New Wireless MCU Modules Support Bluetooth LE 5.4, Thread, and Matter

u-blox recently unveiled a new lineup of four compact wireless MCU modules that are designed to support a range of functionalities including Bluetooth LE 5.4, Thread, Matter, and PSA Certified Level 3 security. These stamp-sized modules are set to revolutionize the world of wireless communication with their advanced features and capabilities.

The ALMA-B10x versions of these modules are powered by Nordic Semiconductor's nRF54H20 wireless microcontrollers, boasting dual 320MHz Arm Cortex-M33 cores, dual 320MHz RISC-V cores, 2Mbyte of non-volatile memory, 1Mbyte of RAM, and NFC-A support. On the other hand, the NORA-B20x versions feature Nordic's nRF54L15 chip with a single 128MHz Arm Cortex-M33 core, offering direction finding support for indoor positioning and compatibility with Zigbee.

According to u-blox, the ALMA-B1 module is positioned as a high-end wireless MCU, catering to applications that require extensive processing capabilities. In contrast, the NORA-B2 module is tailored for ultra-low power consumption, making it ideal for less complex applications such as asset tracking tags. The versatility of these modules allows for a wide range of use cases, from acting as anchor points in indoor positioning systems to replacing general-purpose MCUs.

In terms of power consumption, the ALMA module draws 2mA in receive-only mode, while the power rails range from 1.7V to 5.5V. On the other hand, the NORA module operates at 1.71V to 3.6V, with temperature ranges of -40 to +105°C and -40 to +85°C, respectively. Both modules are available in two versions: a Bxx1 variant requiring an external antenna and a Bxx6 variant with an onboard antenna for added convenience.

The ALMA modules are equipped with Bluetooth radios rated at 13dBm, offering an estimated range of 1,400 meters, while the NORA modules feature radios rated at 10dBm, with the range yet to be determined. Notable protection features across all modules include secure boot, secure storage, secure debug interface, hardware crypto accelerators, physical tamper detection, and side-channel defense, ensuring robust security for sensitive applications.