u-blox has announced the ALMA-W1 module series, a compact family of Wi-Fi 6/6E modules built on Nordic Semiconductor's nRF7120 and nRF7120E System-on-Chips. The move extends u-blox's short-range portfolio into the Nordic Wi-Fi ecosystem and addresses growing demand for low-power wireless connectivity that is easier to integrate without the complexity of a chip-down design. The module series combines market-leading low-power Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and 802.15.4 radios, and is designed for battery-driven and size-constrained connected products.
The significance of the announcement lies in its potential to accelerate time-to-market for a wide range of IoT devices. ALMA-W1 offers extensive configuration options, including dual-band or tri-band Wi-Fi, internal or external antennas, wireless MCU or network processor operation, and optional additional flash memory. The embedded-antenna variants measure only 10.4 x 14.3 mm, while external-antenna variants are 10.4 x 11.2 x 1.9 mm. For customers choosing network processor operation, u-connectXpress software provides pre-flashed, AT-command-based connectivity, reducing integration effort. The module is also globally certified, supporting faster and less complex worldwide deployments.
Edge AI capabilities are a key differentiator. Relevant versions feature a dedicated Axon Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for low-latency edge processing, potentially delivering speed gains of up to 15 times faster and more energy efficient than running the same workloads on the CPU. This aligns with the trend of connected devices requiring faster response times and more local intelligence without relying solely on cloud-based systems.
Kjetil Holstad, Executive Vice President Wi-Fi Business Unit at Nordic Semiconductor, said: “Battery life is the defining requirement for the next wave of Wi-Fi IoT, and ultra-low power is what we designed the nRF71 series around. With more than 20 times lower connected stand-by current than our previous generation, Nordic is making Wi-Fi 6 practical for devices that must run for years on a small battery. With ALMA-W1, u-blox brings that performance in a globally certified module, combining flexible antenna and memory options with u-connectXpress software to move faster from concept to product.”
Applicable applications include healthcare and medical equipment requiring low power and strong security, smart home and access control products, industrial automation, asset tracking, aftermarket telematics, smart city applications, UAVs, robotics, and high-precision agriculture. The ALMA form-factor also allows easy migration between generations and technologies.
The ALMA-W1 series will be showcased at electronica 2026. Initial samples are available to selected customers, with the sampling program set to expand shortly. For further information, including technical documentation, visit ubx.io/alma-w1. The announcement was originally distributed via www.newmediawire.com, and u-blox maintains a corporate presence at www.u-blox.com.
