Since the application of IoT technology, the smart home industry has been developing rapidly, evolving from remote control to mobile remote control, and the network transmission signal has jumped from wired to wireless, reducing costs and promoting low-carbon energy saving. Among various wireless connection technologies, WiFi/BT/ZigBee are the most widely used and popular, each with its strengths, suitable for different application scenarios, becoming the most popular communication protocols for wireless connections in IoT.
From 2013 to the present, products and solutions such as integrated wireless single-chip MCUs, MCU modules with integrated wireless functions, and single-chip SoCs with embedded processors and wireless capabilities have flourished. This article reviews the WiFi/BT/ZigBee wireless chips or modules specifically designed for IoT launched by mainstream chip manufacturers such as TI, ST, Marvell, Freescale, Broadcom, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and NXP, analyzing their features and suitable application scenarios.
1. Integrated Wireless Single-Chip MCU
1. TI’s Latest SimpleLink WiFi Platform Designed for IoT Provides Flexible Options
The SimpleLink WiFi platform provides users with flexible options: the CC3200 integrates a programmable ARM Cortex-M4 MCU, allowing customers to add their specific code; while the CC3100 provides interfaces for 8, 16, and 32-bit MCUs, compatible with user needs, and has cloud connectivity support through TI’s IoT cloud ecosystem members.
In June 2014, TI launched the SimpleLink WiFi series WiFi platform, designed specifically for IoT, including CC3100/3200, which features high flexibility. The CC3200 integrates RF and analog function circuits in a single chip, combining the WiFi platform with the ARM Cortex-M4 MCU to achieve a low-power, single-chip WiFi solution; the CC3100 can be used with any MCU. Both chips have very low power consumption, offering low-power RF and advanced low-power modes, especially suitable for the development of battery-powered devices.
Both products allow users to utilize fast connectivity, cloud support, on-chip WiFi, internet, and robust security protocols to achieve easy development for IoT without prior experience in developing connected products, enabling the addition of embedded WiFi and internet functionality to numerous home, industrial, and consumer electronics.
【Application Scenarios】: This platform can be applied not only to smart homes but also to industrial communications. For example, it can be used for wireless service channels for industrial equipment, providing intelligence, convenience, and services for non-access devices without monitors; it can utilize existing WiFi network infrastructure for indoor asset tracking for battery-powered devices; and it can add WiFi functionality to factory distribution boards to control, monitor, and analyze power consumption and settings, achieving intelligent energy control.
2. Marvell’s Comprehensive Wireless MCU Platform From WiFi to Bluetooth to Zigbee
Marvell’s comprehensive wireless MCU platform covers WiFi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, providing high integration, significantly improving performance, reducing power consumption, and lowering overall material costs, combined with the Marvell EZ-Connect software development platform, allowing developers to achieve application development in just a few days.
In June 2014, Marvell released a comprehensive wireless MCU platform for IoT applications: MW300 Wi-Fi microcontroller, MB300 Bluetooth microcontroller, and MZ100 ZigBee microcontroller. Based on the integration of MCU, RF transceiver, and network/wireless protocol stack on a single chip, it also includes a software development kit and debugging tools, providing multi-layer security guarantees.
The MW300 Wi-Fi microcontroller supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, featuring a single-chip SoC with a fully functional microcontroller, specifically optimized for low power consumption, achieving deep low-power states while reducing power consumption during normal operation, suitable for various battery-powered application scenarios; the MB300 Bluetooth microcontroller supports dual-mode Bluetooth 4.1, integrated with a microcontroller for true single-chip SoC, enabling coexistence of classic Bluetooth and smart Bluetooth, with built-in voice functionality supporting high-resolution ADC and direct connection to microphones; the MZ100 ZigBee microcontroller supports 802.15.4/ZigBee, integrated with a microcontroller for single-chip SoC, providing coexistence with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, easy to connect with sensors, actuators, and other components, reducing external components and PCB area. The Marvell EZ-Connect software platform supports this latest series of wireless products, significantly reducing development time.
【Application Scenarios】: Wearable devices, home automation, home security, personal healthcare, smart appliances, accessories and remote controls, automotive, lighting, industrial IoT, and more. The three chips are suitable for different application scenarios: the MW300 Wi-Fi microcontroller is mainly suitable for long-term connections of appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners in smart homes; the MB300 Bluetooth microcontroller is suitable for “interaction” between devices; the MZ100 ZigBee microcontroller has obvious advantages in smart lighting and multi-terminal interconnection.
