German electronics manufacturer Würth Elektronik and Finnish software developer Wirepas have built radio modules that use the Wirepas Mesh IoT network protocol.

This technology can be used to create large IoT networks, for example of battery-powered sensors, in which each participant also functions as a router. The mesh is self-healing and scalable as required. As part of an early bird offer, Würth customers can receive the Proteus III and Thyone I hardware with firmware from Wirepas.

The design principles of the software stack from Wirepas were geared from the beginning to the requirements of the industry with regards to reliability, scalability and longevity of devices in battery operation. Würth provides compact and energy-saving radio modules in the 2.4GHz band.

“This will make us a one-stop shop for companies willing to develop IoT for remote monitoring and remote control of devices based on the extremely flexible and scalable Wirepas technology,” said Luca Settembre, product manager at Würth Elektronik. “There are a lot of interested parties and developers who are urgently waiting for Wirepas radio modules available in smaller numbers. We have decided to be very flexible and offer a solution before the official start.”

With immediate effect, Würth customers can receive their first radio module with Wirepas basic firmware. Würth offers standard hardware in which the Wirepas firmware can be customised. This means an intelligent mesh network can be implemented within a short time.

The hardware is based on the Nordic nRF52840 chipset, which is used in Würth’s Proteus-III Bluetooth LE 5.1 module and the Thyone-I 2.4GHz radio module. From early next year, a standard radio module, as with all products at Würth Elektronik, will be available from stock without a minimum order quantity.

Wirepas is an IoT connectivity company focused on massive scale, low-power IoT networks. Together with its ecosystem it boosts efficiency through asset tracking, smart logistics, smart lighting and diverse smart meters. IoT connectivity software Wirepas Mesh allows an unlimited number of devices, even battery-powered, to create a network. This mesh network can be sparse or extremely dense, with up to a thousand devices in a cubic metre.

Würth makes electronic and electromechanical components for the electronics industry. It is one of the largest European manufacturers of passive components and is active in 50 countries. Production sites in Europe, Asia and North America supply customers worldwide.

The product range includes EMC components, inductors, transformers, RF components, varistors, capacitors, resistors, quartz crystals, oscillators, power modules, wireless power transfer, LEDs, sensors, connectors, power supply elements, switches, push-buttons, connection technology, fuse holders and products for wireless data transmission.

It is a technology partnership of the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler Formula E Team and supports the Formula Student racing series.

Würth Elektronik is part of the Würth Group. The company employs 7300 staff and generated sales of €822m in 2019.