Connectivity Modules
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Module
u-blox NINA-W131 · 802.11 b/g/n · Bluetooth 4.2 Classic & BLE · Plug-in module
Drop into any ARG host board. The same Host API works across all ARG comm modules, switch from Wi-Fi to cellular or Power Line with zero host firmware changes.
ARG Connectivity Modules
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the same plug-in card.
The ARG Wi-Fi Module is built around the u-blox NINA-W131, an ESP32-based SoC delivering 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 Classic/BLE on a single 2″ × 1″ plug-in card. It connects to any ARG host board via Samtec headers and exposes the ARG Common Host API.
The ARG Comm Platform
One host board. Any connectivity.
ARG products are designed around a common comm module footprint and a hardware-agnostic Host API. The same host firmware runs unchanged whether the module inside is cellular, Wi-Fi, Power Line, or Modbus, decide connectivity at production time, or swap modules in the field.
Same Form Factor
2″ × 1″ board, Samtec headers on 2mm centers. Every ARG comm module, cellular, Wi-Fi, Power Line, Modbus, fits the same footprint on the host PCB.
Same Host API
A single UART binary protocol, PUBLISH, STATUS_GET, RECEIVED, works identically across all module types. The host sends a payload and receives data without knowing the underlying radio.
Any Technology
Cellular for remote field sites. Wi-Fi for campus deployments. Power Line where wiring exists. Modbus for BMS integration. Select the module for each deployment, the product board never changes.
OTA Firmware Updates
3.5MB NOR flash staging partition allows full over-the-air module firmware updates. The host streams the new image over UART; the modem validates, self-programs, and reboots autonomously.
Capabilities
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Enterprise-grade security.
The NINA-W131 is a certified, industrial-grade module with broad regulatory approvals, FCC, CE, IC, TELEC, KC, RCM, deployed in ARG products shipping worldwide.
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
u-blox NINA-W131 (ESP32 SoC). 2.4 GHz band, up to 72.2 Mbps on 802.11n HT20. Station and SoftAP modes simultaneously. Built-in TCP/IP stack and TLS 1.2, secure cloud connectivity without a host TLS library.
Bluetooth 4.2 Classic & BLE
Dual-mode Bluetooth 4.2: BR/EDR Classic for audio and SPP profiles, BLE for low-energy sensor telemetry and mobile app pairing. Up to +9 dBm Tx power.
WPA2-Enterprise Security
WPA2-Personal and WPA2-Enterprise with EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS/MSCHAPv2, and PEAP. Suitable for corporate and industrial networks requiring certificate-based authentication.
Open CPU or AT Command Mode
Run u-blox u-connectXpress AT firmware for simple host integration, or deploy custom application firmware directly on the ESP32 core via ESP-IDF or Arduino. OTA updates supported.
Specifications
| Chipset | u-blox NINA-W131-03B (ESP32 dual-core Xtensa LX6, 240 MHz) |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz |
| Max Data Rate | 72.2 Mbps (802.11n HT20, MCS7) |
| Wi-Fi Security | WEP, WPA, WPA2-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise (EAP-TLS, PEAP, EAP-TTLS) |
| Wi-Fi Tx Power | +18 dBm (802.11b) · +16 dBm (802.11g/n) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2, Classic BR/EDR + BLE dual-mode |
| BT Tx Power | Up to +9 dBm (Classic & BLE) |
| Antenna | Integrated PCB trace antenna (NINA-W131-03B variant) |
| Flash / RAM | 4 MB SPI flash · 520 KB SRAM |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 – 3.6 V (nom. 3.3 V) |
| Deep Sleep Current | <10 µA |
| Form Factor | 2.0″ × 1.0″ (50.8 × 25.4 mm) carrier card |
| Connector | Samtec plug-in headers, 2mm pitch (both edges) |
| Certifications | FCC (XO9NINAW131), CE, IC, TELEC, KC, RCM, RoHS |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Protocol | ARG Binary Frame Protocol v0.1 |
|---|---|
| Physical | UART, 460,800 baud, 8N1, hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) |
| Signals | TX, RX, RTS, CTS, nRST, PWR_EN |
| Frame Format | SOF (0xAA) + VER + TYPE + LEN[2] + PAYLOAD[0–512] + CRC16-CCITT[2] |
| Max Frame | 519 bytes · Max payload: 512 bytes |
| CPU Burden | Zero, DMA + hardware flow control on both host and modem; CPU wakes only on complete frame |
| Compatibility | Protocol-identical across all ARG comm modules, cellular, Wi-Fi, G3-PLC, Modbus |
Frequently Asked
Wi-Fi Modem, FAQ
Common questions about the ARG Wi-Fi / Bluetooth module.
What wireless standards does it support?
802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) plus Bluetooth 4.2 Classic and BLE, on the u-blox NINA-W131 (ESP32). WPA2-Enterprise with EAP-TLS and PEAP is supported for corporate networks.
How does it connect to my product?
Over the ARG Common Host API, a binary UART protocol identical across all ARG modules, so the host sends a payload without knowing the underlying radio.
Can I switch to cellular or power line later?
Yes. Same footprint and same Host API across cellular, Wi-Fi, and G3-PLC, swap connectivity at production time with no host firmware changes.
Does it support over-the-air updates?
Yes, a NOR flash staging partition allows full over-the-air module firmware updates; the modem validates, self-programs, and reboots autonomously.
Ready to add Wi-Fi to your design?
Get pricing for the Wi-Fi module, volume orders, and custom integration support.