company blog about Supply U-BLOX Host-Based Module Evaluation Kit:JODY-W6,JODY-W5,JODY-W3,JODY-W2

Supply U-BLOX Host-Based Module Evaluation Kit:JODY-W6,JODY-W5,JODY-W3,JODY-W2

Shenzhen Mingjiada Electronics Co., Ltd., as a globally leading distributor of electronic components, provides comprehensive solutions to customers through its robust supply chain network, professional services, competitive pricing, and integrity-driven business philosophy.

Its supply advantages are primarily reflected in the following aspects:

Global Supply Chain Network: Direct collaboration with international brands ensures genuine product supply and eliminates counterfeit goods.

Inventory Assurance and Rapid Delivery: Large warehousing centres in Shenzhen, Hong Kong and other locations support dispatch within 24 hours, particularly suited for R&D sample requirements and urgent orders.

Price Competitiveness: Reduces customer costs through bulk purchasing, with additional discounts available for large orders, delivering high-value solutions.

Flexible Procurement Models: Supports procurement needs ranging from small-batch samples to large-scale production orders, meeting customer requirements throughout all stages from R&D pilot production to mass manufacturing.

u-blox JODY Series Overview

The u-blox JODY series comprises host-based communication modules. This design necessitates operation in conjunction with an external application processor (host) running Linux or Android systems, collaborating via standard interfaces such as PCIe, SDIO, or UART. This architecture offloads complex wireless protocol processing to the powerful host CPU, enabling the modules themselves to maintain compact dimensions and high design flexibility.

For engineers, directly testing these modules within actual host environments is paramount. Consequently, u-blox has introduced corresponding Evaluation Kits (EVKs). These EVKs not only include the modules themselves but also provide comprehensive antenna solutions, interface adapters, and power options, enabling developers to conduct thorough performance validation and functional testing during the early stages of hardware development.

JODY-W6: Pioneering the Wi-Fi 6E and LE Audio Era

As the latest flagship in the JODY series, the JODY-W6 is engineered for cutting-edge automotive applications such as advanced infotainment systems, connected two-wheelers, and high-data-throughput vehicle-to-everything scenarios.

Core Technology and Performance

Built upon the NXP AW693/IW623 chipset, the JODY-W6's standout feature is its support for Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax). Beyond traditional 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, it embraces the latest 6GHz spectrum, delivering wider channels and reduced latency. Regarding Bluetooth, it adheres to the latest Bluetooth 5.4 specification, notably incorporating LE Audio's isochronous channels, which deliver a qualitative leap for hands-free calling and wireless audio in automotive applications.

Evaluation Kit (EVK-JODY-W6) Design

The EVK-JODY-W6 evaluation board design prioritises practical testing convenience. It features a PCIe interface for high-speed Wi-Fi communication and a UART interface for Bluetooth. To address complex RF environments, the kit incorporates two integrated PCB antennas alongside an external SMA tri-band (2.4/5-7 GHz) antenna. Three SMA connectors remain available for users to connect dedicated external antennas. Furthermore, exposed digital and analogue audio interfaces enable developers to directly evaluate Bluetooth audio codec performance.

JODY-W5: The Robust Mainstream Choice for Wi-Fi 6

As the predecessor to the JODY-W6, the JODY-W5 remains widely adopted in automotive projects demanding high performance yet not yet requiring the 6GHz band.

Core Technology and Performance

Based on the NXP AW611 chipset, the JODY-W5 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3. Operating across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, it delivers stable, high-speed connectivity via a 1x1 SISO (Single Input Single Output) architecture, achieving maximum throughput of 480 Mbit/s (via SDIO 3.0 interface). Bluetooth 5.3 introduces LE Audio support, further enhancing the energy efficiency and stability of audio connections.

Evaluation Kit (EVK-JODY-W5) Design

The EVK-JODY-W5 kit provides all necessary physical interfaces. Unlike the W6's PCIe interface, the JODY-W5 primarily supports SDIO 3.0 on its Wi-Fi host interface, enabling straightforward connection to various embedded microprocessors (such as the NXP i.MX series). The kit also integrates a USB-to-UART bridge for Bluetooth, digital/analogue audio interfaces, two built-in dual-band antennas, and three SMA connectors, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation environment.

JODY-W3: High-Performance Wi-Fi 6 with 2x2 MIMO

Prior to the JODY-W5/W6 series, the JODY-W3 pioneered u-blox's entry into the Wi-Fi 6 market and remains favoured in numerous projects for its high throughput.

Core Technology and Performance

The JODY-W3 series is based on the NXP 88Q9098/88W9098 chipset. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, offering two key variants: JODY-W374 (dual-band 1x1 + 2x2 5GHz) and JODY-W377 (dual-band 2x2 MIMO). The 2x2 MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology significantly enhances data throughput and signal stability, making it particularly suitable for advanced in-vehicle connectivity systems requiring simultaneous processing of multiple data streams.

Evaluation Kit (EVK-JODY-W3) Design

The EVK-JODY-W3 kit features a meticulously designed configuration comprising a module board and a carrier board. To ensure compatibility with diverse host platforms, the kit includes a comprehensive suite of adapter interfaces: M.2 PCIe to ZIF, Mini-PCIe to ZIF, and Micro SDIO to ZIF adapters. This coverage encompasses virtually all mainstream host interface types. This design enables developers to seamlessly integrate and evaluate the JODY-W3 module regardless of their chosen development board.

JODY-W2: The Stable and Reliable Cornerstone of Wi-Fi 5

The JODY-W2 series embodies u-blox's mature technological expertise in the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) era. It remains a dependable choice for numerous cost-sensitive or stability-critical industrial and automotive applications.

Core Technology and Performance

Based on the NXP 88W8987 chipset, JODY-W2 supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. While it does not support the latest Wi-Fi 6 features, its technology is highly mature and AEC-Q100 compliant, capable of withstanding harsh operating environments from -40°C to 85°C. For scenarios requiring absolute connection stability over high-speed data rates—such as in-vehicle T-Boxes (telematics control units) or foundational infotainment systems—the JODY-W2 remains the optimal choice.

Evaluation Kit (EVK-JODY-W263) Design

The EVK-JODY-W2 kit offers a straightforward and practical interface, featuring an SDIO interface for Wi-Fi and a UART interface for Bluetooth. It provides PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) interfaces and GPIO pins via on-board connectors, facilitating debugging of low-level audio and control functions. The kit also incorporates a dual-band antenna with SMA connectors, ensuring flexibility for RF testing.