Wi-Fi network processor focuses on IoT
The CC3120 SimpleLink Wi-Fi network processor from Texas Instruments (TI) is now being shipped by Mouser Electronics. Part of TI's SimpleLink microcontroller platform, the CC3120 Wi-Fi Internet-on-a chip device is comprised of a wireless network processor and power management subsystems, featuring a dedicated ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller.
The device allows for optimal network flexibility and maximum connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for a multitude of microcontroller applications.
The Wi-Fi network processor allows designers to run Wi-Fi and Internet protocols implemented in the ROM, which in turn runs its dedicated on-chip ARM Cortex-M3 network processor to significantly offload the host microcontroller and simplify system integration.
The on-chip microcontroller helps to completely offload Wi-Fi and Internet protocols from the application microcontroller, handling all the details of Wi-Fi connectivity — including identity, data and code security — without requiring any host processor resources.
To simplify the integration and development of networking applications, the CC3120 is supplied with a slim and user-friendly host driver that can be easily ported to most platforms and operating systems.
This flexibility essentially enables a designer to connect to just about any microcontroller to the IoT cloud using the CC3120.
The CC3120 is supported by TI's SimpleLink Developers Ecosystem, which enables designers to reuse code and add any combination of the portfolio's devices into their design using a common development environment, core software development kit (SDK), and rich tool set.
For development, Mouser is also stocking three development tools: the CC3120 BoosterPack Plug-in-Module, the CC31XXEMUBOOST Advanced Emulation BoosterPack, and CC3220SF LaunchPad Development Kit.
Target IoT applications for the CC3120 include cloud connectivity, Internet gateways, home and building automation, appliances, access control, security systems, smart energy, industrial control, smart plug and metering, wireless audio, IP network sensor nodes, asset tracking and medical devices.