2. Modules with Integrated MCU and Wireless Functions
1. Microchip RN4020 Bluetooth Smart Module Can Connect to Host MCU or Operate Independently
Supporting the latest Bluetooth 4.1, it features low power consumption, long transmission distance, and compact size, allowing it to connect to any MCU with a UART interface (including hundreds of PIC MCU), or operate independently without an MCU.
Shortly after acquiring Roving Networks in September 2012, Microchip quickly launched the WiFi wireless modules RN-171 and RN-131, which can connect to any PIC MCU. In 2013, it successively released MRF24WG0MA/MB WiFi modules, integrating wireless modules and PIC MCU, supporting low data rate Wi-Fi sensor networks, home automation, building automation, and consumer electronics applications.
In June 2014, Microchip released the Bluetooth 4.1 low-power module RN4020, providing a built-in PCB antenna with a transmission power of 7 dBm and a receiving sensitivity of -92.5 dBm, allowing the module’s effective working distance to exceed 100 meters, while its size is compact at only 11.5×19.5×2.5mm. The RN4020 is an on-board protocol stack module that can connect to any MCU with a UART interface (including hundreds of PIC MCU), or operate independently for basic data collection and communication, such as beacons or sensors. The independent operating mode is based on Microchip’s unique non-compiled script, using a simple ASCII command interface for module configuration without tools or compilation.
【Application Scenarios】: Suitable for home automation and appliances, lighting applications, as well as medical devices, wearable devices, toys, tags, bracelets, and remote devices, systems based on pulse and proximity sensors, and even various industrial applications.
2. Atmel SmartConnect SAM W23 Module Merging Wireless and Control Advantages
Integrating WiFi connectivity, network protocols, security, and Atmel’s ARM Cortex M0+ microcontroller technology, the SAM W23 platform can be used as an independent system or as a functional expansion solution, achieving WiFi connectivity in current designs.
In view of the strong push of the IoT market, Atmel launched the new MCU brand–Atmel SMART and the SmartConnect SAM W23 module in June 2014, merging its strong advantages in wireless and control. This module is based on Atmel’s ultra-low power WiFi system-on-chip, combining low-power MCU with Wi-Fi solutions. The SAM W23 module integrates WiFi functionality, allowing designers to focus on enhancing product functionality without needing to learn the WiFi stack.
The SAM W23 module is an ideal solution for designers seeking to integrate WiFi connectivity with IEEE802.11, RTOS, IP stack, or RF. Additionally, the module can provide application and security protocols (such as TLS), integrated network services (TCP/IP stack), and standard real-time operating systems (RTOS), all of which can be easily implemented through simple serial host interfaces (SPI, UART) in Atmel Studio 6’s integrated development platform (IDP).
【Application Scenarios】: Suitable for a wide range of residential, medical, industrial, consumer, smart energy, and wearable device markets.
3. Freescale Kinetis W Series Wireless Modules Have Advantages in Zigbee
The Kinetis KW2X wireless module reduces power consumption, integrating advanced security features typically found in high-end processors, supporting advanced encryption methods such as key generation, secure storage, and tamper detection, providing 512KB flash memory and 64KB RAM, along with 64K FlexMemory for flexible user use, paired with Kinetis development tools to further accelerate product development.
MCU is a strategic focus for Freescale. In the era of IoT, Freescale is also capitalizing on the IoT market, launching a series of integrated MCUs—Kinetis W series—by integrating MCU and Zigbee wireless technology and RF transceivers, providing flexible product choices for 2.4GHz Zigbee/IEEE 802.15.4 applications and below 1GHz IEEE 802.15.4.
At the end of 2013, Freescale launched the Kinetis series KW2x wireless MCU. The KW2x is a low-power, compact integrated device, consisting of a high-performance 2.4 GHz wireless transceiver compatible with IEEE 802.15.4 and a powerful ARM Cortex-M4 MCU system, equipped with data connectivity and high-precision mixed-signal analog peripherals.
【Application Scenarios】: The KW2x wireless MCU is mainly used in smart energy, home/building automation, healthcare, home entertainment, etc. Typical applications include home networks consisting of meters, gateways, home displays, and interconnected devices; connected building controls and home automation applications with lighting control, HVAC, and security functions.
