Two Bluetooth Modules Serve High-End and Industrial IoT Functions
Integrating Nordic Semiconductor’s latest nRF54 Series chips , u-blox’s versatile ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 Bluetooth LE modules offer powerful processing and high-security features for high-end and industrial IoT applications.
The modules, which both support Bluetooth LE 5.4 and Thread/Matter technologies in a compact, power-efficient, and secure format, are designed for a wide range of IoT applications, including industrial automation, healthcare, and smart home. ALMA-B1 is a high-end wireless MCU, while NORA-B2 brings ultra-low power to less complex applications. In an indoor positioning example, ALMA-B1 could act as an anchor point due to its vast processing capabilities, while the power efficiency of NORA-B2 makes it suitable for asset tracking tags.
Powered by the nRF54H20 and the nRF54L15 Nordic low-power multiprotocol SoCs, ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 provide IoT devices with the processing power for edge computing and machine learning without additional components. With more than twice the processing power of previous Bluetooth LE modules, ALMA-B1 can even replace general-purpose MCUs in a compact solution.
Both modules also significantly reduce power consumption. NORA-B2 consumes up to 50% less current compared to previous generations of Bluetooth LE modules. This translates into smaller batteries or longer battery life in end products. They also provide the highest levels of IoT security. In addition to features like secure boot, secure storage, secure debug interfaces, and hardware crypto accelerators, both modules include next-generation security features like physical tamper detection and protection against side-channel attacks.
The ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 modules are available as wireless MCUs. Both modules offer two antenna options: an antenna pin or an embedded PCB antenna. Samples will be available in the third quarter of this year.
Related links:
ALMA-B1 module
NORA-B2 module
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