Silicon Labs plug-and-play modular solutions simplify Wi-Fi connectivity

     Silicon Labs has introduced plug-and-play Wi-Fi module solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) applications that address critical needs for superior RF performance, small size, easy application development and fast time to market. Silicon Labs' fully integrated Wizard Gecko WGM110 module solution includes all the necessary elements for reliable IoT Wi-Fi connectivity: High performance 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n radio, built-in antenna, global certification, energy efficient EFM32™ Gecko microcontroller (MCU), embedded Wi-Fi protocol stack and multiple Internet protocols including TCP and UDP with TLS security.

     The WGM110 module is the ideal solution for adding Wi-Fi capabilities to a wide range of devices, such as industrial /M2M systems, wireless sensors, remote controls, thermostats, connected home products, automotive infotainment systems, point-of-sale devices, fitness and medical devices, and more. As the most widely used wireless protocol in the IoT space, Wi-Fi is widely supported by laptops, phones, tablets, and countless connectable "things," making it ideal for transferring data or controlling IoT devices in a device-to-cloud or device-to-device connection without the need for complex network infrastructure or dedicated hubs.

     By integrating 802.11 RF, antenna, MCU, and Wi-Fi protocol stacks into a pre-certified solution, the WGM110 module helps developers reduce development risk and costs, significantly accelerating time to market. No RF or antenna design experience is required to design Wi-Fi functionality to a connected device, and no RF test equipment or RF commissioning process is required to complete production. The WGM110 module meets key RF certifications worldwide, including CE, FCC, IC and other regional certifications. The Wi-Fi and TCP/IP stacks provide all the necessary secure connectivity features and apis, while Silicon Labs continuously updates the latest Wi-Fi system test stacks to ensure interoperability.

     The WGM110 module can be used as a Wi-Fi client or Wi-Fi hotspot, which makes turning on the device as easy as surfing the Internet. The module includes the Silicon Labs BGScript™ scripting language, which is able to develop and primarily execute end applications independent of external MCUS, and it can also run in network coprocessor mode, reducing the complexity of TCP/IP networks and giving the host controller more time to process application tasks. The module also provides a highly flexible hardware interface that simplifies the connection to peripherals and sensors.

     Daniel Cooley, vice president of IoT product marketing at Silicon Labs, said: "The Wizard Gecko WGM110 module gives developers the fastest path to supporting iot access. "Our highly integrated, pre-certified module solutions, combined with reliable RF performance, minimal size, and best-in-class development tools, allow developers to focus more on end-application development than on protocol issues, expensive RF certification, and generation testing."