WiFi module delivers a secure plug & play IoT solution
A fully integrated FCC-certified WiFi module with a standalone MCU and hardware security from a single source, which is claimed to be an industry first, has been released by Atmel. Alongside the company’s SMART SAM D21 ARM Cortex M0+-based MCU and ATECC108A optimised CryptoAuthentication engine, the SmartConnect SAM W25 module features Atmel’s recently announced 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n WiFi WINC1500.
With billions of IoT devices predicted by 2020, designers are demanding more flexible, cost-optimised modules that provide a complete end-point solution from a single vendor. The fully integrated SAM W25 delivers a secure plug & play solution integrating wireless technologies with the design flexibility required for IoT designers.
The billions of devices in edge node IoT applications will be powered by an embedded processing unit such as an MCU, and connected through a secure wireless signal. As more embedded developers start designing IoT applications for smart, secure connected devices, the need for solutions that integrate both an MCU, hardware security and pre-certified wireless connectivity into one box will become critical. Atmel’s FCC-, Telec-, IC- and CE-certified SAM W25 is a standalone solution that gives designers a fully integrated platform with a low-power MCU, hardware security and FCC-certified wireless connectivity from a single source. The small packaged module is cost-optimised to lower the overall BOM for battery-operated applications ranging from remotes to home automation devices.
“IoT will impact nearly everyone’s lives ranging from their garage to their lighting systems, door locks, thermostats, fitness monitors, medical devices and more,” said Kaivan Karimi, Vice President and General Manager of wireless MCUs, Atmel. “Every one of these IoT devices will require an integrated edge node solution that delivers an MCU and secure wireless connectivity. Atmel’s SAM W25 delivers just that - a fully integrated secure wireless MCU module with over-the-air upgrade functionality that simplifies the complexities of wireless and security, and gives our customers time-to-market advantage. Atmel is committed to making it easier for IoT designers to bring their latest products to market with fully integrated modules that are out-of-the-box ready to use, so developers can focus on developing features that will enhance the consumer experience.”
The SAM W25 modules will be available in December 2014. To help accelerate design development, Atmel offers a SAM W25 integrated module on an Xplained starter kit platform which will also be available in December 2014.