company blog about Recycle U-BLOX Host-Based Module Evaluation Kit:MAYA-W4,MAYA-W3,MAYA-W2,MAYA-W1

Recycle U-BLOX Host-Based Module Evaluation Kit:MAYA-W4,MAYA-W3,MAYA-W2,MAYA-W1

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The u‑blox MAYA‑W series comprises host-based multi-radio modules for IoT, industrial, automotive, and smart home applications. Paired with corresponding EVK evaluation kits, they enable rapid prototype validation, performance testing, and reference designs for mass production.

I. Series Positioning and Common Features

Architecture: Host-driven, relying on an external MCU/AP to run the protocol stack, with the module solely responsible for RF and baseband functions.

Form Factor: Compact M.2 2230 Key E package for easy integration.

Power Supply: Single 3.3V power supply with low-power design.

Evaluation Kit Universal Value:

- Fully exposed host interfaces (SDIO/USB/UART/SPI)

- Complete antenna interfaces, buttons, LEDs, and test points

- Directly usable as hardware reference design to shorten mass production cycles

MAYA-W1: The cornerstone of dual-band Wi-Fi 4

As the series' starting point, the EVK-MAYA-W1 is specifically designed for application development based on the MAYA-W1 series modules. The MAYA-W1 features a versatile combination of dual-band Wi-Fi 4 (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5.2.

The kit offers two variants (e.g., W161 and W166), with ‘flexibility’ at its design core. All module pins are routed to connectors or jumpers, facilitating low-level debugging for developers. The kit includes M.2, Micro SD/SDIO, and full-size SD/SDIO adapters, supporting power delivery via USB, SDIO, or M.2 interfaces. For industrial applications requiring migration from congested 2.4GHz bands to cleaner 5GHz spectrum—such as solar inverters and professional washing machines—the MAYA-W1 evaluation kit provides a robust starting point.

MAYA-W2: Introducing Wi-Fi 6 and 802.15.4

As IoT demands for connection speeds and network topologies evolve, the EVK-MAYA-W2 emerges. It not only supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 but also introduces IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread/Zigbee) support for the first time in the MAYA series.

The W2 evaluation kit features two distinct hardware design approaches:

EVK-MAYA-W271: Features dual external antennas, suitable for evaluating modules like MAYA-W260/261/271 requiring high gain.

EVK-MAYA-W276: Incorporates a single embedded PCB antenna, ideal for evaluating modules such as MAYA-W266/276 in scenarios demanding extreme space constraints.

The kit additionally includes an M.2 Key E adapter and SDIO adapter, supporting firmware programming via USB. Software features encompass WPA3 security authentication, MU-MIMO, and high-power Bluetooth up to +20dBm, reflecting U-BLOX's advancement towards higher-performance industrial-grade secure connectivity.

MAYA-W3: Embracing the Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E Era

The launch of the EVK-MAYA-W3 marks the MAYA series' entry into the Wi-Fi 6/6E era, with its standout feature being support for the new 6 GHz band. This effectively addresses congestion issues in the crowded 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

The W3 evaluation kit comprises two primary variants:

EVK-MAYA-W381: Featuring dual external antennas to fully realise the potential of tri-band (2.4/5/6GHz) Wi-Fi 6E.

EVK-MAYA-W386: Incorporating a single embedded PCB antenna, suitable for Bluetooth 5.4 applications sharing antennas.

Beyond standard SDIO and USB-to-UART bridging, the W3 kit notably introduces digital and analogue audio interfaces for Bluetooth audio applications. This proves invaluable for professional equipment or human-machine interfaces (HMIs) requiring wireless audio. Its targeted application domains are equally cutting-edge, encompassing smart manufacturing, tracking/telemetry, and EV charging infrastructure.

MAYA-W4: Optimised Combination of Wi-Fi 6 and 802.15.4

As the latest addition to the series, the EVK-MAYA-W4 provides evaluation support for the MAYA-W4 series modules. While it does not venture into the 6E band like the W3, its core strength lies in the deep integration and optimisation of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and 802.15.4 protocols. Based on the NXP IW610 chipset, it delivers a PHY data rate of up to 115 Mbit/s.

The MAYA-W4 evaluation kit embodies ultimate “host-centric” development convenience:

Extensive connectivity: Includes an SD card adapter (for SDIO interface), M.2 adapter (for direct connection to host M.2 slots), and USB interface (for accessing Bluetooth UART).

RF evaluation: Features dual-band SMA dipole antennas and supports external antenna testing via SMA connectors.

Compared to the W3's 6E forward-looking approach, the W4 prioritises stable coexistence of Wi-Fi 6 and 802.15.4 protocols within traditional dual-band (2.4/5 GHz) operation. This provides a mature reference design platform for smart home gateways and industrial control devices requiring simultaneous operation of Zigbee/Thread and high-speed Wi-Fi.