4. NXP JN516x Wireless MCU Module Aiming at Smart Homes
For smart lighting, residential automation, and energy management applications, the JN516x wireless MCU module series brings together the best combination of price/performance, on-chip memory, ultra-low power consumption, and software stack options. Notably, NXP has also launched the LightPRO smart lighting system module, allowing the construction of smart lighting networks with up to 500 nodes, perfectly covering commercial and public lighting applications.
Since 2011, NXP has been breaking into the IoT market with smart lighting, initially integrating wireless functionality in its LPC series MCUs. In early 2013, NXP launched the JN516x series wireless MCU modules for IoT, including JN5161, JN5164, or JN5168, integrating wireless functionality.
This module is equipped with a high-performance 32-bit RISC processor, embedded Flash and E2PROM, improving code efficiency through variable-width instructions, multi-stage instruction pipelines, low power consumption, and programmable clock speeds. It also features a wireless transceiver compliant with the IEEE802.15.4 2.4GHz standard and a rich set of analog and digital peripherals. With ultra-low operating current and low-power sleep characteristics, devices can be powered by button batteries, extending battery life.
【Application Scenarios】: With NXP’s application development and evaluation kits, developers can develop applications in smart lighting, asset management, building control, smart energy, home automation, remote control, and other fields. Based on JN516x, numerous successful commercial products have been developed in the industry, such as Cherry’s wireless energy-harvesting switch, which requires no batteries or power connections, using a single press of the switch to send energy for eight wireless data packets, thereby achieving the function of switching or dimming bulb lights.
5. STMicroelectronics SPWF Series Mini Smart WiFi Modules Low Power and Small Size
The SPWF series mini smart WiFi modules feature low power consumption and small size, allowing for easy plug-and-play integration with IoT devices and standalone 802.11 b/g/n devices.
Targeting IoT opportunities, STMicroelectronics not only offers a variety of low-power, low-cost ARM Cortex-M processor series STM32 MCUs but also integrates WiFi technology, launching the SPWF series mini smart WiFi modules. The PWF01S WiFi module is configured as a single-chip 802.11 transceiver, with integrated PA and STM32 ARM Cortex-M3 32-bit MCU, providing options for 1.5MB and 512KB flash memory, as well as 64KB RAM, supporting a wide range of GPIO, including clocks and regulators, facilitating easy plug-and-play integration with IoT devices and standalone 802.11 b/g/n devices.
Additionally, STMicroelectronics has expanded its product line, launching integrated 32-bit Cortex-M core MCUs and 2.4GHz RF transceivers, Bluetooth technology, and plans to launch wireless MCU solutions supporting next-generation multi-protocol (Multi-Protocol) to overcome various challenges in IoT device development.
【Application Scenarios】: Products can be used in smart appliances, industrial control and data acquisition, home automation and security systems, wireless sensors, cable replacement, medical devices, and machine-to-machine communication applications.
3. Integrated Embedded Processors and Wireless Single-Chip SoC
1. Broadcom WICED Platform WiFi BCM4390 + Bluetooth BCM2073X High Integration and Low Power Consumption
As a leading semiconductor manufacturer, Broadcom’s advantages in the wireless field are evident, with high chip integration and significantly reduced power consumption. The WICED platform offers a one-stop solution for diverse applications, enabling customers to perform different software development for various applications.
In June 2013, Broadcom launched the single-chip WiFi solution BCM4390 for IoT applications, which is also part of Broadcom’s WICED product portfolio for embedded device internet wireless connectivity. The BCM4390 SoC complies with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, integrating PA and LNA|2.4GHz RF transceiver, general-purpose asynchronous transceiver (UART), etc., flexibly implementing real-time operating systems (RTOS) and network protocol stacks in application processors, laying the foundation for low-power, high-performance, and highly interoperable wireless connectivity, helping microcontroller embedded devices reduce power consumption and costs.
In addition to WiFi solutions, WICED continues to evolve. In June 2014, Broadcom launched the WICED Smart Bluetooth SoC chip for IoT applications—BCM20737. The new product has three main features: support for Bluetooth Smart standards (Bluetooth 4.0 and above), iBeacon technology to accelerate proximity detection; support for A4WP wireless charging; support for RSA 4000-bit encryption and decryption, enabling data transmission encryption between products.
