nRF71 Series: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Thread, and On-Device AI on a Single Chip (www.nordicsemi.com)

Nordic Semiconductor has unveiled the nRF71 Series of ultra-low-power Systems-On-Chip (SoCs), integrating Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, and edge AI into a single chip. This new series boasts energy efficiency, consuming up to 20 times less standby power than its predecessor, the nRF70 Series. This breakthrough is pivotal for developers focused on battery-operated devices in smart homes, wearables, and industrial IoT applications, effectively eliminating power constraints traditionally associated with Wi-Fi connectivity in such devices. The nRF71 Series features an integrated Axon Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that accelerates machine learning tasks like keyword spotting and image classification, operating 10x to 17x faster than the ARM Cortex-M33 alone. The platform allows for AI inference directly on chips without needing external processors, significantly enhancing device responsiveness while minimizing power usage. With two independent radios for simultaneous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/Thread communication, the nRF71 Series supports a diverse range of applications—from smart home hubs to industrial sensors—enabling seamless connectivity and intelligent processing all while maintaining years of battery life. The first chips, the nRF7120 and nRF7120E, are now sampling with selected customers and will be showcased at Electronica this year.