Wi-Fi 6-Compatible ICs Make Fast, Reliable Connections for IoT

More users are adopting Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standards because of their higher speed than previous Wi-Fi protocols. To meet these requirements, Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced a SimpleLink™ family of Wi-Fi 6 companion integrated circuits (ICs) to help designers implement secure and efficient Wi-Fi connections for applications that operate in high-density or high-temperature environments up to 105ºC.

The first products in TI’s new CC33xx family include devices for Wi-Fi 6 only or for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3 connectivity in a single IC. When attached to a microcontroller (MCU) or processor, the CC33xx devices enable a secure Internet of Things (IoT) connection with reliable radio-frequency (RF) performance in broad industrial markets such as grid infrastructure, medical and building automation.

The Wi-Fi 6 companion devices feature orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technology and basic service set (BSS) coloring to deliver fast and consistent network performance and connect more devices simultaneously, without interference from congestion. The Wi-Fi devices also support Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security features, including the latest WPA3 cryptographic technologies for personal and enterprise networks and a secure boot feature with firmware authentication.

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Flexibility to Attach MCUs, Processors

Both the SimpleLink CC3300 and CC3301 Wi-Fi 6 companion ICs easily attach to TI and many other companies’ MCUs and processors that support Linux® or real-time operating systems (RTOS). For example, CC33xx products easily attach to artificial intelligence (AI)-capable processors like TI’s AM62A Arm® Cortex®-based vision processors. The parts can also link host MCUs to enable greater IoT flexibility with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE 5.3, Thread, Zigbee 3.0 and Matter protocols.

Potential applications for the devices include building automation, grid infrastructure, medical, appliances, personal electronics, and other industrial uses in retail and factories.

The SimpleLink CC3300 Wi-Fi 6 companion IC and CC3301 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3 companion IC s are available in a quad flat no-lead (QFN) package and start at US $1.60 each in 1,000-unit quantities. Volume production is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.  A BP-CC3301 evaluation board is available for purchase on TI.com for US $39. TI is also developing pin-to-pin compatible, dual-band 2.4- and 5-GHz Wi-Fi 6 devices that will be available as samples later this year.

For more information, see www.ti.com/cc33xx-pr.

Spencer Chin is a Senior Editor for Design News covering the electronics beat. He has many years of experience covering developments in components, semiconductors, subsystems, power, and other facets of electronics from both a business/supply-chain and technology perspective. He can be reached at [email protected].