Redpine Signals Wireless Modules

 We talked with Venkat Mattela from Redpine Signals about their new WiFi module. The company has been developing various wireless components and systems for over 10 years and now is offering a self-contained WiFi module.

Figure 1 – WiSeConnect Block Diagram

This self-contained device is targeting the Internet of things through low-power design, and embedded host processor and security features. The unit operates over the 802.11n protocol and requires no external components for operation with internal 2.4 GHz RF with PA, chip antenna, crystal oscillator, and frequency reference. Designers can select either an internal or external antenna, or can opt for antenna diversity and access multiple antennae. Alternative configurations include single-band 2.4 GHz and dual-band 2.4/5 GHz operations.

The module has a zero host architecture and includes integrated software tcp/ip and wlan stacks. The integrated hardware and software are designed to minimize host processing workload and provide a platform for secure, wireless connections. The module is set up for regulatory certification, which allows OEMs to add wireless connectivity to almost any product with minimal need for RF and certification domain expertise.

The 35 x 22 mm module interfaces to host systems through spi, uart, usb and 10/100 Ethernet, and requires a single 3.3V supply. The complete embedded SEP 2.0 stack enables utilities and consumers to connect to the in-home wireless appliances, such as smart thermostat, in-home display, smart meter, and smart appliance function sets. The module can act as an embedded station or access point in client and access point modes.

Security protocols are included and the module is fully compatible with any other WiSeConnect single stream 802.11 b/g/n modules. The modules include features like WiFi Direct and Enterprise security, requirements for machine-to-machine connectivity.
The module can use various enterprise security standards like EAP-TLS, EAP_TTLS, EAP-FAST, PEAP-MS-CHAP_V2, WPA/WPA-2, WEP, and TKIP modes of security.

Foreseeable applications for the module are in connecting peripherals such as printers or projectors to computing devices, and giving stand-alone machines the ability to connect to their controlling systems. This Internet of things will allow stand-alone machines to interact with each other and with other systems that are within range. The overall network architecture for this cloud of devices allows the automatic assimilation of new nodes to the network, enabling self-configuring systems. The module is accompanied by reference software running on the host system with examples that illustrate the simple-to-use wireless API. Evaluation boards are available now.

Figure 2 – RedPine WiSE Connect Module