Wi-Fi module design for IoT security

Würth Elektronik has introduced its new Cordelia-I Wi-Fi module, specifically designed for secure IoT and 'edge computing' applications. This versatile module is excellent for applications in Industry 4.0, Smart City/Smart Home, eMobility, smart agricultural, and medical devices, to name a few. It meets the requirements of RED, including the Cybersecurity Regulation 2022/30 in accordance with EN 18031-1, which will become mandatory for all devices with radio technology in the EU as of August 2025. The module was developed in collaboration with Crypto Quantique to ensure the highest security standards. With a compact size of just 19mm × 27.5mm × 4mm, it is developed to operate over a temperature range of -40C to +85C and consumes less than 10μA in standby mode.

The new Wi-Fi module from the company independently manages secure cloud connections, therefore decreasing the workload on the host MCU. MQTT over TLS is used as the primary protocol for connecting to the cloud. The module features a secure Root of Trust (a fundamental security concept in information technology) that is unique and tamper-proof. All cryptographic keys are securely generated and stored within the module.

The module supports cloud connectivity via Crypto Quantique's QuarkLink platform, providing secure and scalable zero-touch provisioning and cloud onboarding of the end device in the field. This SaaS platform permits the implementation of the first security layer for an IoT device. The necessary steps include secure provisioning of devices, onboarding with a cloud service provider or an in-house server-based application, and managing the devices throughout their lifecycle.

The Cordelia-I module complies with the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi standard and operates in the 2.4GHz band. In Transparent Mode, it provides a secure UART-to-Cloud bridge. The transmission power increases to +18dBm (peak), while the receiver sensitivity is -92dBm.

The company offers an evaluation kit, SDK, and PC tools to evaluate this product as an additional service. This simplifies the development of hardware and software for IoT applications using Cordelia-I.