Microchip announces certified embedded Wi-Fi transceiver modules with easier API interface to PIC MCUs

CHANDLER, USA: Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, has announced its next-generation, agency-certified MRF24WB0MA/MB embedded Wi-Fi transceiver modules from the Embedded Systems Conference in Chicago.

The IEEE 802.11 module firmware has an easy-to-use API driver interface to Microchip’s free TCP/IP Protocol stack and 8-, 16- or 32-bit PIC microcontrollers.

Embedded designers are increasingly leveraging the ubiquitous Wi-Fi infrastructure to enable wireless communication in a broad range of remote monitoring and control, and machine-to-machine applications, such as smart-energy monitors. Microchip’s low-power MRF24WB0MA/MB embedded Wi-Fi modules enable the “Internet of Things” by removing the complexity and cost of developing RF circuitry and obtaining agency certification.

Additionally, Microchip has improved its free TCP/IP stack, and offers free EZconfig and ZeroConfig utility protocols, to make commissioning and configuring Wi-Fi networks easy.

“Wi-Fi is quickly becoming the preferred standard for adding remote Internet access to embedded products,” said Steve Caldwell, director of Microchip’s RF Products Division. “The combination of our next-generation Wi-Fi transceiver module and TCP/IP stack provides an industry-leading platform for designers to Wi-Fi enable their monitoring and control products.”

Development tools
Microchip created the MRF24WB0MA PICtail/PICtail Plus Daughter Board (part # AC164136-4, $59.99) to enable development with the new Wi-Fi module.

This daughter board plugs into the Explorer 16 and PICDEM.net 2 boards to allow easy, modular development with hundreds of 8-bit PIC18, 16-bit PIC24 and 32-bit PIC32 MCUs, as well as the dsPIC DSCs. All of these tools are available today.

The MRF24WB0MA/MB embedded Wi-Fi modules are available today, for $29.40 in single-unit quantities, via any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or at Microchip’s e-commerce Web site.