u-blox incorporates newest Nordic Semiconductor Bluetooth chips in two new compact modules

u-blox, a global provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has announced two additions to its Bluetooth LE portfolio, ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2. The modules are based on the latest generation nRF54 Series Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) from Nordic Semiconductor. They both support Bluetooth LE 5.4 and Thread/Matter technologies in a compact, power-efficient, and secure format.

ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 are designed for a wide range of IoT applications, including industrial automation, healthcare, and smart home. ALMA-B1 is a high-end wireless MCU, while NORA-B2 brings ultra-low power to less complex applications. In the indoor positioning example, ALMA-B1 could act as an anchor point due to its vast processing capabilities, while the power efficiency of NORA-B2 makes it suitable for asset tracking tags.

According to ABI Research*, Bluetooth LE device shipments are expected to roughly double by 2028. At the same time, new applications unleashed by AI / EdgeML and sensor fusion trigger the need for additional and stronger requirements, including higher security, more processing power, and efficient battery consumption.