【Application Scenarios】: The BCM4390 is suitable for 8- and 16-bit microcontroller systems, helping low-power, battery-powered devices achieve WiFi connectivity. Initial applications supported by BCM4390 include fitness, health, security, and automation. The innovative technology based on the WICED platform can help OEMs achieve connectivity in smaller household appliances using a single chip, including slow cookers, lighting fixtures, etc. The BCM20737 is suitable for toys, medical devices, remote controls, and other practical use cases, while its support for Apple’s iBeacon technology gives it advantages in area limitation and device detection.
2. Qualcomm Atheros Low-Power Single-Chip WiFi Platform QCA4002/4004
The QCA4002/QCA4004 utilizes low-power technologies such as dynamic power adjustment Green TX capability, allowing devices to reduce transmission power by up to 1/2 when near other devices or access points, paired with sleep modes to achieve more energy-efficient communication functions. Moreover, whether users develop high-end or low-end applications, the platform can meet their needs.
In September 2013, Qualcomm Atheros launched the low-power single-chip WiFi platform QCA4002/4004, aiming to lay out the rapidly growing IoT market. This is Qualcomm’s dedicated single-chip platform for IoT applications based on 802.11n. The QCA4002/4004 not only adopts a single-chip processor and memory design, eliminating the need for other MCU products, but also incorporates an IP stack, software middleware architecture AllJoyn, and complete network services to assist customers in adding low-power WiFi functionality to any product at the lowest development cost. Due to the single-chip design, both platforms have very low power consumption and can operate in both 2.4G and 5G frequency bands.
The difference between QCA4002 and QCA4004 is that QCA4002 is a subsystem that can be used for applications requiring powerful MCUs or high memory, achieved by pairing with various MCUs or memory. QCA4004 is used for lower-end applications, with an embedded CPU that can independently implement many applications.
【Application Scenarios】: QCA4002/4004 can be applied to various new devices in homes and offices, including washing machines, air conditioning equipment, water heaters, consumer electronics, and sensors and smart sockets for home lighting, security, and automation systems. Currently, Haier has adopted QCA4004 in its washing machines/dryers and air conditioning equipment.
3. MTK Single-Chip WiFi SoC MT7688/MT7681 Designed for Smart Homes
MTK claims these two new products have low power consumption and support Smart Connection smartphone applications, enabling network connections for lighting fixtures, smart TVs, smart locks, and other appliances.
When it comes to MTK, people often think of mobile processors, but actually, MTK is also actively advancing in the IoT field. At the Taipei Computer Show in June 2014, MTK launched two smart home system WiFi chips, MT7688 and MT7681.
The MT7688 runs on a Linux system, supports 802.11n, and is equipped with a MIPS24KEc/580MHz processor, 256MB memory, and an AES128/256 encryption engine, capable of handling more complex or data-intensive smart home devices, such as IP projectors and home monitoring systems. The MT7681 is primarily targeted at smaller devices such as bulbs, locks, and sockets, supports 802.11n, and can easily design network services for embedded devices, integrating power management units, low-frequency amplifiers, and RF switches, all functions integrated in a 40-pin 5*5mm package.
【Application Scenarios】: The MT7688 is suitable for developing more complex smart home devices, while the MT7681 is suitable for application development for smaller devices like bulbs, locks, and sockets.
4. STMicroelectronics Single-Chip Bluetooth 4.0 Chip BlueNRG Processor High Energy Efficiency
BlueNRG features the best current consumption among its peers, excellent wireless link performance, and on-chip non-volatile memory chips, not only consuming less power but also being smaller, making it more suitable for use in wearable devices.
In 2013, ST launched the BlueNRG processor chip, integrating Cortex M0 and Bluetooth functionality, with a dedicated RF interface, processor, and Bluetooth firmware, supporting Bluetooth 4.0 standards. BlueNRG allows designers to flexibly choose their preferred MCU and equip it with a Bluetooth Low-Energy protocol stack running on an external application processor. The on-chip non-volatile memory enables easy firmware upgrades, ensuring applications remain compatible with the latest Bluetooth standards.
【Application Scenarios】: The new chip can achieve longer battery life and smaller, lighter battery sizes for various wireless smart application accessories, such as fitness bands, smart glasses, or interactive clothing.