The launch of a vehicle module applicable to various Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth LE audio applications is expected to ease developers' concerns about developing vehicle applications.

u-blox (September 31), a global leader in positioning and wireless communication technologies, announced the launch of the u-blox JODY-W4 series, an automotive module that combines Wi-Fi 6E technology and Bluetooth LE audio.

JODY-W4 solves today's Wi-Fi congestion problems, meets the demands of advanced infotainment audio systems, and operates well at high temperatures.

Featuring three antenna ports, a small size (13.8mm x 19.8mm x 2.5mm), Infineon chipset (89570/89570B), and pin-compatibility with other u-blox JODY product families, this product is a ready-to-use solution to address challenges such as multiple interfaces, cost, and complex design.

JODY-W4 is a pioneering module that supports not only 2.4GHz and 5GHz but also 6GHz frequencies. The expansion of the frequency spectrum into the 6 GHz band enables additional high-bandwidth channels to meet current and future connectivity requirements.

This new module from u-blox supports the long-awaited Bluetooth LE audio feature for automotive applications.

It supports the latest Bluetooth low energy 5.3 version, enabling improved audio performance and long-distance support, and is also compatible with the latest accessories.

It can also act as a WiFi DFS master with zero-wait functionality, which is useful in places like airports where certain channels are restricted.

The JODY-W4 is designed to operate at up to 105°C, meeting market demands for operating temperatures above 85°C, allowing it to be used anywhere in the vehicle.

Reflecting u-blox’s vision of ‘connectivity,’ this module provides a powerful solution for vehicle telematics and infotainment.

It is suitable for a variety of applications such as telematics control units (TCUs) for collecting data from various sources, firmware over-the-air (FOTA) for engine control units (ECUs), ‘ignition-off’ mode that operates even when the ignition is off (keyless access via Bluetooth LE), and in-car infotainment (hotspot access point, DVR, camera connection via Wi-Fi, audio data processing via Bluetooth). In addition, JODY-W4 can be applied to factory automation processes by facilitating communication in automobile production processes.

“The JODY-W4 module features Infineon’s CYW89570 tri-band Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 chipset. As a long-standing Infineon module partner, u-blox is happy to support their product roadmap to address the needs of our customers,” said Sivaram Trikutam, Vice President, Product Line Wi-Fi at Infineon. “Combining these two technologies in this way opens up a wide range of potential automotive applications, as the solution supports Wi-Fi 6 in the 6 GHz band and gives customers early access to LE Audio features.”

“JODY-W4 is an advanced module that reflects u-blox’s innovative thinking by enabling access to previously unavailable frequency bands and delivering more reliable audio performance over Bluetooth LE,” said Sebastian Schreiber, Head of Product Strategy Short Range Radio at u-blox. “It opens up new opportunities in the automotive sector.”