u-blox has introduced its first automotive-grade Wi-Fi 7 module, allowing OEMs to enhance the user experience of in-vehicle infotainment and telematics.
The attach rate of Wi-Fi for in-vehicle infotainment and telematics control unit applications is projected to rise significantly over the next five years, as stated in the TSR Wireless Connectivity Market Report 2024. Wi-Fi 7 is expected to play a key role in this growth, offering early adopters a competitive edge.
The RUBY-W2 brings a range of benefits of Wi-Fi 7 to the automotive sector, including higher throughput, support for more concurrent users, and lower latency. This results in improved network availability and user experience for various in-vehicle applications such as infotainment, navigation, and advanced telematics. For instance, the RUBY-W2 is designed to provide top-notch personalized video, audio, and gaming performance, catering to multiple passenger screens. Additionally, the module facilitates firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) updates and high-speed data off-loading. It also enhances the user experience for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto by seamlessly connecting smartphones to the built-in display via Wi-Fi.
Powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform and the QCA6797AQ, the RUBY-W2 series supports 2×2 MIMO Multi-Link Operation (MLO), delivering simultaneous performance on 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands to alleviate congestion in the 2.4 GHz band. Alongside its advanced Wi-Fi capabilities, the module integrates Bluetooth 5.4 technology with Bluetooth LE Audio support, enabling energy-efficient, high-quality audio streaming and robust wireless connectivity.
The RUBY-W2 series, featuring a 23x23mm/23x25mm form factor consistent with Qualcomm Technologies’ reference design, allows for seamless migration between technology generations. Manufactured in Europe to meet the highest quality, robustness, and reliability standards, the module offers various filter and antenna combinations to suit diverse application requirements.
Early samples of the RUBY-W2 series are now available.
