U-blox extends Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity software with high-performance scripting solutions

     U-blox has announced that it is expanding its connectivity software product. In addition to the already widely known u-connectXpress(formerly known as u-blox Connectivity software), the product now includes u-connectScript. The extended software family further simplifies wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi device development, enabling embedded scripting applications in the module, reducing complexity and time to market at the same time.

     Joakim Ryden, Senior Product Manager, Short Range Radio, u-blox Wireless iot Module and Product Center, said, "We developed u-connect software to help product developers focus on the main application. By pre-flash, u-connect manages the wireless connection in the background. Scripting support further increases development efficiency and extends the use of wireless technology to companies that are new to iot."

     For 15 years, u-connectXpress has been the first pillar of the u-connect family and has evolved into a comprehensive software development tool for integrating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity in devices. u‑connectXpress consists of more than 130 standard or U-blox AT commands that enable developers to configure device connections without having to write and test complex code.

     The second pillar of the u-connect family, u-connectScript, is designed to further accelerate the development of embedded devices. The product is based on javascript programming language, which has a wide range of applications and a short learning cycle. u-connectScript uses a simple syntax that enables even device developers without extensive embedded programming experience to quickly embed Bluetooth applications directly into modules. Developers write applications using u-blox's Integrated development environment (IDE) or any other text editor of their choice.

     U-connectScript utilizes the unique concept of u-connect streaming to effectively manage the flow of data between wireless and physical interfaces, ensuring that the resulting application's power consumption and performance are consistent with those of traditionally developed embedded applications, contrary to other scripting solutions on the market.

     Security is the foundation of all professional applications, and security is dealt with in the background when using any software from the u-connect software family. The Secure boot feature ensures that the device only boots in the presence of the original authentication software. u-connect supports Wi-Fi enterprise security (such as EAP-TLS), IP end-to-end security (such as TLS), and LE Secure connectivity for Bluetooth, further guaranteeing a high level of connectivity and data security.

     Applications developed for u-connectXpress or u-connectScript can be reused across the entire product line and are compatible with new generations of products. u-connect and u-blox standalone modules can be used in a wide range of iot applications, such as smart buildings, smart cities, smart industries, including smart lighting systems, industrial sensor networks, asset tracking solutions, and building automation systems. In these verticals, u-connect provides Bluetooth-based solutions for cable replacement, configuration, and device control using handheld devices, advanced Wi-Fi connectivity, and multi-radio gateway applications.