With wireless demand ever increasing, new technological advancements are following suit. 4G is still being implemented in countries worldwide, while 5G and 6G are on the horizon. Wireless plays a crucial role in today’s telecommunications platforms and component development for new devices and applications, including robotics, smartphones, and the IoT. In this roundup, we will take a look at some of the new wireless technologies that have been released in 2021.
New Waveguide Components Cover Wider Frequency Bands and Boost RF Performance
Fairview Microwave Inc. has launched a new line of double ridge waveguide components designed for radar, wireless and satellite communication, and test and instrumentation. The new line features 28 models with straight sections, bends and twist configurations. The transmission line components take advantage of broader frequency bands, deliver increased RF performance and offer lower cut-off frequencies than conventional rectangular waveguides. Additionally, double ridge waveguide-to-coax adapters are also available in WRD-180, WRD-650 and WRD-750 waveguide sizes. They also feature SMA, N-type and 2.92mm connectors, UG-style square cover flanges, and typical VSWR performance down to 1.5:1.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Module Designed for EVs, Tracking, and More
u-Blox has released its new MAYA-W1 Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5 multi-radio module designed for power management, electric vehicle charging, professional appliances, tracking, telematics, and fleet management. The module is designed around NXP’s IW416 chip and can operate in harsh environments with temperatures up to 850C. The MAYA-W1 features Access-Point, Station, and Wi-Fi Direct operating modes and offers dual-band wireless (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz) and Bluetooth Classic and BLE 5. The module also comes in three variants, including one with a pair of U.FL connectors, another with two separate antenna pins, and a third with an embedded antenna.
Tiny LoRaWAN Modem Solution Reduces Current Consumption
Murata recently announced the expansion of its Type 1SJ family with a new LoRaWAN modem module. The modem module measures 10.0 mm x 8.0 mm x 1.6 mm, making it the smallest in the world. The module operates using a single supply rail with up to 3.9V DC. It incorporates several low-power modes that allow the real-time clock (RTC) to operate while drawing a typical current of only 1.3µA. This allows the modem to run on a single battery for years before it needs recharging. Moreover, the modem module features a resin mold package that allows it to operate in harsh environments at a temperature range of -40ºC to +85ºC. The Type 1SJ comes preloaded with AT Command controlled modem firmware and a LoRaWAN stack with an AT Command middle layer, which allows for a faster time-to-market and eases design challenges.
New Microwave and RF Antennas Designed for Satcom testing
Atlantic Microwave recently launched a new series of microwave and RF antennas for Satcom testing and measurement. The range includes horn, patch and spiral antennas that can transmit signals at frequencies that range from 0.5 GHz up to 40 GHz. These Antennas are ideal for applications where cabling testing and signal distribution are not practical or possible with cable or fiber. The new antenna range coincides with the ever-increasing demand for connectivity in all areas, including land, sea, and air.
Bluetooth Module Designed for Advanced Applications
u-Blox has released its NORA-B1 Bluetooth module designed for advanced applications, including industrial, medical, and smart buildings. The module is designed around Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF5340 Bluetooth low energy chipset with an Arm Cortex-M33 dual-core MCU. The module also takes advantage of Arm TrustZone for increased security, along with Arm CryptoCell-312, which provides hardware-accelerated cryptography and enables a root of trust and secure key storage. The NORA-B1 module features Bluetooth 5.2 with support for Zigbee and Thread.LE audio, which can stream multiple channels with lower power consumption.
