Microchip Technology has introduced 20 new Wi-Fi products designed to meet the increasing demand for wireless connectivity in industrial and commercial applications.
Microchip Technology has expanded their Wi-Fi portfolio by including high-performance microcontrollers (MCUs), network and link controllers, and plug-and-play modules to enhance connectivity in challenging conditions such as high temperatures and obstructions. With the rise of Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IoT, reliable wireless connectivity is crucial, especially in extreme environments. These solutions are ideal for developers working in sectors like manufacturing, energy, transportation, and automation, where robust, long-term performance is essential.
These Wi-Fi solutions are tailored to various application needs and developer skill levels. The lineup includes modules that require no Radio Frequency (RF) expertise and minimal programming effort, as well as Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) that offer industrial-level features. This range simplifies wireless-to-cloud integration, reduces development time, and meets the requirements of advanced commercial and industrial systems.
Company portfolio now comprises Wi-Fi MCUs, which combine the functionality of an MCU with reliable wireless connectivity. Link controllers with an SDIO interface enable the addition of Wi-Fi to Linux-based systems, while network controllers with an SPI interface allow for wireless connectivity to be added to an MCU. Their plug-and-play modules make cloud connectivity straightforward by using simple text commands over a UART interface.
Rishi Vasuki, Vice President of Wireless Solutions, Microchip Technology, emphasized the company’s long standing expertise: “For decades, Microchip has been a respected MCU provider, and we’ve leveraged that background, along with our comprehensive support ecosystem, to build a portfolio of Wi-Fi products and services that is unmatched in the industry today.”
Among the new products are the PIC32MZ-W1 Wi-Fi MCUs, which build on the company’s trusted 32-bit MCU line. These devices include advanced analog peripherals, such as CAN, Ethernet, and capacitive touch, as well as high General-Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) capabilities. Other notable additions include updated WINCS02 network controllers and WILCS02 link controllers, offering enhanced security and improved radio performance.
The RNWF02 modules further expand the plug-and-play product line, streamlining cloud connectivity with simple ASCII commands. To enhance security, many Wi-Fi products now integrate their Trust Platform, including Trust&GO modules pre-provisioned for secure authentication with popular cloud services like AWS and Azure.
These new products strengthen wireless solutions, ensuring robust, secure, and reliable connectivity in industrial applications worldwide.