u-blox has released the smallest Bluetooth 5 module for industrial applications. The new ANNA-B12 is an ultra-compact module with an industrial operating temperature range that makes it ideal for a wide-range of applications in size-constrained designs requiring high speed Bluetooth connectivity. ANNA-B1 has been certified for select markets, so can be used off the shelf.
Essentially, the new ANNA-B12 is a miniaturized variant of the well-established u-blox NINA-B1 Bluetooth low energy module, packed as a System-in-Package (SiP) design that measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 1.2 mm.
The ANNA-B12 includes an Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller unit with a floating point unit, flash and RAM. The open CPU option provides full access to the module’s microcontroller so that custom applications can be embedded into the module. Alternatively, product developers can speed up time to market by leveraging the full force of pre-flashed u-blox connectivity software. Fully tested and verified, and supporting many IoT applications, u-blox connectivity software includes a GATT client and server for connectivity attributes, Serial Port Service, simultaneous peripheral and central role, and NFC technology for easy pairing to other Bluetooth low energy devices. ANNA-B1 has a built in antenna, but also allows for external antenna designs.
Typical applications for the ANNA-B1 Bluetooth module are small devices such as power tools, industrial and medical sensor products, wearables, and point of sale devices that require Bluetooth 5 connectivity, either individually or as part of a mesh network. Medical and sports wearables and telematics aftermarket products including insurance boxes will benefit from the ANNA-B1’s small footprint.
Engineering samples of the ANNA-B1 will be available in Q2 2018. Click here to learn more about this product.
