u-blox NORA-W4 Wi-Fi 6 module

u-blox has launched the NORA-W4 module, featuring a range of wireless technologies (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE 5.3, Thread and Zigbee) and a compact form factor (10.4 x 14.3 x 1.9 mm). The module is suitable for IoT applications such as smart home, asset tracking, health care and industrial automation.

The single-band tri-radio Wi-Fi 6 module is built on the Espressif ESP32-C6 system-on-chip. It enables battery-powered IoT nodes to operate directly over Wi-Fi. This simplifies implementation by limiting the need for a Bluetooth gateway, making it suitable for applications like wireless battery-operated sensors.

The module uses Wi-Fi 6 technology that is enhanced for IoT and reduces network congestion in environments such as factories, workplaces or warehouses, thereby improving throughput and reducing latency. Fully backward compatible with Wi-Fi 4, the module can also be used in cases where the Wi-Fi infrastructure has not been upgraded.

The module also supports Matter protocol, Thread and Zigbee technologies that are designed for new applications in the smart home environment. Consequently, it allows interoperability with other Matter smart home devices.

The module’s compatibility with other u-blox NORA modules facilitates technology migration, such as transitioning from Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 6. In addition, the module includes enhanced security features, such as secure boot, trusted execution environment and flash encryption.

NORA-W4 is available in six different variants: open CPU or u-connectXpress, antenna pin or PCB antenna, and with either 4 or 8 MB flash memory.