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Privacy PolicyRobust and Secure Wi-Fi Modules and SoCs
Wi-Fi is one of the most widely used connectivity protocols making it a good choice for IoT applications that need to transfer data to the cloud. Because Wi-Fi has been so widely adopted, the use cases and requirements are almost endless. To meet our customer’s diverse needs, we maintain a broad portfolio of Wi-Fi products that include:
- Plug-and-play modules that offer optimal Radio Frequency (RF) performance and are controlled with simple text commands
- Programmable modules that remove the need for RF expertise but allow for software customization
- SoCs with robust performance that give you total control over your software stack
Whether you're developing products for connected homes, smart cities or industrial automation, our Wi-Fi products are designed for seamless integration, enhanced security and robust connectivity.
Wi-Fi Product Portfolio
From plug-and-play modules to chip-down SoCs, our portfolio of Wi-Fi products ensures robust, reliable and safe connections in your embedded design. Not sure which is right for your project? Learn about the differences between Wi-Fi microcontrollers (MCUs) and network and link controllers.
Wi-Fi Microcontrollers (MCUs)
Our low-power MCUs offer robust performance and advanced security in a fully certified Wi-Fi module.
Wi-Fi Network Controllers
Add Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi/Bluetooth® connectivity to any MCU using minimal processor resources.
Wi-Fi Link Controllers
Our link controllers can easily add Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity to a Linux® MPU in your application.
Wi-Fi RF Front-End Components
It's easy to update your design with our portfolio of 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac RF front-end components.
Embedded Wi-Fi Product Selection Tool
Use our parametric search tool to explore our embedded Wi-Fi product portfolio and select the device that best meets your requirements.
Wi-Fi Made Easy
We’re always bringing you new ways to make wireless designs easier. Our efforts include plug-and-play modules that are controlled with simple text commands and a large ecosystem of resources and tools. Learn more about plug-and-play modules.
Robust Performance
Whether it’s noise, interference or temperature, our Wi-Fi products are built to thrive in all conditions. They are temperature tolerant and provide stable RF performance regardless of the conditions.
Interoperability
In our lab, we test our products for against hundreds of Access Points (APs), providing you with confidence that your product will work wherever it’s deployed. Learn more about interoperability.
Security
We continuously improve our firmware with additional features and functions while keeping your designs protected from the latest security threats. Learn more about Wi-Fi security.
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Privacy PolicyGetting Started
We Have All the Tools Needed to Jumpstart Your Project
Our comprehensive selection of tools and accessible support makes wireless product development easy. Our resources include:
- Modules, SoCs and other devices
- Development boards
- Detailed documentation
- Demo applications
- Design check service
- Technical support
- Development Tools
- Featured Demos
- Additional Resources
WFI32E Curiosity Development Board
This board is a full-featured development platform for evaluating the performance of WFI32 Wi-Fi MCU modules.
WFI32-IoT Development Board
With its compact size and low power consumption, the WFI32-IoT Development Board is well suited for prototyping battery-powered applications.
AVR-IoT WA Development Board
This board combines a powerful AVR® MCU, a secure element IC and an ATWINC1510 network controller to easily connect to Amazon Web Services (AWS).
PIC-IoT Development Boards
These boards combine a powerful PIC® MCU, a secure element IC and an ATWINC1510 network controller to easily connect to AWS or Azure®.
IoT Solutions for Industry 4.0
Manufacturing is changing; autonomous pick-and-place robots maximize productivity and give companies a competitive edge. Apply the concepts of Industry 4.0 and learn how to build a secure and reliable Wi-Fi sensor network that controls a robot.
PIC32MZ-W1 and WFI32 Workshop
Learn more about our Wi-Fi MCU family and its comprehensive support ecosystem. This workshop includes demos for sending sensor data to the cloud and adding voice control. It has everything you need (including step-by-step instructions) to develop a secure smart home application.
Wi-Fi Resource Library
Browse our library of resources to learn Wi-Fi fundamentals and how to implement them with MPLAB® Harmony.
Wi-Fi Demos and Example Code
Explore our growing library of application examples and documentation and videos available through GitHub.
Design Check Service
Our online design review is available at no charge to customers who have selected our wireless devices for their applications.
New to IoT Product Development?
Adding connectivity to an embedded product is complex, complicated and overwhelming at times. If you’re new to IoT product design, we suggest starting with the basics and learning the foundations of Internet communication.
In our Microchip University Course, “Design Considerations for Your First IoT Project,” we explore Wi-Fi, Ethernet, TCP/IP networking and analysis, messaging, provisioning, cloud models and security basics. This class is meant for someone who is comfortable setting up their home network but hasn’t explored what’s needed to build an IoT application.
Which Wi-Fi Product Type is Right for Your Project?
What is the difference between a Wi-Fi MCU, network controller and link controller? In short, they differ in functionality. To help you choose the right one, browse the tabs below to learn more about the benefits and applications for each.
- MCUs
- Network Controllers
- Link Controllers
Wi-Fi MCUs Provide Advanced Functionality
MCUs offer the most functionality by combining the capabilities of a microcontroller and a Wi-Fi module into a single integrated circuit. They provide the processing power and control capabilities necessary for managing and executing tasks, while also including Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Wi-Fi MCU chip is responsible for handling tasks such as data processing, storage and interacting with other peripherals, in addition to managing the Wi-Fi connection. It is commonly used in applications where a stand-alone device requires both processing capabilities and wireless connectivity, such as advanced IoT devices.
Wi-Fi Network Controllers Offer a Single-Chip Connectivity Solution
In terms of functionality, network controllers sit in the middle. Unlike MCUs, they do not support data processing or peripherals but do provide a single-chip solution for Wi-Fi connectivity and network management.
Because they handle networking functions like discovery, channel selection, data routing and security, they are a good option for connecting to SAM or PIC® MCU with minimal resource requirements. Network controllers are a good fit for applications where you already have an MCU and want to add Wi-Fi connectivity.
Wi-Fi Link Controllers Allow for Greater Customization
When compared to other Wi-Fi devices, link controllers are the simplest. They send and receive Wi-Fi signals but unlike network controllers, they do not have an on-board network stack. The network control functions are handled by an attached MCU or microprocessor (MPU).
Don’t be fooled by their simplicity—link controllers are often faster and cost less than network controllers and MCUs. They are the easiest and most cost-effective option for adding Wi-Fi to an advanced processor.
Our link controllers support RTOS and Linux® Operating System (OS), making them a good fit for industrial applications that are cost sensitive or require high data transfer speeds.
