Ultra-Compact Bluetooth Low Energy SiP Module with Superior Security Functionality for Industrial and Indoor Positioning Applications

u-blox has introduced a feature-rich, ultra-compact Bluetooth 5.1 system-in-package (SiP) module which is available in two product variants and supports Bluetooth mesh, long-range, and direction-finding. The new ANNA-B4 module targets applications in harsh environments such as smart lighting networks and industrial circuit breakers along with indoor positioning use cases in manufacturing sites, warehouses, hospitals, and smart cities. This Module combines the Nordic nRF52833 chipset’s feature set with u‑blox’s expertise in chipset and module design into a compact and powerful component.

The first variant of the module ANNA-B412 features superior security functionality including a secure boot that prevents malicious attacks by ensuring that only authenticated and authorized firmware and updates can run on the device. Moreover, delivered with pre-flashed u-connectXpress software, this product provides support for u-blox Bluetooth Low Energy Serial Port Service, GATT client and server, Bluetooth beacons, Bluetooth long-range, NFC, and simultaneous peripheral and central roles.

The second variant ANNA-B402 is a small, stand-alone Bluetooth 5.1 Low Energy (LE) wireless module that is particularly suited for harsh professional environments and adds support for the Zigbee and Thread wireless communication protocols. Moreover, this module needs only a single supply voltage in the range of 1.7V to 3.6 V and can be easily integrated into simple, single voltage rail systems.

Features

• Ultra compact SiP (6.5 x 6.5 x 1.2 mm) with integrated antenna

• Bluetooth 5.1, Bluetooth mesh, long range, Zigbee and Thread

• Direction finding support for indoor location

• Powerful open CPU architecture for customized applications

• Extended temperature range up to 105 °C

• Global certification

Applications

• Industrial automation

• Smart buildings and cities

• Low power sensors

• Wireless-connected and configurable equipment

• Point-of-sales

• Health devices

• Real-time Location, RTLS

• Indoor positioning

• Asset tracking

• Wearables