Wi-Fi I/O Module A First For Embedded Systems

Announced as an industry first for embedded systems, the ZG2100M Wi-Fi I/O module provides Wi-Fi connectivity for nearly any electronic device. Reportedly, the single-chip module easily integrates into the many MCU-based systems with limited processing power, few memory resources, and minimal or no operating systems. It employs the company’s ZG2100 Wi-Fi transceiver supporting data rates up to 2 Mb/s. The chip integrates a MAC, power amplifier, baseband, and hardware acceleration for supporting WEP, WPA, and WPA2. The ZG2100M module is in the process of receiving certification from the FCC, ETSI, plus Japanese and Canadian regulatory bodies across a variety of antenna configurations. Another component of the Wi-Fi I/O, Easy-Fi software, includes a ported driver with a footprint that uses as little as a few hundred bytes of RAM from a host MCU and less than 10 KB of ROM. The driver includes a comprehensive suite of commands that allow it to run in small or no-operating-system arrangements. Price for the ZG2100M module $16 each/10,000. ZEROG WIRELESS INC., Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 738-7600.