24-02-2016 | Silicon Labs | Subs & Systems
Silicon Labs has introduced a plug-and-play Wi-Fi module solution for Internet of Things (IoT) applications where exceptional RF performance, small footprint, easy application development and fast time to market are key requirements. Silicon Labs' fully integrated Wizard Gecko WGM110 module solution combines all of the necessary elements required for robust IoT Wi-Fi connectivity including a high-performance 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n radio, integrated antenna, global certifications, an energy-friendly EFM32(TM) Gecko microcontroller (MCU), an embedded Wi-Fi stack, and multiple Internet protocols including TCP and UDP with TLS security. The WGM110 module provides an ideal solution for adding Wi-Fi to industrial/M2M systems, wireless sensors, remote controls, thermostats, connected home products, automotive infotainment, point-of-sale devices, and fitness and medical equipment. The most widely available wireless protocol for the IoT, Wi-Fi is supported by laptops, mobile phones, tablets and countless connected 'things', making it ideal for device-to-cloud or device-to-device connectivity to aggregate data or provision IoT devices without the need for complex networking infrastructure or dedicated hubs. By integrating the 802.11 radio, antenna, MCU and Wi-Fi stack into a pre-certified solution, the WGM110 module helps developers reduce R&D risk and costs and greatly accelerate time to market. No RF or antenna design expertise is required to add Wi-Fi to connected devices; no RF testing equipment or tuning processes are needed during manufacturing. The WGM110 module meets key RF certifications worldwide including CE, FCC, IC and other regional certifications. The Wi-Fi and TCP/IP stack provides all essential secure connectivity functions and APIs, and Silicon Labs constantly tests the stack for interoperability with the latest wireless ecosystems. The WGM110 module can serve as a Wi-Fi client or a Wi-Fi access point, making device provisioning as easy as surfing the web. The module includes Silicon Labs' BGScript(TM) scripting language, which can be used to develop and host end applications without relying on an external MCU, and it can run in a network co-processor mode, easing the complexity of TCP/IP networking and enabling the host controller to handle application tasks. The module also offers highly flexible hardware interfaces, simplifying connections to peripherals and sensors, says the company. "The Wizard Gecko WGM110 module provides developers with the fastest path to native IoT connectivity," said Daniel Cooley, vice president of marketing, IoT products, Silicon Labs. "Our highly integrated, pre-certified module solution combines robust RF performance and a very small footprint with best-in-class development tools, enabling developers to focus on end applications instead of protocol issues, costly RF certification and production testing."
