For developers of secure IIoT systems, Microchip's highly integrated WFI32E01PC is a Wi-Fi microcontroller module for the Trust&GO secure platform that is cloud-ready. The WFI32E01PC meets Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) specifications and is fully certified by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), IC (Industry Canada), and RED (European Radio Equipment Directive). The Microchip Trust&GO platform, which incorporates the WFI32E01PC, streamlines the network authentication process using Trust Element Technology, which is pre-configured and cloud-ready.
Unlike existing devices, Microchip's new technology incorporates a top-tier PIC32 microcontroller core, powerful peripherals, and a proven hardware security platform that not only provides Wi-Fi but also serves as a powerful microcontroller core for the entire IIoT system.
“With the increasing number of attacks, traditional software data encryption is no longer sufficient to protect transmitted data. Devices need a verifiable, trusted, hardware-encoded identity for a secure connection to the cloud,” said Steve Caldwell, vice president of Microchip’s wireless solutions business unit. “This is the first secure, Wi-Fi-ready microcontroller module to be sold directly from the factory or through the distribution channel.”.
Unlike module-based designs, discrete designs can present challenges due to the need to develop drivers and circuitry for multiple chips, especially when they come from different suppliers. System-level support from suppliers is often difficult to obtain, as their expertise is limited to the products they manufacture. Embedded system designers need a solution based on a highly integrated module that provides the functionality of an industrial-grade microcontroller, robust Wi-Fi connectivity, and hardware security and authentication.
The WFI32E01PC offers these capabilities and more in a comprehensive module that enhances RF power and achieves a higher level of security.
In addition to industrial applications, the WFI32E01PC is designed for home automation, computing, and consumer devices.
As a provider of all types of solutions such as systems, Microchip offers a broad catalog that simplifies IoT and IIoT systems by pairing the WFI32E01PC module with other Microchip components, such as the KSZ8081 Ethernet physical layer (PHY) family, the CAN transceiver family, sensors, and MCP2542WFD radio technologies for Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), Long Range (LoRa®), and IEEE® 802.15.4.
Development Tools:
The WFI32E01PC is supported by Microchip's PIC32MZW1 Curiosity Board. Microchip offers several software and hardware support options. Software support includes the MPLAB® X IDE integrated development environment and the MPLAB Harmony v3 embedded software development environment. Support tools include the built-in debugger and in-circuit serial programmer for MPLAB Snap, MPLAB PICkit™ 4, or external MPLAB ICD 4 programmers/debuggers.
Pricing and Availability:
The WFI32E01PC-I device (54-pin SMD, 24.5 x 20.5 x 2.5 mm) is now in mass production and has a starting price of $8.14 for orders of 10,000 units. The module is also available with an external antenna and without the Trust&GO security feature. For more information, contact a Microchip sales representative or an authorized distributor, or visit the Microchip website. To purchase the products mentioned, visit our shopping portal or contact an authorized Microchip distributor.
