Questex’s Sensors Converge and Fierce Electronics announced Murata Electronics as the winner of the Best IoT & Connectivity Solution category at the 2025 Best of Sensors Awards ceremony during the 40th annual Sensors Converge event in Santa Clara, CA.
The company was recognized for its Type 2NR Bluetooth Low Energy 6.0 / IEEE 802.15.4 / NFC Tag Wireless Module for Secured IoT Edge Devices. A panel of industry judges evaluated entries based on innovation, market value, and their ability to address critical challenges in the sensors and electronics ecosystem.
The Type 2NR module represents a significant breakthrough in wireless connectivity for space-constrained IoT applications. Measuring just 7.4 mm x 7.0 mm x 1 mm, the module is based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF54L15 SoC and delivers comprehensive wireless functionality in an ultra-compact form factor. This miniaturization achievement allows engineers to integrate advanced connectivity features into devices where space is at a premium, from smart home appliances to medical wearables.
The module’s multi-protocol architecture supports Bluetooth Low Energy 6.0, IEEE 802.15.4 for ZigBee and OpenThread mesh networks, NFC-A tag functionality, and Matter over Thread connectivity. This versatility enables seamless interoperability across various IoT ecosystems while reducing design complexity and ensuring compatibility with emerging connectivity standards. The inclusion of Nordic’s proprietary radio with data rates up to 4 Mbps further expands communication options for specialized applications.
At the heart of the Type 2NR is a powerful 128 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 processor paired with substantial memory resources, 256KB RAM and 1524KB RRAM, enabling sophisticated edge-processing capabilities. This processing power allows devices to handle complex algorithms locally, reducing dependence on cloud connectivity and improving response times for time-sensitive applications.
Security remains paramount in the module design, incorporating PSA-Certified Level 3 cybersecurity features to protect against increasingly sophisticated IoT threats. This enterprise-grade security foundation ensures trusted device communication across all supported protocols, addressing one of the most critical concerns in modern IoT deployments.
The module’s 32 GPIO pins provide extensive interface options for connecting sensors, actuators, and other peripherals, while the integrated antenna design with optional external antenna support simplifies RF implementation. Full regulatory certifications, including FCC, IC, ETSI, and TELEC, remove compliance barriers and accelerate time to market for product developers.
When presenting the award, judges noted the module’s impressive integration: “This is packed in with wireless architecture including BLE 6.0, Matter over Thread, and NFC in a size suitable for space-constrained IoT applications. Its system internals and footprint are impressive, with on-board antenna architecture as well as superior processing power. This will help in minimizing RF design effort and accelerating product development.”
The ultra-low power operation of the Type 2NR enables extended battery life, critical for IoT devices deployed in locations where frequent charging or battery replacement is impractical. Combined with minimal external component requirements, the module streamlines PCB layouts and reduces overall system complexity, making it particularly valuable for cost-sensitive applications.
Target applications span smart home devices, medical and healthcare systems, industrial automation equipment, and enterprise IoT solutions. The module’s ability to support multiple protocols from a single hardware platform allows manufacturers to address diverse market segments while maintaining design consistency and reducing development costs.
Samples of the Type 2NR module and evaluation kits became available in June 2025, with full production launch scheduled for September 2025. The module’s comprehensive feature set and compact footprint position it as a key enabler for the next generation of miniaturized, connected devices across multiple industries.
Murata Electronics, a global leader in ceramic-based passive electronic components and connectivity modules, continues to drive innovation in wireless communication technologies. The company’s commitment to advanced electronic materials and multi-functional, high-density modules has made it a trusted partner for engineers developing cutting-edge IoT solutions worldwide.
To discover other innovative sensor technologies and see the complete list of 2025 Best of Sensors Award winners, visit the full awards announcement.