To help manufacturers easily add Wi-Fi® and dual-mode Bluetooth® to embedded applications, Texas Instruments has introduced the WiLink™ 8 combo connectivity modules, which support Wi-Fi in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. The new highly-integrated module family offers high throughput and extended industrial temperature range with robust Wi-Fi + Bluetooth coexistence. WiLink 8 modules are perfect for power-optimized designs for home and building automation, smart energy, gateways, wireless audio, enterprise, wearables and many more industrial and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The WiLink 8 modules and software are compatible and pre-integrated with many processors including TI's Sitara™ processors. The WiLink 8 family requires less hardware and RF design experience, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth software stacks and sample applications are provided, and the modules are FCC/IC/ETSI certified. For more information, visit www.ti.com/wilink.
These modules will reduce the development time and shorten the time to market for many IOT products. By offering 2.4 and 5 GHz versions that are pin-to-pin compatible, the WiLink 8 family provides a scalable and flexible portfolio. With integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the WiLink 8 modules enable new use cases and better user experiences including:
- Extended temperature range of -40C to 85C required for industrial applications
- New 5 GHz modules which enable customers to build high performance solutions by taking advantage of the less noisy frequency band
- Smart energy and home gateways, which offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ZigBee® coexistence, can manage multiple devices through Wi-Fi multi-channel multi-role (MCMR) capabilities
- 1.4x the range and up to 100 Mbps throughput with TI's WiLink 8 MRC (maximal ratio combining) and MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) technology
- Optimization for low power applications with low idle connect current consumption
- Audio streaming for home entertainment applications with both Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth/Bluetooth low energy
The WiLink 8 modules complement several TI platforms to deliver system solutions for manufacturers including WiLink 8 module-based evaluation boards (2.4 GHz-WL1835MODCOM8 and 5 GHz -WL1837MODCOM8) that are compatible with the AM335x EVM and AM437x EVM. Additionally, the WiLink 8 modules, which offer Bluetooth and Bluetooth low energy dual-mode technology, are compatible with TI's Bluetooth portfolio that allows developers to create a complete end-to-end application.
Pricing and availability
The WiLink 8 evaluation boards (WL1835MODCOM8 and WL1837MODCOM8) are also available now on the TI eStore for $39.79 and through TI authorized distributors.
WiLink 8 modules are part of TI's free sample program.
WiLink 8 modules production units will be available in Q1 2015 through TI authorized distributors starting at $9.99 in 1,000 unit volumes.
Visit the TI website at www.ti.com/wilink to learn more.
