GainSpan next-generation Wi-Fi module from Alpha Micro brings leading edge connectivity to more embedded devices

Module enables new IOT applications
Building on GainSpan’s existing ultra low power embedded Wi-Fi portfolio, the feature rich module enables new opportunities for Internet of Things (IoT) applications where 802.11b/g/n connectivity is a key requirement.

“For typical IoT applications, customers look to optimize cost of deployment, range and power consumption, and in these cases 802.11b is ideal. This is especially true in the case of GainSpan’s GS1011M module, where 802.11b has been optimized for IoT applications, while maintaining interoperability with existing access points”, said Maxine Hewitt, Marketing Director, Alpha Micro Components. “Some of our customers, however, are looking at IoT applications that require higher radio network throughput, and this is where the GS1500M is required.”

GS1500M features
The GS1500M preserves the software architecture, feature set and is pin to pin compatible with the GS1011M module that is currently in production. This allows designers to leverage all previous hardware and software development work, preserve existing investments and ensure a smooth migration to 802.11b/g/n. In addition, the GS1500M module also offers configurable antenna options—built-in or external antenna. The GS1500M module is single-sided and designed so that it can be easily soldered down on the customer application baseboard.

On top of 802.11b/g/n capability, the new GS1500M provides supports for peer-to-peer networking. The result: Wi-Fi devices are able to connect to one another without an access point, enabling easy transfer of content anytime, anywhere.

Since ease of provisioning a device onto the Wi-Fi network is crucial in Internet of Things, particularly for devices with no user control buttons or display screen, the GS1500M offers three other provisioning modes — Wi-Fi Protected Set-up (WPS), Web server based Ad hoc provisioning and Provisioning Access Point modes, in addition to a rich suite of features such as Wi-Fi Personal and Enterprise security.

The new module utilizes a highly integrated 802.11b/g/n WLAN radio with leading edge receiver sensitivity and best-in-class transmit power of 18dBm, enabling excellent range. The module will be fully certified for major worldwide regulatory regions. It is an ideal solution for organizations with limited or no Wi-Fi or RF expertise, as it not only eliminates RF design time but also reduces the burden of testing and global certification, allowing customers to focus on their core product and application.

The GS1500M module’s highly integrated architecture allows for effective and dynamic power management. The module features extensive low power modes – with both a Sleep and Deep Sleep option. The module can be rapidly put to sleep to reduce power consumption without loss of data; the system can recover from the Deep Sleep state back to full operation in a few milliseconds.

Like all GainSpan embedded Wi-Fi solutions available from Alpha Micro, the GS1500M offers easy system integration and minimal use of host resources. It provides serial UART or SPI interfaces, making it possible to connect to any device using an 8/16/32-bit microcontroller via a few AT commands. Multiple firmware configurations of the embedded networking software stack are available on the module: For applications using a small 8-bit microcontroller host, the module supports a serial to Wi-Fi function, with the complete Wi-Fi and embedded (TCP/IP) networking software stacks running on the module, thereby completely offloading the host. For applications using a more powerful microcontroller host, the embedded networking software stack can reside on the host while the module provides all Wi-Fi functionality including security, WPS and provisioning features.

GainSpan’s offerings from Alpha Micro include an extensive suite of solutions including Wi-Fi chips, modules, evaluation and development kits. With GainSpan low-power embedded Wi-Fi solutions, customers across a variety of industries can now develop a whole new class of Internet-connected products.