A compact multi-radio module brings Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE, and GPS together in one ready-to-use board, helping engineers quickly add cloud connectivity, remote monitoring, and tracking to automotive, industrial, and IoT systems.
The AS049-1 REIN Wireless Communication Unit by Renesas Electronics Corporation is a ready-to-use reference design created to help engineers quickly add telemetry and wireless communication to automotive, industrial, and IoT systems. Its main purpose is to combine several wireless functions Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, LTE data, and GPSinto a single, easy-to-integrate module. This makes it useful for any design that needs cloud connectivity, remote monitoring, or location tracking. For automotive teams building connected cars or updating existing ECUs, the design helps support remote diagnostics, over-the-air software updates, data logging, and communication with mobile devices. For industrial applications, it works as a bridge to bring legacy machines and sensors online, enabling smart-factory functions, asset tracking, or remote equipment management.
A key advantage of this reference design is that it saves time. Instead of sourcing and testing each radio module separately, engineers get a pre-validated board where all the wireless parts already work together. Renesas provides the full set of design documents, schematics, PCB layout, bill of materials, and a quick-start guide so teams can either use it as a starting point or directly adapt it to their final product. This reduces both development effort and risk, especially for teams new to multi-radio systems.
The board combines three main wireless blocks: Bluetooth for short-range links, Wi-Fi for local network access, and LTE with GPS for cloud communication and location services. Each block connects to an external host controller through standard communication interfaces, making it easy to pair with different microcontrollers or ECUs. The power design is a flexible tooth board that can run from a 12-volt supply or from an external system, which simplifies integration into cars, test setups, or industrial cabinets. Components like level shifting and basic signal conditioning are already included, reducing extra work for hardware designers.
For automotive use, the reference design helps turn a traditional instrument cluster or ECU into a connected unit. Engineers can add features such as real-time tracking, fleet monitoring, predictive maintenance, or remote firmware updates without redesigning the whole system. As vehicles move toward software-defined architectures, having a standard wireless communication block shortens development cycles and creates a more modular design structure.
In non-automotive uses, the design can fit into IoT gateways, factory equipment, and portable devices. It is especially helpful when upgrading older equipment that needs to send data to the cloud but does not have built-in wireless hardware. Because the board combines multiple wireless technologies, designers can select whichever connection best suits the applicationlocal Wi-Fi for indoor systems, LTE for remote sites, or Bluetooth for quick configuration and diagnostics.
Overall, the AS049-1 REIN WCU reference design offers an easy path to add reliable wireless connectivity to both new and existing products. With its ready-tested hardware, clear documentation, and flexible integration options, it allows engineers to focus on system design instead of spending time building radio modules from scratch.
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