u-blox NINA-B2 dual-mode Bluetooth module

u-blox has announced the NINA‑B2 dual-mode Bluetooth 4.2 standalone module, enabling industrial IoT applications with its built‑in secure boot and wide temperature ranges.

Pre-flashed with u-blox connectivity software which supports many common use cases such as Beacon, GATT client, GATT server and serial port, the module is configured easily using AT commands over UART, without requiring deep knowledge of the Bluetooth protocol. It has been tested and certified globally.

The product’s built‑in secure boot ensures that the software is authenticated by u-blox and has therefore not been tampered with. This provides a secure operating environment for the Bluetooth module. As it is equipped with dual-mode Bluetooth capability, it can simultaneously manage Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth BR/EDR connections, making it suitable to connect to legacy devices.

The compact devices measure 10 x 10.6 x 2.2 mm (without antenna) and 10 x 14 x 3.8 mm (with antenna) — a similar size to singlemode Bluetooth Low Energy or Bluetooth BR/EDR devices. It is claimed to be an easy fit in any IoT device and is additionally pin-compatible with the u‑blox NINA family, allowing it to be easily swapped in or out with other NINA modules with their different radio technologies such as Bluetooth low energy and Wi-Fi.

Apart from industrial automation such as machine control devices, industrial terminals and products for remote control, possible applications also include wireless-connected and configurable equipment, point of sale, telematics and health devices.