Nordic Semiconductor has introduced the nRF7002 Expansion Board II, an add-on board that integrates Wi-Fi 6 capabilities into nRF54L Series Development Kits. This board is specifically designed to aid developers in creating multiprotocol IoT devices that merge Wi-Fi functionality with an nRF54L Series system-on-chip, utilizing a companion connectivity IC for Wi-Fi operations.
The nRF7002 Expansion Board II is powered by the nRF7002 Wi-Fi Companion IC and offers support for dual-band operation on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. It incorporates Wi-Fi 6 features such as Target Wake Time, orthogonal frequency-division multiple access, and basic service set coloring to enhance efficiency and manage interference within congested networks. Additionally, the board is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, providing support for both station and SoftAP operating modes for versatile provisioning and network configurations.
In terms of hardware integration, the board seamlessly connects to nRF54L Series Development Kits through a dedicated expansion header. Communication with the host system can be established via SPI or QSPI, while integrated headers facilitate power measurement workflows for energy-efficient designs. Furthermore, a dual-band chip antenna is included to ensure seamless operation across both Wi-Fi bands.
Software support is delivered through the nRF Connect SDK, offering sample code and a streamlined workflow to expedite the development process of Wi-Fi-enabled prototypes. Potential applications of the nRF7002 Expansion Board II span across various industries including smart home automation, industrial sensors, smart city infrastructure, wearables, and medical devices, where achieving a balance between Wi-Fi throughput, network scalability, and power consumption is crucial.
The nRF7002 Expansion Board II is slated to be accessible through distribution channels in Q1 of 2026, with ordering details accessible through Nordic Semiconductor sales channels.
Filed Under: 5G, 5G_IoT, Development tool, ICs, IoT, SoC, Tools, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
