New from Alpha Micro is the u-blox ODIN-W262, a powerful, compact stand-alone multiradio module designed to provide concurrent Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for a wide range of Internet-of-Things applications. Examples include retail devices where Bluetooth low energy is deployed to detect the closest printer and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Classic is used to send data to that printer.
Medical applications include patient monitoring devices which are supervised via Wi-Fi in a hospital and communicate with nurses via Bluetooth. For such medical applications the module complies with the IEC 60601-1-2 standard.
Quick and easy to install, this professional-grade (-40 °C to +85 °C) module, which measures just 14.8 mm x 22.3 mm x 4.5 mm, is also radio type-approved in countries across the world. A robust, built-in antenna provides flexibility with respect to the module’s installed position and orientation. Applications include cable replacement running in Wireless Multidrop and Extended Data Mode for advanced multipoint operation with several radios operating simultaneously.
Ready-to-use, the ODIN-W262 requires no external host and comes complete with an embedded driver, stack and application for wireless data transfer. It supports multiple concurrent Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (v4.0) links and is easy to configure using AT-commands.
Future firmware upgrades will add micro access point, high-speed interfaces (like RMII) and support for custom embedded applications. For example, the module will be able to act as a Wi-Fi access point or as a gateway between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy sensors.
Commenting on the new module, Tim Bonnett, director and chief sales officer, Alpha Micro, said; “These numerous configuration options minimise inventory requirements and reduce design effort and costs because one module can be software-configured for use in a variety of products. They are perfect for manufacturers who want to offer products in either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth versions.”
Also available is the EVK-W262U evaluation kit for the ODIN W-262 which uses a single USB connection for data and power and comes complete with the u-blox configuration tool for Windows.
For applications where an external antenna is required, Alpha Micro offers the ODIN-W260 module with U.FL antenna connectors.
