U-blox releases an ultra compact, feature rich system level packaged ANNA-B4 low-power Bluetooth module for industrial and indoor positioning applications

     U-blox introduced the ANNA-B4 module, which is a feature rich and ultra compact Bluetooth 5.1 system level package (SiP) module. ANNA-B4 is an ideal choice for indoor positioning in harsh environments such as intelligent lighting networks, industrial circuit breakers, manufacturing sites, warehouses, hospitals and smart cities.

     Combined with the functional set of Nordic nRF52833 chipset and the expertise of u-blox in chipset and module design, ANNA-B4 supports Bluetooth mesh, long-distance transmission and lateral functions, as well as Thread and Zigbee, with built-in integrated antenna, which is only 6.5 x 6.5 mm in size, and operates at 105 ℃, and has obtained global certification.

     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 speed product time-to-market. Excellent SECURITY FEATURES, INCLUDING SECURE START, ENSURE THAT ONLY AUTHENTICATED AND AUTHORIZED FIRMWARE AND UPDATES CAN OPERATE ON THE DEVICE TO PREVENT MALICIOUS ATTACKS.

    The second, ANNA-B402, has a powerful open CPU architecture for custom applications and adds support for Zigbee and Thread wireless communication protocols. In addition to enabling parallel communication over multiple wireless protocols, this module enables product developers to build solutions using Bluetooth low power, Zigbee, or Thread using a single module.

     ANNA-B4 is very suitable for existing applications, such as intelligent lighting networks, which use blue mesh technology to adjust lighting intensity for presence detection and ambient light sensor response.

     The indoor asset tracking solution has stimulated 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 the Bluetooth DF function, allowing users to accurately locate tagged mobile assets in an indoor environment.

     Len Albertsson, strategic director of u-blox short-range communication products, said: "ANNA-B4 has considerable advantages in supporting applications in harsh industrial environments. It integrates high-performance antennas in an ultra compact design, supports Thread and Zigbee with the latest Bluetooth technology, and operates at 105 ° C, which can be widely used in various market segments.".