Nordic multiprotocol connectivity powers module for smart building, construction, and industrial automation

Taiwan-based company Coral Sense has launched a module designed specifically to cater to the unique requirements of the smart building, construction, and industrial sectors. The ‘ABR-WM01-MLG wireless MCU module’ can be used by device makers or IT providers to perform complex control, monitoring, and wireless communication functions.

Powered by the Nordic Semiconductor nRF5340 high-end multiprotocol SoC’s Arm® Cortex®-M33 dedicated application processor and low power network processor, the module provides high-performance application processing while maintaining ultra low power consumption. The integration of the nRF5340 SoC also enhances the module’s RF power output and range capabilities. This ensures reliable wireless communication over significant distances, enabling applications in diverse and challenging environmental conditions. The module is designed to operate within a temperature range of -40 to +105°C.

Enhanced wireless connectivity

The ABR-WM01-MLG acts as the central wireless control and communication unit within the proprietary ‘ABR-A01’ platform. It enables wireless connectivity using technologies such as Bluetooth® LE, ANT™, and 802.15.4, facilitating seamless communication between devices, sensors, and actuators.

In certain cases, where the ABR-WM01-MLG operates in power-limited environments, the low power performance of the nRF5340 SoC becomes crucial

Sog Yang, Coral Sense

“The integration of the ABR-WM01-MLG module, Ethernet with Power over Ethernet (PoE), RS-485AB, and air quality sensors within the ABR-A01 platform offers enhanced wireless connectivity, network integration, and monitoring capabilities, making the platform suitable for building, construction, and industrial automation applications,” explains Sog Yang, Executive Director, Coral Sense.

The Nordic nRF5340 SoC enables seamless connectivity with a wide range of Bluetooth LE-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices. This plays a fundamental role in the provision of reliable device networking. Moreover, the Nordic SoC-enabled support for Bluetooth 5 Long Range further expands the module’s application possibilities. Bluetooth 5 Long Range extends the communication range, enabling not only mobile-to-device connections but also device-to-device communication over greater distances.

By also incorporating Nordic SoC-enabled Bluetooth mesh functionality, the ABR-WM01-MLG module significantly broadens the range of potential applications, encompassing control, monitoring, and management systems – particularly for use cases that require low power devices in construction and industrial environments.

Seamless integration

In addition, the ABR-WM01-MLG module's built-in Modbus functionality makes it possible to seamlessly integrate with Modbus-compatible devices and systems, facilitating smooth data exchange and control. Developers can use Nordic’s nRF Connect SDK (Soft Development Kit) to implement Modbus RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) and Modbus TCP embedded applications, further expanding the module's versatility. Modbus RTU is used for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication enabling reports of data or maintenance issues to be forwarded to a central server.

The ABR-WM01-MLG module incorporates several features that enhance its functionality, including QSPI Flash, which can be used for data logging or performing device firmware updates. Additionally, it supports a built-in RC RT crystal for accurate timing and can utilize an external 32.768 kHz crystal if required.

“This level of integration streamlines system design, reduces complexity, and allows seamless communication with a wide range of devices and networks, facilitating interoperability as well as low power connectivity,” says Yang.

“The Nordic nRF5340 SoC empowers the ABR-WM01-MLG module with advanced wireless connectivity, dual-core processing power, ample memory resources, robust security features, and versatile interfaces –enhancing the solution’s overall performance and capabilities.

“In certain cases, where the ABR-WM01-MLG operates in power-limited environments, the low power performance of the nRF5340 SoC becomes crucial,” concludes Yang.