Wi-Fi technology is extending beyond traditional boundaries, reaching into various aspects of daily life, from consumer electronics to medical devices and industrial control, and continuously evolving towards the Internet of Things (IoT). This means that engineers developing embedded electronic devices are increasingly required to achieve interoperability with other products that use Wi-Fi during design. These designs must meet at least one of the IEEE 802.11 standards, requiring manual testing schemes. Additionally, many factors must be considered, especially for engineers unfamiliar with RF product integration, making it difficult to know where to start.
In this article, we will first introduce some basic knowledge of WLAN integration and 802.11, discuss typical applications, and then examine certain parameter filtering criteria when searching for modules (i.e., key considerations), trade-offs for modules, and whether an RF engineer is needed. Choosing a Wi-Fi module is one of the eight major discussions in the larger conversation about adding Wi-Fi to designs. Selecting the appropriate module is an excellent entry point as it is crucial to the design.
Typical Applications Using Wi-Fi Modules
In this regard, Wi-Fi can be viewed as a means to achieve interoperability with other WLAN devices. WLAN refers to devices that meet one or more IEEE 802.11 standards and can be used in various scientific, industrial, commercial, and consumer applications, as shown in the diagram below. Many devices can use Wi-Fi, and these devices can connect to network resources through a wireless access point.
Devices using Wi-Fi modules are everywhere
Filtering Criteria When Searching for Modules
Module manufacturers typically categorize modules by parameters. Using the following parameters, refine search results based on application metrics. This is a long list, and it is best to download the “Choosing a Wi-Fi Module” application guide for specific information on each parameter:
Ÿ Supported protocols/standards
Ÿ Operating frequency band
Ÿ Transmission range
Ÿ Transmission power output, operating supply current or voltage
Ÿ Data rate (maximum throughput)
Ÿ Microcontroller/microprocessor
Ÿ Operating system (driver support)
Ÿ Antennas and connectors
Ÿ Secure Wi-Fi authentication methods
Ÿ Shape and size
Ÿ Operating temperature range
Ÿ Package type
Ÿ PCB layout
Ÿ Hardware interfaces
Ÿ Other features (real-time clock, automatic sleep/wake, etc.)
Ÿ Certification/compliance testing
Remember, you need to consider both hardware and software, as Wi-Fi modules are functional units that only operate when embedded within a system. It should also be noted that Wi-Fi software should include device drivers, integrated IEEE 802.11 security request programs, and fully functional management and monitoring tools. The hardware of the Wi-Fi module consists of two main parts: the Wi-Fi chip and the application host processor.
Trade-offs
As with anything, there are trade-offs when choosing a Wi-Fi module. The three main factors in the evaluation are data rate, range, and power requirements. When comparing different Wi-Fi protocols, the advantages of IEEE 802.11n and IEEE 802.11ac are higher data throughput, while the advantages of IEEE 802.11b/g are compatibility and power requirements.
IEEE 802.11n offers advantages such as higher data throughput, greater range, and robust link quality, leading to improved network utilization. 802.11ac provides double the bandwidth of 600 Mbps based on extended range high bandwidth through 802.11n. It delivers Wi-Fi solutions that meet the current demand for high-capacity, high-quality mobile real-time applications, such as video and voice. Using multiple antennas (MIMO technology) further enhances data rates and range. These extended features come at the cost of increased BOM design complexity while requiring more power.
Typical trade-offs when choosing a Wi-Fi module
RF Engineers and Wi-Fi Modules
I previously discussed purchasing pre-made Wi-Fi modules, which means that RF engineers are not needed. Most manufacturers do not possess the RF expertise required for building network devices. However, many tasks, such as manufacturing debugging and building custom embedded modules, require certain RF expertise. In these cases, you may need to hire an RF consultant or rely on WLAN and RF testing equipment manufacturers for expertise.
When selecting the Wi-Fi module that best fits your design application, you must carefully consider which Wi-Fi module parameters will meet your needs, what trade-offs exist in the selection process, and which WLAN and RF device testing equipment you will use. Download the “How to Choose a Wi-Fi Module” application guide for a more detailed examination of this technology and how to better meet your needs.
1. Electronic magazine, why not take one!
2. The birth of FPGA~
3. Ten open-source projects to watch in 2017
4. Major release: MIT Technology Review releases the list of the top ten breakthrough technologies of 2017
5. Where is China’s “operating system” in the era of artificial intelligence?
6. Hardware circuit design bible!
Disclaimer: This article is a network reprint, and the copyright belongs to the original author. If there are any copyright issues, please contact us, and we will confirm the copyright based on the copyright certificate you provide and pay the remuneration or delete the content.