California-based Silex Technology used technology from Australian firm Morse Micro to develop an industrial-grade Wifi HaLow module for IoT applications.

The SX-SDMAH module combines the features of Silex’s wireless modules, known for their small size, extended temperature and longevity, with Morse Micro’s MM6108 Wifi HaLow system-on-chip (SoC), which increases wireless range, coverage area and power efficiency for IoT devices.

This partnership capitalises on Silex’s legacy of more than 40 years in hardware and software connectivity and Morse Micro’s role in developing wifi-certified HaLow products. Silex also offers turnkey services and support to make Wifi HaLow integration fast and seamless.

The module is designed to improve connectivity performance, with extended range (more than 3km), low power consumption and compatibility with IoT applications from smart homes to industrial automation. Target applications include Wifi HaLow access points, gateways, Ethernet wireless bridges, wifi extenders, IP cameras, 3D scanners, GNSS receivers, vehicle telemetry devices and high-end sensors.

“We’re proud to partner with Morse Micro to deliver next-generation Wifi HaLow modules that will enable wifi-certified HaLow products for the growing global demand for long-range, low-power IoT connectivity,” said Satoru Kumashiro, senior product manager at Silex Technology. “Morse Micro is advancing the Wifi HaLow market with best-in-class SoCs that can extend the wireless connectivity of IoT devices to 3km, well beyond the reach of conventional wifi.”

Phillip Kumin, senior vice president at Morse Micro, added: “Silex is a pacesetter in wireless modules for the expanding IoT ecosystem, and we are delighted to partner with them in developing the new SX-SDMAH module. Our collaboration will accelerate time to market and simplify the development process for a wide range of IoT products based on the Wifi HaLow IEEE 802.11ah standard. Together, we’re building momentum for Wifi HaLow as the long-range protocol for IoT connectivity.”

Module features include sub-GHz 802.11ah Wifi HaLow radio module operating in the 902 to 928MHz bands for the USA and Canada, with better penetration of physical barriers. It has 1, 2, 4 and 8MHz channel bandwidth support and up to 32.5Mbit/s phy bit rate. Transmission power is +24dBm. There is an SDIO/SPI interface for Linux OS and SPI for FreeRTOS. Security features include WPA3 and Wifi Enhanced Open.

The surface mount module measures 17 by 18 by 2.65mm with integrated MHF-1 antenna connector. It works from -40 to +85˚C.

Operating in the sub-GHz frequency band, the Wifi HaLow IEEE 802.11ah standard was designed for the IoT, combining extended range, power efficiency, long battery life for wireless devices, penetration of barriers, large network capacity, security and wifi compatibility. 

Silex Technology (www.silextechnology.com) provides reliable and secure wireless connectivity, backed by decades of wifi connectivity experience, subject-expert engineers and customer support capabilities.

Morse Micro (www.morsemicro.com) is a Wifi HaLow fabless semiconductor company based in Sydney, with global offices. It is sampling its Wifi Alliance and FCC-certifiable MM6108 production silicon, said to be the fastest, smallest, lowest power and longest-range Wifi HaLow chip available.