Imagine faster, more reliable in-car connectivity with smoother streaming, better navigation, and seamless updates. Want to know how? Keep reading!
u-blox has launched its first automotive-grade Wi-Fi 7 module, RUBY-W2, designed to improve in-vehicle infotainment and telematics for OEMs. According to the TSR Wireless Connectivity Market Report 2024, the use of Wi-Fi for in-vehicle infotainment and telematics is set to grow significantly in the next five years, with Wi-Fi 7 playing a key role. OEMs gaining early access to this technology will have a competitive edge.
The RUBY-W2 brings key Wi-Fi 7 benefits, including higher throughput, more users, and lower latency, resulting in better network performance and user experience. It supports a range of in-vehicle applications like infotainment, navigation, and advanced telematics. For example, it delivers top-quality video, audio, and gaming, supporting multiple passenger screens. It also enables firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates and fast data offloading. The Wi-Fi 7 module improves Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for drivers by providing a seamless Wi-Fi connection to the vehicle’s display.
The module is based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform and the QCA6797AQ, the first automotive-grade Wi-Fi 7 access point solution. It supports 2×2 MIMO Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for simultaneous performance on the 5 and 6 GHz bands, avoiding congestion on the 2.4 GHz band. Along with Wi-Fi, RUBY-W2 features Bluetooth 5.4, supporting Bluetooth LE Audio for efficient, high-quality audio streaming and strong wireless connectivity.
The series comes in a 23x23mm/23x25mm form factor compatible with Qualcomm’s reference design, ensuring easy upgrades between technology generations. Made in Europe to the highest quality standards, the module offers various filter and antenna options to meet diverse application needs.
“We are thrilled to start working with u-blox to integrate the most advanced Wi-Fi 7 chipsets from our Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform. Not only does the new u-blox wireless modules series, RUBY-W2, bring the benefits of Wi-Fi 7 to the automotive market, it also opens up new use cases for both Qualcomm Technologies and u-blox in the infotainment and telematics segments,” says Riccardo Calabro, Senior Director of Product Marketing & Sales at Qualcomm Germany GmbH.
