 for Thread and Matter

The MAYA-W4’s support for 802.15.4 adds another layer of functionality by enabling low-power IoT and mesh networking. This protocol facilitates the adoption of Thread and Matter, two emerging standards that are critical for interoperability in next-generation smart devices. Thread and Matter provide the foundation for seamless communication between devices, ensuring compatibility across different manufacturers and ecosystems. By integrating 802.15.4, the MAYA-W4 not only supports current IoT standards but also positions itself as a future-ready solution for the evolving needs of connected devices.

By combining these three cutting-edge wireless technologies, the MAYA-W4 module empowers developers with the tools they need to create versatile, scalable, and reliable IoT solutions. Whether deployed in industrial automation, consumer electronics, or medical devices, the MAYA-W4 ensures optimal performance and connectivity across a wide range of applications.

Key Features of the MAYA-W4

The u-blox MAYA-W4 module offers a range of advanced features designed to address the diverse needs of IoT developers and manufacturers. Its compact design, robust capabilities, and versatile configurations ensure seamless integration into a wide variety of applications while maintaining high standards of performance and reliability.

• Compact and Power-Efficient Design: Measuring just 10 x 14 x 1.9 mm, the MAYA-W4 is specifically designed for space-constrained applications. Its power-efficient architecture minimises energy consumption, making it an excellent choice for battery-operated and energy-sensitive IoT devices.
• Global Certifications: The module comes with comprehensive certifications for deployment across multiple regions. These certifications reduce time-to-market and simplify the process of scaling designs globally, ensuring regulatory compliance and consistent performance in international markets.
• Temperature Tolerance: Built for rugged environments, the MAYA-W4 operates reliably within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. This feature makes it suitable for industrial applications and other scenarios where devices must withstand extreme environmental conditions.
• Flexible Antenna Options: The module offers a variety of antenna configurations to meet different design requirements. Developers can choose between embedded antennas, pin(s) out, or U.FL connectors, ensuring that the module integrates seamlessly with their product designs while optimising connectivity performance.

With these features, the MAYA-W4 provides developers with a reliable, efficient, and versatile solution for creating advanced IoT devices. Whether used in industrial tools, medical equipment, or consumer electronics, the module ensures dependable performance in even the most challenging applications.

Scalability and Ease of Integration

The u-blox MAYA-W4 module is designed to offer unmatched scalability and ease of integration, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers aiming to future-proof their IoT solutions. With a focus on design flexibility and robust connectivity, the module enables seamless transitions across product generations and supports a wide range of applications.

Design Flexibility

The MAYA-W4 retains the same compact dimensions as its predecessors, measuring 10 x 14 x 1.9 mm. This consistent form factor simplifies the migration process for developers looking to upgrade their existing designs to incorporate the latest wireless technologies. By maintaining physical compatibility across generations, the module saves time and resources, allowing manufacturers to focus on enhancing functionality without the need for significant redesigns.

NXP® IW610 Chipset

At the core of the MAYA-W4 is the NXP IW610 chipset, a cutting-edge technology that ensures robust and reliable connectivity. The collaboration between u-blox and NXP Semiconductors brings together expertise in wireless technologies, enabling the MAYA-W4 to deliver high-performance connectivity across broader IoT segments. This partnership underscores u-blox’s commitment to providing manufacturers with advanced tools to meet the demands of modern IoT markets.

Future-Proof IoT Applications

The MAYA-W4 is designed to scale with emerging IoT markets and standards, ensuring that manufacturers can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Its support for protocols like Thread and Matter positions the module as a forward-looking solution for interoperable, next-generation smart devices. By integrating the latest wireless technologies, the MAYA-W4 empowers developers to create IoT products that are not only versatile but also prepared for future advancements in connectivity and network standards.

Through its combination of design flexibility, advanced chipset integration, and readiness for future IoT applications, the MAYA-W4 provides a seamless path for manufacturers to innovate and adapt to emerging market needs.

Market Insights and Industry Relevance

The launch of the u-blox MAYA-W4 module aligns with significant trends in the IoT industry, addressing the growing demand for advanced wireless connectivity. Its versatile features and competitive pricing make it a highly relevant solution for a broad range of industries and applications.

IoT Market Demand for Wi-Fi 6

The increasing adoption of Wi-Fi 6 in IoT applications reflects the technology’s ability to handle the complexities of modern connected environments. According to market data from TSR (Techno Systems Research CO. LTD.), the rapid integration of Wi-Fi 6 is driven by its ability to alleviate network congestion, enhance power efficiency, and deliver high-speed data transmission. The MAYA-W4 leverages these benefits, making it a compelling choice for developers looking to meet the connectivity needs of next-generation IoT devices.

