Trust&GO Wi-Fi module is ready for cloud platforms
The single 32-bit microcontroller module from Microchip, the WFI32E01PC Trust&GO is pre-provisioned for market-leading cloud platforms.
It is the first Wi-Fi microcontroller module with Microchip’s Trust&GO-enabled unique, verifiable identity. It can be integrated into secure industrial IoT (IIoT) systems, as it complies to the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) specification and is fully certified with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Industry Canada (IC) and European Radio Equipment Directive (RED).
Microchip’s Trust&GO platform inside the WFI32E01PC streamlines the process of network authentication using secure element technology, which is pre-configured and pre-provisioned for cloud authentication.
The PIC32 MCU core, rich peripherals and proven hardware security platform enable it to provide Wi-Fi but also to serve as a powerful microcontroller (MCU) core for an entire IIoT system.
“With increasing attacks, traditional software data encryption is no longer sufficient to protect transmitted data. Devices need a hardcoded, verifiable, trustable identity to securely connect to the cloud,” said Steve Caldwell, vice president of Microchip’s wireless solutions business unit. “This is the first secure, pre-provisioned MCU with Wi-Fi that is shipped factory direct or through distribution.”
Advantages over discrete designs include no need to develop drivers and circuits for multiple chips, especially when the chips are from different vendors. It may also be difficult to receive system-level support from vendors as their expertise is only in products they produce, continues Microchip. Embedded designers need a highly integrated module solution providing industrial-grade MCU functionality, robust Wi-Fi connection and hardware security and authentication. The WFI32E01PC module is also claimed to improve RF power and provide a higher level of security.
In addition to industrial applications, the WFI32E01PC is designed for home automation devices, computing and consumer devices.
The WFI32E01PC module can be paired with Microchip’s KSZ8081 family of Ethernet PHYs, its MCP2542WFD family of CAN transceivers, sensors and radio technologies including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Long Range (LoRa) and IEEE 802.15.4. Microchip also provides ready-to-use software drivers and hardware reference designs, significantly reducing project risk and time-to-market.
For example, the WFI32E01PC is supported by the PIC32MZW1 Curiosity Board. Microchip offers several options for software and hardware support, including MPLAB X integrated development environment (IDE) and MPLAB Harmony v3 embedded software development framework. Supporting tools include the on-board debugger and in-circuit serial programming header for MPLAB Snap, MPLAB PICkit 4 or MPLAB ICD 4 external programmer/debuggers.
The WFI32E01PC-I 54-pin SMD device measures 24.5 x 20.5 x 2.5mm. It is available now in volume production. There are also module options with external antenna, and without Trust&GO security.
