u-blox launches Bluetooth low energy module for industrial and indoor positioning applications

u-blox launches ultra-compact, feature-rich System-in-Package ANNA-B4 Bluetooth Low Energy module for industrial and indoor positioning applications

ANNA-B4 features Bluetooth long-range transmission, Thread and Zigbee, and Bluetooth direction finding, and operates at temperatures up to 105 °C

Shanghai, China – October 19, 2021 – u-blox, a global leading provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has launched the ANNA-B4 module, a feature-rich, ultra-compact Bluetooth 5.1 system-in-package (SiP) module. The ANNA-B4 is ideal for indoor positioning in smart lighting networks, industrial circuit breakers, and harsh environments such as manufacturing sites, warehouses, hospitals, and smart cities.

Combining the feature set of the Nordic nRF52833 chipset with u-blox’s expertise in chipset and module design, the ANNA-B4 supports Bluetooth mesh, long-range and lateral capabilities, as well as Thread and Zigbee, has an integrated antenna, measures just 6.5 x 6.5 mm, operates at temperatures up to 105°C, and has received global certifications.

One SiP, two models

ANNA-B4 offers two series of products. The first is ANNA-B412 , which provides an easy-to-use u-connectXpress command application programming interface (API) that complies with industry-standard AT commands to accelerate product time to market. Outstanding security features including secure boot ensure that only authenticated and authorized firmware and updates can run on the device to prevent malicious attacks.

The second is the ANNA-B402 , which features a powerful open CPU architecture suitable for custom applications and adds support for Zigbee and Thread wireless communication protocols. In addition to being able to communicate in parallel through multiple wireless protocols, this module allows product developers to build solutions using Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee or Thread using only a single module.

Applicable to existing and emerging use cases

ANNA-B4 is ideal for existing applications such as smart lighting networks that use Blue Mesh technology to adjust lighting intensity in response to presence detection and ambient light sensors.

Indoor asset tracking solutions have inspired the emergence of many new applications, including smart buildings, factories, hospitals, warehouses and other indoor environments. The ultra-compact, low-power ANNA-B4 module supports Bluetooth direction finding, allowing users to accurately locate tagged mobile assets in indoor environments.

Len Albertsson, Head of Product Strategy for Short Range Communications at u-blox, said: “ANNA-B4 has considerable advantages in supporting applications in harsh industrial environments. It integrates a high-performance antenna in an ultra-compact design, combines the latest Bluetooth technology with support for Thread and Zigbee, and operates at temperatures up to 105°C, making it suitable for a wide range of market segments.”

Engineering samples of the ANNA-B4 SiP will be released in January 2022.

About u-blox

Swiss u-blox (SIX: UBXN) is a leading supplier of positioning and wireless communication technologies for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. Its solutions can accurately locate people, vehicles and machines, and achieve wireless communication through cellular networks and short-range networks. With a wide range of diverse chips, modules and an expanding product support data service ecosystem, u-blox is in a unique position to help its customers develop innovative solutions for the Internet of Things quickly and cost-effectively. u-blox is headquartered in Thalwil, Switzerland, and currently has offices in Europe, Asia and the United States.