In the world of wireless connectivity, Bluetooth® technology plays a vital role in enabling seamless communication between devices. u-blox, an industry leader in positioning and wireless communication technologies has acknowledged the need for convenient short-range connectivity in Internet of Things (IoT) devices and has leveraged over a decade of collaboration with leading IoT solutions provider, Nordic Semiconductor, to develop an impressive portfolio of Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE) modules. Mapped to Nordic’s renowned, ultra-low power Bluetooth chipsets, u-blox offers their NINA, ANNA, NORA, and BMD product families to support ultra-compact and ultra-low power application development.

As a distribution partner of both u-blox and Nordic, Symmetry Electronics has emerged as the go-to destination for u-blox, Nordic-Based Bluetooth LE solutions. Symmetry Electronics offers an unparalleled range of products and expert engineering support for developers looking to simplify their wireless designs with u-blox’s Bluetooth Low Energy modules.

The BMD-series by u-blox

u-blox's BMD (Bluetooth Module Division) product family is a portfolio of certified Bluetooth modules and stand-alone solutions. The BMD-series incorporates stand-alone modules that offer simplicity, reliability, and low power consumption–making them an excellent choice for applications like consumer electronics, wireless audio, sports and fitness devices, and industrial IoT (IIoT). The BMD product family encompasses the BMD-30, BMD-350, BMD-330, BMD-360, BMD-34x, and the BMD-380.

BMD-34

Leveraging the full capabilities and peripherals of the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840, the BMD-340, BMD-341, and BMD-345 are capable of powering even the most demanding applications. Not only does it simplify designs and reduce bill of materials (BOM) costs, but it also caters to designs that require Bluetooth 5 features or 802.15.4-based networking for Thread and Zigbee. It delivers unparalleled power and flexibility for ultra-low power embedded systems. Its advanced features, reduced development costs, and compatibility with existing designs make it an ideal choice for various applications, expanding the range of possibilities for embedded system developers.

Featured Products

BMD-380

By leveraging the capabilities and peripherals of the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840, the BMD-380 caters to even the most demanding applications. At 9.5mm x 7.5mm, the BMD-380 is an ultra-compact solution with a ceramic antenna for either Bluetooth 5 or 802.15.4-based networking for Thread and Zigbee. Designed for portable and embedded systems with stringent power requirements, this module delivers exceptional performance with its integrated Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU processor, 2.4 GHz transceiver, and integrated antenna.

Featured Products

BMD-30

The u-blox BMD-30x is based on Nordic’s nRF52832 and is a powerful Bluetooth 5.0 solution that combines the strength of an ultra-efficient 64 MHz 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 with a floating-point unit (FPU), 512 kB Flash, and 64 kB RAM. Equipped with a secure bootloader, the BMD-30 series enables encrypted over-the-air updates through Nordic DFU. With transmitter certifications and compliances, the BMD-30x offers reliable and compliant wireless communication.

Featured Products

BMD-350

Like the BMD-30x, the BMD-350 is based on Nordic’s nRF52832. As another compact solution at 6.4mm x 8.7mm, the BMD-350 integrates an ARM® Cortex®-M4 with FPU processor, embedded 2.4GHz transceiver, and integrated antenna. Thanks to its internal DC-DC converter and intelligent power control, it empowers the most demanding applications.

Featured Products

BMD-360

The BMD-360 is a Bluetooth 5.1 module based on Nordic’s nRF52811 that integrates a comprehensive feature set that supports long-range capabilities and direction finding. Like the BMD-330, the BMD-360 is footprint compatible with the BMD-3xx series lineup and incorporates a 64 MHz 32-bit Arm® Cortex® -M4 CPUR with 192 kB Flash and 24 kB RAM. Additionally, the BMD-360 stands out as a cost-effective solution that enables precise location tagging through Angle of Arrival (AoA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and long-range beaconing.

Featured Products

BMD-330

Based on Nordic’s nRF52810, the BMD-330 is a highly accessible, power-efficient, and cost-effective Bluetooth 5 module. Incorporating a DC-DC converter for intelligent power control, the BMD-330 provides a complete RF power solution. Additionally, the module features an ultra-efficient 64 MHz 32-bit Arm® Cortex® -M4 CPUR with 192 kB Flash and 24 kB RAM. Its footprint is compatible with the BMD-3xx series lineup and is ideal for minimizing development costs.

