Revolutionizing Low-Power Wi-Fi Devices: Nordic's Cutting-Edge nRF71 Series Unveiled

Nordic's nRF71 Series of Ultra-Low-Power SoCs

Nordic Semiconductor, recognized globally for its innovative low-power wireless solutions, has recently introduced the nRF71 Series of ultra-low-power Systems-On-Chip (SoCs). This groundbreaking series not only integrates cutting-edge technologies but also transforms the landscape of battery-powered devices by achieving up to twenty times lower standby power consumption compared to its predecessor, the nRF70 Series.

A New Era of Energy Efficiency

These advancements fundamentally change what's possible for developers focused on battery-operated Wi-Fi devices within sectors like smart home automation, wearable technology, and industrial IoT applications. As Kjetil Holstad, EVP of Wi-Fi and Power Management at Nordic, emphasizes, “Edge AI will be part of every connected device, but for those that run on a battery, Wi-Fi has demanded a power budget they could not afford.”

The nRF71 Series elegantly resolves this constraint, merging Wi-Fi and edge AI on a single platform that developers can easily adapt from their existing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) designs. This combination will allow for the next generation of intelligent products that can operate for years solely on battery power while being connected to any network.

Integrating Edge AI with Low-Power Networking

One of the remarkable features of the nRF71 Series is the ability to perform AI inference on-device without requiring external processors. This not only enhances the response time of devices but also reduces power consumption significantly. The series includes an integrated Axon Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of executing machine learning models 10 to 17 times faster than conventional Arm Cortex-M33 processors. This enhancement means that functionalities such as keyword spotting, anomaly detection, and image classification can now be feasibly embedded in battery-powered devices.

Furthermore, the nRF71 Series supports the development of ultra-compact AI models tailored by developers using Nordic’s Neuton software. This tool is designed specifically for efficient deployment of AI capabilities on the processor itself, ensuring that even the most complex AI tasks can be managed on limited resources.

Versatile Applications: Smart Home and Beyond

The implementation of the nRF71 Series also opens new avenues for applications in the smart home sector, including battery-operated hubs capable of connecting seamlessly to various networks like Wi-Fi, Thread, and BLE all through a single chip design. This integration is particularly notable for applications such as smart locks, wearables, and industrial sensors, where power conservation is imperative.

To achieve this, the nRF71 Series is equipped with two independent radios: one for Wi-Fi and another for the versatile 2.4 GHz multiprotocol radio from the latest generation nRF54 Series wireless SoCs. This architecture allows both radios to receive signals simultaneously, thus maintaining a robust Wi-Fi connection while actively communicating with other devices using Bluetooth or Thread protocols.

Nordic has launched its first two chips in this series, the nRF7120 and nRF7120E. The nRF7120 boasts dual-band Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, while the nRF7120E takes it a step further with tri-band Wi-Fi 6E support coupled with the NPU for exacerbated edge AI capabilities. Each comes with substantial on-chip memory, enhancing functionality in diverse applications.

Showcasing Innovation

Nordic will display the new nRF71 Series and a Nordic-branded module at Electronica, in Hall C6, booth 159. This presence at one of the world's largest electronics trade fairs signifies the company’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the low-power wireless sector.

Currently, sampling of the nRF71 Series has begun with select customers, and developers interested in leveraging these advancements can reach out to their local Nordic sales representatives for more information.

About Nordic Semiconductor

Founded on principles of innovation and connectivity, Nordic Semiconductor is a trailblazer in low-power wireless IoT technology. The company’s robust hardware, embedded software, development tools, and cloud life-cycle services facilitate the creation, scaling, and maintenance of secure, reliable connected products across consumer, healthcare, and industrial markets. For more in-depth details about their offerings, visit www.nordicsemi.com.