Date: 21/03/2012

Wi-Fi SIP device from Qualcomm Atheros for M2M networking

Qualcomm Atheros has launched the AR4100P, 802.11n single-stream Wi-Fi system-in-package with integrated networking stack for implementing machine-to-machine (M2M) communications in the smart home, building and appliances channels. The AR4100P is an enhanced version of the FCC-certified AR4100 that includes an integrated IPv4/IPv6 TCP/IP stack.

The AR4100P is featured in Qualcomm Atheros's SP137 development kit, which is a reference design for low-power IP sensors. The development kit integrates Energy Micro's EFM32 Gecko low-energy Cortex-M3 microcontroller running the Micrium µC/OS-III operating system. With additional onboard sensors, the Wi-Fi kit supports deep sleep modes of 2uA, enabling operation from AA size batteries. The kit also includes expansion capabilities for additional sensors and can be easily ported to other microcontrollers or operating systems as required. The design flow for the kit is centered on the Embedded Workbench Integrated Development Environment from IAR Systems.

The Qualcomm Atheros AR4100P is part of a new software release that also includes significantly upgraded capabilities for the AR4100. The AR4100 is supported on the TWR-WIFI-AR4100 development kit available from Freescale via www.Freescale.com.

"The AR4100P is an exciting development for Qualcomm Atheros," said Adam Lapede, senior director of product management, Qualcomm Atheros. "This new system-in-package reinforces Qualcomm's continued investment and commitment to leadership in the Internet of Everything and machine-to-machine solutions industries. Through collaboration with our ecosystem partners, we have developed a solution that delivers outstanding performance for low-energy monitoring and control applications. The AR4100P system-in-package provides a unique set of capabilities that will help expand the growing ecosystem of connected devices."