Featured Products

The NINA-series by u-blox

u-blox’s NINA modules are a family of compact and powerful wireless connectivity modules designed for IoT applications. These modules leverage u-blox's expertise in wireless communication technologies to provide reliable and high-performance connectivity solutions. With support for various wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, and Wi-Fi, u-blox’s NINA modules offer versatile options for connecting IoT devices to networks and cloud services. The modules are known for their compact size, low power consumption, and integrated features like antennas and security mechanisms, making them ideal for applications where space, energy efficiency, and ease of integration are crucial. The u-blox NINA modules enable seamless wireless communication, empowering IoT developers to create innovative and connected solutions across applications like smart homes, industrial automation, asset tracking, and more.

NINA-B1

NINA-B1 modules are versatile and compact wireless connectivity solutions designed for a wide range of IoT applications. Based on Nordic’s nRF52832, the NINA-B1 series is a feature-rich Bluetooth 5, low-energy series of modules with certifications across the globe. With their advanced features and robust performance, NINA-B1 enables reliable and efficient wireless communication.

NINA-B1 Key Features

• Bluetooth 5 and Bluetooth mesh
• u-connect software for accelerated time to market
• Open CPU for customer applications
• Hardware optimized for performance and low power consumption
• Pin compatible with other NINA modules
• Multiple antenna options

Featured Products

NINA-B3

NINA-B3 series solutions comprise compact dual-mode Bluetooth modules, offering seamless integration and ease of use in professional applications. These modules come pre-flashed with u-connectXpress software, enabling support for peripheral and central roles, Serial Port Profile, GATT client and server, beacons, and u-blox Bluetooth Low Energy Serial Port Service. Configuration of these features can be done effortlessly through AT commands from a host device. This user-friendly software simplifies the process of adding Bluetooth connectivity to end products, minimizing time, risk, and costs. With secure boot functionality, the NINA-B3 series ensures top-grade security by allowing boot-up only with authentic u-blox software. These modules are ideal for applications in industrial automation, wireless-connected and configurable equipment, point-of-sale, and health devices.

NINA-B3 Key Features

• Simultaneous dual-mode Bluetooth
• u-connect software for accelerated time to market
• Built-in security with secure boot
• Small footprint and multiple antenna options
• Pin compatible with other NINA modules
• Global certification

Featured Products

NINA-B4

Built on the Nordic nRF52833 chip, the NINA-B4 series features an open CPU architecture and allows customer applications to run seamlessly on their integrated Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU. Equipped with flash and RAM memory, NINA-B4 solutions support a wide range of Bluetooth LE services, including serial port communication, GATT, beacons, and mesh. The NINA-B4 series supports direction finding features such as AoA and AoD from the Bluetooth 5.1 specification. These advanced methods significantly improve location accuracy compared to traditional received signal strength (RSSI) measurements. Acting as both a transmitter and receiver in direction-finding applications, the NINA-B4 series opens up new possibilities for precise, location-based solutions.

NINA-B4 Key Features

• Bluetooth 5.1, Bluetooth mesh, Thread, and Zigbee
• Direction finding support for indoor location
• Powerful MCU with open CPU architecture for customized applications
• Extended temperature range up to 105 °C
• Pin compatible with other NINA modules
• Global certification

Featured Products

The ANNA-series by u-blox

The u-blox ANNA series offers a range of benefits and features that make it a compelling choice for wireless connectivity applications. With ANNA modules, users gain access to advanced connectivity capabilities, including robust and reliable wireless communication. These modules provide seamless integration into various industrial applications, such as building automation, logistics, smart cities, and healthcare–enabling efficient and secure data transmission. ANNA solutions offer enhanced performance, extended range, and the flexibility to support a wide range of industrial IoT requirements. With u-blox's ANNA-series, users can unlock the full potential of their IoT projects, leveraging the reliability and advanced features of these modules to drive innovation and create connected solutions for a wide range of industries.

ANNA-B1

ANNA-B1 is an ultra-small, standalone Bluetooth LE module that offers exceptional performance in a compact form factor. Based on Nordic’s nRF52832, this System-in-Package (SiP) module is equipped with Bluetooth 5 technology, a robust Arm® Cortex®-M4 microprocessor with FPU, and state-of-the-art power efficiency for optimized performance.

Delivered with u-connectXpress software, ANNA B1 solutions provide comprehensive support for various Bluetooth Low Energy features, including the u-blox Bluetooth Low Energy Serial Port Service, GATT client and server, beacons, NFC™, and simultaneous peripheral and central roles. These features are easily configurable using AT commands from a host, offering flexibility and ease of integration.

