The Wi-Fi portfolio of Microchip Technology now includes 20 new products. Microchip has expanded one of the most comprehensive wireless connection product lines in the industry by providing plug-and-play modules, network and link controllers, and high-performance Wi-Fi microcontrollers (MCUs) that streamline development and accelerate time to market.
The Wi-Fi solutions offered by the company are made to accommodate different application requirements and developer proficiency levels. The options include robust Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) with industrial-level functionality and regulatory-certified modules in many countries that require minimal programming and no knowledge of radio frequencies (RF).
Among Microchip’s Wi-Fi Offerings Are:
- Wi-Fi MCUs: all-in-one solution designed to combine the functionality of an MCU with reliable wireless connectivity
- Link Controllers: an SDIO interface enables the addition of Wi-Fi to Linux® MPUs
- Network Controllers: an SPI interface allows the addition of wireless connectivity to an MCU
- Plug-and-Play Modules: simplify wireless-to-cloud connectivity by sending simple text commands from an MCU over a UART interface
Building on Microchip’s proven 32-bit MCU series, the newest PIC32MZ-W1 Wi-Fi MCUs offer outstanding flexibility with cutting-edge analog peripherals like CAN, Ethernet, capacitive touch, and ADC. The new devices also have some of the best General-Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) capabilities available.
Next-generation WILCS02 link controllers and WINCS02 network controllers are also part of the portfolio. The well-liked WINC and WILC solutions have been updated with better security features and better radio performance. To make the transition from old devices easier, the new wireless modules are pin-to-pin interoperable with earlier generations.
Additionally, Microchip has included new RNWF02 modules to its plug-and-play product line to streamline Wi-Fi to cloud communication. These modules use straightforward ASCII commands transmitted over a UART interface to link MCUs to a cloud platform.
Depending on the developer’s skill level, implementing secure connections—which are essential for Wi-Fi applications that send or receive data from the cloud—can be difficult. Microchip has included its Trust Platform into numerous Wi-Fi products to facilitate this procedure. To expedite the network authentication process, Trust&GO module types are pre-configured for safe authentication with well-known cloud services, such as AWS® and Azure®.
Millions of Microchip Wi-Fi products are already powering industrial applications around the world, offering seamless integration, enhanced security, robust connectivity and long-term performance and reliability throughout their lifecycle.
Demand for Wireless Connectivity in Commercial and Industrial Applications
With Industry 4.0, the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digitized manufacturing and the age of IoT everything, the demand for wireless connectivity in commercial and industrial applications is growing at an exceptional pace.
These applications typically require reliable connectivity that can withstand extreme environments that are exposed to high temperatures, background noise and obstructions.
To learn more, visit Microchip’s Embedded Wireless Connectivity Products web page.
Development Tools
Microchip’s Wi-Fi portfolio is supported by a comprehensive suite of development tools, application demos, evaluation boards and services. Additional services include free design checks to give developers the support they need to create high-quality products efficiently.
Pricing and Availability
For additional information or to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.
Key Comments
“For decades Microchip has been a respected MCU provider, and we’ve leveraged that background, along with our comprehensive support ecosystem, to build a portfolio of Wi-Fi products and services that is unmatched in the industry today,” said Rishi Vasuki, vice president of Microchip’s wireless solutions business unit. “Our experience allows us to provide developers with wireless solutions designed to support advanced applications such as precision sensing and motor control operating under harsh conditions.”