Targeted Industries

The MAYA-W4 is designed to serve a wide range of industries, including industrial, medical, and consumer sectors. In industrial environments, the module’s robust design and temperature tolerance enable reliable performance under demanding conditions. In the medical field, its secure and low-power connectivity supports applications such as wearable devices and remote monitoring systems. For consumer markets, the module facilitates the creation of smart home devices and consumer electronics that require reliable, high-performance wireless connectivity.

Cost-Efficiency and Performance

The MAYA-W4 balances affordability with high-quality performance, providing developers with a cost-efficient solution without compromising functionality. Its energy-efficient design reduces operational costs for battery-powered devices, while its comprehensive certifications and flexible antenna configurations simplify deployment across global markets. This combination of performance and value positions the module as a key enabler for businesses looking to scale IoT implementations while maintaining competitive pricing.

By addressing these market demands and providing tailored solutions for diverse industries, the MAYA-W4 underscores u-blox’s commitment to driving innovation and supporting the evolving needs of the IoT ecosystem.

Statements from Leadership and Partners

The launch of the u-blox MAYA-W4 module is not only a significant milestone for the company but also a testament to its strategic collaboration with NXP Semiconductors. Insights from leadership highlight the importance of this partnership and the role of the MAYA-W4 in shaping the future of IoT connectivity.

u-blox Leadership

Larry Olivas, Vice President and General Manager of Wireless Connectivity Solutions at NXP, emphasised the impact of the MAYA-W4 in expanding NXP’s reach across diverse market segments. He stated, “The u-blox tri-radio MAYA-W4 module integrates our newly announced NXP® Semiconductors IW610 chipset to deliver the latest wireless connectivity technologies to additional segments such as industrial, medical, and consumer. As a Gold Partner and part of our broader market strategy, u-blox is instrumental in making robust connectivity and an advanced feature set available to our broad market customers. We are excited about the MAYA-W4 and u-blox’s commitment to NXP as a strategic connectivity partner.”

Partnership with NXP

This collaboration underscores the strong alignment between u-blox and NXP in delivering innovative connectivity solutions. By integrating the NXP IW610 chipset into the MAYA-W4, u-blox ensures that developers and manufacturers have access to a high-performance module capable of addressing the complex requirements of modern IoT applications. The partnership not only enhances u-blox’s product offerings but also solidifies its position as a leading connectivity partner in the IoT ecosystem.

Through this strong alliance and the introduction of the MAYA-W4, u-blox and NXP demonstrate their shared vision of driving connectivity innovations that empower businesses to scale and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

Availability and Timeline

The u-blox MAYA-W4 module is now available for developers and manufacturers to begin integrating into their IoT projects. Samples of the module are readily accessible, allowing early adopters to evaluate its features and performance for a wide range of applications.

For those planning larger-scale deployments, volume production of the MAYA-W4 is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025. This timeline provides manufacturers with ample opportunity to incorporate the module into their product development cycles and prepare for market launches with confidence in the module’s capabilities and reliability.

The phased rollout ensures that the MAYA-W4 will be widely available to meet the growing demand for tri-radio connectivity in IoT devices, solidifying its role as a key enabler for next-generation smart and connected technologies.

About u-blox

u-blox (SIX: UBXN) is a global leader in wireless and positioning technologies, providing cutting-edge solutions that reliably connect and locate everything in the IoT ecosystem. Headquartered in Thalwil, Switzerland, u-blox drives innovation with its advanced semiconductor chips, modules, and IoT services, empowering customers to build precise, smart, and sustainable solutions for a wide range of industries.

The company’s expertise in wireless communication and positioning technologies plays a vital role in advancing IoT innovation. By enabling reliable, secure, and efficient connectivity, u-blox helps businesses create transformative solutions for industrial, medical, consumer, and automotive applications. With a team of 1,400 experts and a global presence, u-blox is committed to supporting its customers in shaping a connected and sustainable future.

Additional Resources and Contact Information

For more information about u-blox and its products, visit their website or follow them on social media platforms like X, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Media inquiries can be directed to:

• Sven Etzold, Senior Director Business Marketing
  Mobile: +41 76 561 0066
  Email: sven.etzold@u-blox.com
• Lucy Sorton, Senior Account Director, Publitek
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• Alessandra Rosati, Account Manager, Publitek
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