u-blox Expands NORA-B2 Bluetooth LE Modules Series

• Chinmay
• February 7, 2025
• Internet of Things
• Bluetooth Core 6.0, Bluetooth LE, healthcare IoT, Industrial automation, IoT modules, low-power wireless, NORA-B2, Secure connectivity, Smart Home, u-blox
• 0 Comments

u-blox, a global leader in positioning and short-range communication technologies, has announced the expansion of its NORA-B2 Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) modules with six new variants. These new modules, based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF54L Series of ultra-low power wireless Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), bring significant enhancements in power efficiency and processing capacity, catering to a wide range of mass market applications.

Key Enhancements in the New NORA-B2 Modules

The latest NORA-B2 modules promise up to 50% lower power consumption and double the processing power compared to previous generations. This makes them ideal for various IoT applications, including smart home devices, industrial automation, and healthcare. With enhanced security features and versatile wireless protocol support, these modules provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for manufacturers.

New Variants in the NORA-B2 Series

The NORA-B2 series now includes four core variants, each tailored for different performance needs and budget constraints:

• NORA-B20: Powered by nRF54L15 SoC, featuring a 128 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 processor, a RISC-V co-processor, and an ultra-low power multiprotocol 2.4 GHz radio. It offers 1.5 MB of Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) and 256 KB RAM.
• NORA-B21: Based on nRF54L10 SoC, designed for mid-range applications. It features 1.0 MB of NVM, 192 KB RAM, and supports multiple wireless protocols, including Bluetooth LE, Bluetooth Mesh, Thread, Matter, Zigbee, and Amazon Sidewalk.
• NORA-B22: A cost-effective option with access to up to 31 GPIOs, 0.5 MB of NVM, and 96 KB RAM.
• NORA-B26: Designed for Network Co-Processor (NCP) architecture, featuring pre-flashed u-blox u-connectXpress software, making Bluetooth integration seamless for users without prior wireless expertise.

Advanced Security and Certification

All NORA-B2 modules are designed for PSA Certified Level 3 security, incorporating secure boot, tamper detection, and firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates. These features ensure robust protection against cyber threats, safeguarding both data integrity and device functionality.

Furthermore, the Bluetooth Core 6.0 compliance enables advanced tracking and locating capabilities, providing new possibilities for cost-effective asset tracking applications. Variants come with either an external antenna pin or a patented PCB antenna that ensures superior RF performance. The global certification of all module versions simplifies the launch process for device manufacturers across markets worldwide.

Industry Reception and Availability

Thomas Holmberg, Regional Sales Director at Nordic Semiconductor, highlighted the growing demand for energy-efficient wireless solutions:

“The integration of Nordic’s nRF54L Series into the NORA-B2 modules meets the increasing need for competitive, low-power solutions. u-blox continues to lead in market innovation, making this partnership extremely valuable.”

Availability:

• Samples of NORA-B20 are now available.
• Limited evaluation samples of NORA-B21 and NORA-B22 are accessible.
• Pre-release version of u-connectXpress for NORA-B26 is ready for early adopters.

For further details on how NORA-B2 can enhance your IoT projects, visit the u-blox website or contact your local u-blox distributor.