Live Chat
Need Help?
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 your 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.
Plug-and-Play
These modules remove the barriers associated with wireless and reduce time to market.
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.
Wi-Fi Product Selection Tools
Take a deep dive into device specifications and compare products side by side using our product selection tools.
Wi-Fi Made Easy
When you choose one of our products, you get more than hardware. We also provide a comprehensive support including demos and design check services.
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.
Need Help?
Privacy PolicyGetting Started
We Have All the Tools Needed to Jumpstart Your Project
Our comprehensive selection of tools and accessible support makes Wi-Fi 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
Ethernet to Wi-Fi Bridge Board
- Pre-programmed with Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridging software
- 32 MB external SPI flash
WFI32 2.0 High Pin Count Curiosity Development Board
- System-level prototyping
- 60 GPIO
- 2 MB flash and 640 KB RAM
RNWF11 UART-to-Cloud Add-on Board
Connect to the cloud, send commands to any MCU and control GPIO, PWM and ADC using simple ASCII commands.
RNWF02 UART-to-Cloud Add-on Board
Connect to the cloud and send commands to any MCU using simple ASCII commands.
WINCS02 Network Controller Add-on Board
Add Wi-Fi to your host board and connect to the cloud through an SPI-to-Wi-Fi interface.
WILCS02 Link Controller SD Board
Connect to the cloud on a host MPU running Linux® though a SDIO interface.
Plug-and-Play to Azure IoT Central
Create a secure connection to the Azure IoT Central platform in minutes using our plug-and-play Wi-Fi controller and Python script. This demo shows just how easy it can be to create a cloud connection using our plug-and-play products.
AIoT 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.
Wi-Fi Bridging Solutions
Bridging allows you to add Wi-Fi to your host machine without needing software or drivers. Explore our Wi-Fi bridging solutions, which include Wi-Fi MCUs with robust connectivity and support for multiple communication protocols, turn-key application examples, and the tools you need to get your prototype up and running.
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.
Connect to the Cloud Using Matter Over Wi-Fi
Matter is an exciting smart-home standard. But if you're hesitant to learn another technology, we have a simple demo to help you.
In our IoT Made Easy Matter Over Wi-Fi demo, we walk you through building an application that controls a LED light via a smart phone. The demo also covers setting up:
- Voice control using Google Assistant
- A cloud connection via the Google Home app
- Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) for commissioning
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
- Plug-and-Play
- 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 Plug-and-Play Modules Are the Easiest Way to Connect to the Cloud
Because they include a built-in network stack, plug-and-play modules function like network controllers with one major difference: plug-and-play Wi-Fi modules allow the device to send simple text (ASCII) commands to any MCU over UART.
As the name implies, plug-and-play devices require little to no wireless expertise or user setup. These easy-to-use modules eliminate the need for complex code, RF design, and antenna optimization and shorten the regulatory certification process. In short, they are the easiest way to add Wi-Fi to your design and create a secure cloud connection.
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.
