u-blox EVK-MAYA-W476 Evaluation Kit

The u-blox EVK-MAYA-W476 Evaluation Kit is designed to evaluate and develop wireless connectivity solutions using the MAYA-W476 module, which is part of the MAYA-W4 series of modules based on NXP IW610 chipsets. This kit targets IoT applications requiring advanced wireless features, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and IEEE 802.15.4 connectivity, SD, and microSD memory interface modules for rapid prototyping and evaluation of IoT solutions.  

Host-Based Architecture Testing and Multiprotocol Evaluation Features

The EVK-MAYA-W476 Evaluation Kit provides developers with comprehensive access to the MAYA-W476 module’s advanced wireless features. It features a compact, modular design, allowing multiple external host devices to be seamlessly connected and evaluated.  

The kit enables testing and development with Wi-Fi 6 (dual-band 2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4, and IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread) connectivity. Hence, it supports a wide array of IoT and industrial use cases, including smart homes and industrial automation. 

Moreover, it can connect to an external host processor to mimic real-world integration. It offers various interfaces for evaluation, including: 

• SDIO for Wi-Fi communication

• High-speed UART for Bluetooth

• PCM/I2S for Bluetooth audio

• SPI for IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread/Matter) applications.

Multi-mode Flexible Operations with Reliability Testing Features

The u-blox EVK-MAYA-W476 allows developers to configure the module to operate in various modes. These modes include:

• Wi-Fi station (client)

• Micro access point (supporting up to 8 stations)

• Peer-to-peer (P2P) communication

• Simultaneous or time-shared operation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/802.15.4

As a result, the board can operate in multiple wireless roles and combinations, offering several advantages:

• Versatile Application Prototyping - Developers can simulate a wide variety of real-world scenarios, including connecting to different access points, setting up a device as a micro access point for multiple clients, and enabling direct device-to-device communication. 

• Resource Optimization - By enabling various combinations of operational modes, developers can tailor wireless behavior to the needs of their application, optimizing for throughput, latency, or power consumption as required. 

• Faster Development and Debugging - The ability to quickly switch between different modes and combinations streamlines the testing process, making it easier to identify and resolve issues early in the development cycle.

Moreover, the kit supports secure boot, secure updates, and WPA3 Wi-Fi security, enabling evaluation of security features critical for IoT deployments and reliability testing. 

Multiple Antenna Types and Comprehensive Kit Components

The EVK-MAYA-W476 evaluation kit features multiple antennas, such as the dual-band SMA dipole antenna. It’s an embedded PCB antenna that allows developers to evaluate wireless applications without external add-ons. It also includes external antennas like the Linx Technologies ANT-DB1-RAF-SMA, two triband Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas allowing seamless connection with external devices like host controllers, sensors, and actuators. The antennas can perform in coexistence, making it easier to acquire data from multiple sources simultaneously. 

Additionally, the EVK-MAYA-W476 offers flexible operating system support for Linux and Android. The drivers are easily available from NXP and allow easy evaluation with embedded operating systems. 

Moreover, the kit offers external connectors, GPIO, and pin headers to host external interfaces. It can run on an external power supply using a USB Type-C cable and is suitable for most low-power IoT applications.