Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT


Wireless MCUs for battery-operated IoT devices

21 February 2018 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Redpine Signals launched what it claimed as the industry’s lowest-power multi-protocol wireless MCU (WiSeMCU) solution – RS14100 – for battery-operated IoT devices. The company also launched the RS9116, which features multi-protocol wireless connectivity and is available in both hosted (n-Link) and embedded (WiSeConnect) configurations.

The devices implement multi-protocol wireless connectivity with dual-band (2,4/5 GHz) 802.11abgn Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 (including long range, high throughput and advertising extensions) and 802.15.4 which can be used for Thread or ZigBee connectivity. The RS14100 features an ARM Cortex-M4F which can operate at up to 180 MHz and includes up to 4 MB of Flash for applications.

Users can choose from various SoC and module packages based on their system requirements, including a tiny integrated module measuring 4,6 x 7,8 mm. The WiSeConnect embedded modules provide throughput of over 90 Mbps with integrated wireless stacks, wireless profiles and networking stack. n-Link hosted modules interface to processors running Linux, Android or Windows operating systems.

The RS14100 and the RS9116 feature a patent-pending ‘big-little’ architecture at every level including MCU, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 and 802.15.4, providing optimised transitions between high-performance and low-power operating modes. This unique architecture enables Wi-Fi standby associated power of less than 50 µA, an ARM Cortex-M4F that can provide as low as 15 μA/MHz operation, and integrated Bluetooth 5 which has lower power than even standalone Bluetooth 5 devices. These capabilities are well suited for battery-operated devices such as security cameras, smart locks, video doorbells, fitness bands, industrial sensors and location tags.

The R14100 is based on a secure-zone architecture with the security processor separated from the applications processor, PUF (physically unclonable function) based root-of-trust, suite-B crypto hardware accelerators, secure boot, secure firmware upgrade, secure XIP and secure peripherals. It provides high security levels required for applications such as mobile point-of-sale terminals, smart locks, medical devices and secure voice-based ordering. The RS9116 also provides a subset of these security features relevant for providing wireless connectivity.

The RS14100 includes an ‘always-on’ sensor hub with hardware accelerators for voice-activity detection (VAD), vector filtering, interpolation and matrix multiplication, sensor data collection and capacitive touch. This enables applications such as voice triggers for primary battery-operated devices. The RS14100 also supports a rich set of digital and analog peripherals including CAN, Ethernet, eMMC/SD card, op-amp, ADC, DAC and USB OTG.

The RS14100 and the RS9116 SoC and modules are sampling now with volume production starting in Q2 2018.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Sigfox SA powers smart connectivity
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Sigfox South Africa is carving out a unique role, delivering low-power, wide-area network connectivity designed specifically for Internet of Things applications.

Read more...
Modern LTE connectivity for IoT
Otto Wireless Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed to meet the evolving requirements of industrial and commercial applications, the SIMCom A7681E LTE Cat-1bis module combines simplified hardware architecture with long lifecycle support in a compact package.

Read more...
Seeing through the noise
RF Design Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
How Adaptive Long Coherent Integration (ALCI) delivers superior measurement and positioning performance where conventional receivers fall short.

Read more...
Optical Ethernet connectivity for rugged environments
Hiconnex Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The rugged Stratos T2 Series media converter maintains high data throughput and durability in mission-critical applications in security, tactical, and military communications.

Read more...
Next-gen SPE
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Next-generation 100/1000BASE-T1 Single Pair Ethernet PHYs integrate MACsec security, time sensitive networking, and functional safety.

Read more...
LTE migration for legacy devices
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel’s EG800Q-GL offers a low-cost upgrade path from 2G communication for legacy M2M devices and payment terminals.

Read more...
Contactless IO-Link without wear
IOT Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Phoenix Contact’s IO-Link couplers transmit up to 18 W of power and IO-Link data at speeds of up to 230,4 kbps across an air gap.

Read more...
High-power RF amplifier design best practices
RFiber Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
By focusing on practical design considerations and planning for real-world conditions, engineers can build amplifiers that perform consistently and remain reliable over time.

Read more...
Bluetooth Classic and LE Audio module
RF Design Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Refresh legacy Bluetooth designs and unlock Bluetooth Core 6.0 LE Audio in one rugged, ready to implement module.

Read more...
HackRF Pro targets advanced RF
IOT Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The SDR can operate across an extensive frequency range from 100 kHz to 6 GHz, making it suitable for a broad range of applications, including wireless testing, signal analysis, and emerging communications technologies.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved