u-blox Launches First Wi-Fi 6 Module Series in Automotive Grade

By Tiera Oliver

Associate Editor

Embedded Computing Design

February 24, 2020

News

u-blox Launches First Wi-Fi 6 Module Series in Automotive Grade

Driving new user experiences in automotive infotainment thanks to concurrent dual Wi-Fi support and Bluetooth 5.1.

u-blox has announced the JODY-W3 series, multi-radio modules featuring Wi-Fi 6 with 2 x 2 MIMO and dual-mode Bluetooth 5.1. Supporting the latest IEEE 802.11ax standard, also known as Wi-Fi 6, JODY-W3 is designed for wireless high-speed connections in a vehicle. This ranges from ultra-HD video infotainment streaming and screen mirroring, to wireless back-up cameras and cloud connectivity as well as vehicle systems maintenance and diagnostics. Bluetooth 5.1 provides direction finding along with long range, enabling applications such as keyless entry systems.

JODY-W3 operates at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to enable high performance in terms of data rates. The new Wi-Fi 6 standard also allows for a higher density of devices and less data congestion. Concurrent dual Wi-Fi together with Bluetooth ensure that data transfer is achieved while maintaining telephony links. Wi-Fi 6 is backwards compatible with previous standards, enabling continued interoperability with legacy hardware.

The JODY-W3 module series also provides operation modes supporting Access Point (AP), with up to 32 stations, Station (STA) and Wi-Fi Direct (P2P). This offers new approaches to over-the-air (OTA) updates, wireless vehicle diagnostics, interaction with electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and map updates. Security support for WPA3 is also implemented, delivering cryptographic strength.

Offered in a 13.8 x 19.8 mm form factor, this series is compatible with u-blox JODY-W1 and JODY-W2 modules. The module is automotive grade, conforming to AEC-Q100 Grade 2.

Learn more about JODY-W3 by visiting the u-blox Stand 3-139 in the M2M zone of Embedded World, 25 – 27 February, Nuremberg, Germany.

Tiera Oliver, Associate Editor for Embedded Computing Design, is responsible for web content edits, product news, and constructing stories. She also assists with newsletter updates as well as contributing and editing content for ECD podcasts and the ECD YouTube channel. Before working at ECD, Tiera graduated from Northern Arizona University where she received her B.S. in journalism and political science and worked as a news reporter for the university’s student led newspaper, The Lumberjack.

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