ANNA-B1 Key Features

• Ultra compact SiP (6.5 x 6.5 x 1.2 mm)
• Bluetooth 5 and Bluetooth mesh
• u-connectXpress software for accelerated time to market
• Open CPU for customer applications
• Internal antenna / antenna pin
• Global certification

Featured Products

ANNA-B4

ANNA-B4x solutions are based on Nordic’s nRF52833 and are ultra-compact, standalone Bluetooth 5.1 low energy modules. Designed with a SiP form factor and pre-flashed u-connectXpress software, ANNA-B4 products support all Bluetooth 5.1 low energy modes, including long-range capabilities. ANNA-B4 products also feature an integrated 2.4 GHz transceiver with +8 dBm output power and a powerful Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU processor.

Despite its compact size, the ANNA-B4 offers both internal and external antenna options. The internal chip antenna option simplifies end-product integration, while the external antenna option allows for connection to external antennas through the module's antenna pin. With AoA and AoD transceivers, it supports the Bluetooth 5.1 Direction Finding service, enabling applications such as indoor positioning, wayfinding, and asset tracking.

ANNA-B4 Key Features

• Ultra-compact SiP (6.5 x 6.5 mm) with integrated antenna
• Bluetooth 5.1, including Bluetooth long range
• u-connectXpress software for accelerated time to market
• Superior security functionality with secure boot
• Extended temperature range up to 105 °C
• Global certification

Featured Products

The NORA-series by u-blox

With u-blox’s NORA modules, users gain access to advanced technologies and reliable performance, enabling seamless integration into various IoT solutions. These modules deliver robust wireless connectivity, supporting multiple protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks. The NORA-series ensures optimized energy consumption and extended battery life to enable energy-conscious designs. The NORA modules also provide secure communication and data transfer, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of IoT systems. With their compact form factor and versatile integration options, the NORA modules offer flexibility in design and deployment–making them an ideal choice for diverse IoT applications, from asset tracking and smart agriculture to industrial automation and smart cities.

NORA-B1

NORA-B1 stands out as a small, stand-alone module lineup powered by the Nordic nRF5340. These modules feature dual-core processors, including an Arm® Cortex®-M33 application processor and a network processor responsible for radio operations. The application processor offers advanced functionalities such as an FPU, digital signal processor (DSP) instruction set, and the CryptoCell™-312 security architecture, ensuring robust security measures. The network processor handles 2.4 GHz radio, supporting various wireless protocols, including Bluetooth Low Energy, 802.15.4 for Thread, Zigbee, and Nordic Semiconductor’s proprietary protocols. With reliable performance and support for multiple peripherals, such as high-speed SPI, QSPI, USB, ADC, and PWM interfaces, the NORA-B1 modules enable seamless integration into diverse IoT applications. These modules operate efficiently in ambient temperatures of up to 105°C, ensuring reliability even in demanding environments. Additionally, NORA-B1 offers hardware support for direction finding (AoA/AoD) and Bluetooth LE Audio features. With multiple power supply configurations and antenna choices, including U.FL connector, antenna pin, and on-board PCB trace antenna options, these modules provide flexibility and scalability for various connectivity needs.

NORA-B1 Key Features

• Arm® TrustZone® and CryptoCell® 312 for enhanced security
• Multi-protocol support for Bluetooth 5.2, Bluetooth mesh, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, and NFC
• Support for Bluetooth LE audio and Bluetooth Direction Finding
• Option with front-end module PA/LNA for extended range
• Extended temperature range up to 105 °C
• Global certification

Featured Products

Conclusion

In conclusion, u-blox’s NINA, ANNA, NORA, and BMD Nordic-based Bluetooth LE modules offer an all-in-one solution for your IoT device’s wireless connectivity needs. By leveraging the partnership between u-blox and Nordic Semiconductor, these modules provide advanced features, reliability, and seamless integration. With u-blox's expertise and commitment to innovation, their Bluetooth LE modules deliver exceptional performance, power efficiency, and security. Additionally, the availability of these modules at Symmetry Electronics ensures easy access and support. Whether it's Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular, or multiprotocol connectivity, u-blox’s all-in-one modules provide a comprehensive solution, reducing development costs, accelerating time to market, and enabling the realization of a wide range of IoT applications. Ready to find the ideal u-blox Bluetooth Low Energy solution for your design? Our team of Applications Engineers are experts in IoT, IIoT, and wireless technologies and are prepared to help determine which u-blox Bluetooth LE module is ideal for your design’s intended application and use case. Consultation is free and available throughout your design cycle. Contact Symmetry Electronics, today!