Texas-based Silicon Labs has announced the SiWx917Y low-power Wifi 6 and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) 5.4 modules.

As an extension of its Series Two platform (www.silabs.com/wireless/gecko-series-2), these modules are designed to help device makers streamline the complex development and certification process for Wifi 6 devices. They deliver power efficiency while providing wireless connectivity, security and a full-featured application processor.

Pre-certified for global regulatory standards and equipped with an optimised antenna, the modules eliminate the need for lengthy RF optimisation and certifications.

“Wifi for IoT has evolved significantly, creating exciting opportunities for innovation,” said Irvind Ghai, vice president at Silicon Labs (www.silabs.com). “To help end device makers accelerate their full potential, we developed the SiWx917Y Wifi 6 modules. These pre-certified modules offer a streamlined option, enabling manufacturers to easily integrate cutting-edge connectivity into their devices and focus on actual differentiation while reducing development costs.”

The modules are for low-power wifi applications across industries, including smart homes, building automation, healthcare devices, industrial sensors and asset tracking.

The modules integrate Wifi 6, Bluetooth LE 5.4 and Arm Cortex-M4 application processor, a wireless network processor, large memory, and a set of peripherals in a 16 by 21 by 2.3mm package.

Features include low-power Wifi 6 connectivity with intelligent power management, dual-core architecture with dedicated application and wireless processors, support for Matter protocol over wifi, integrated antenna, RF pin and worldwide RF certifications, and multiple configurations for design flexibility.

The intelligent power management enables connected sleep mode with as low as 20μA current with target wake time and 60s keep-alive interval. This allows IoT devices such as smart locks, thermostats, smart cameras, video doorbells and industrial sensors to achieve multi-year battery life. The integrated Cortex-M4 processor, large memory, and peripherals also enable edge processing capabilities.

The module (www.silabs.com/wireless/wi-fi/siwx917y-wireless-modules) supports two operational modes: SiWG917Y for SoC (wireless MCU) mode so users can execute all application code in the Cortex-M4 core, and SiWN917Y for NCP (network co-processor) mode so users can execute their application on a separate MCU while the wifi module manages communication functions.

The explosive growth of IoT devices is driving the need for more efficient and secure wifi options. With wifi-enabled low-power IoT applications increasing by up to one billion units annually, device makers face the challenge of integrating robust connectivity while addressing concerns about energy efficiency, security and ease of development.

The modules are now generally available for purchase.