Automotive module combines dual band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Louise Davis

u-blox has developed a host-based automotive-grade module that enables real simultaneous dual band (RSDB) operation for faster, concurrent Wi-Fi connectivity on the 2.4 and 5 GHz wireless bands.

The JODY- W1 also supports both 2x2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth (Bluetooth/Bluetooth low energy) 4.2 for in-vehicle-infotainment and telematics applications requiring high data rates and concurrent connectivity, such as in-car hotspots, Wi-Fi screens such as Apple CarPlay or video streaming across multiple clients.

RSDB enables a separation of time-critical services requiring higher data rates from less critical services. In an infotainment application, the Wi-Fi Screen could independently operate on the 5GHz band, and the Wi-Fi hotspot on the 2.4 GHz band, improving overall robustness and per-band data rates in comparison to chipsets using time-division multiplexing for dual-band support.

“With RSDB support, JODY-W1 offers best-in-class performance when operating as an access point, station, or in P2P mode on different bands in parallel,” said Kilian Frank, Product Strategy, Short Range Radio Product Centre at u-blox. “Combined with excellent Bluetooth and Wi-Fi co-existence, it is the ideal choice for applications with concurrent use-cases.”

JODY-W1 measures 19.8 x 13.8 mm, one of the smallest modules on the market. It comes optionally with an integrated LTE filter for applications requiring LTE and Wi-Fi antenna co-location.

The module complies with the highest automotive quality requirements. It contains an AEC-Q100 compliant chip BCM89359 from Broadcom and it is manufactured according to ISO/TS16949, with automotive service level including PPAP, 8D report and full component traceability among others.

Fully tested engineering samples will be available in Q2 2017.