Microchip Announces Certified Embedded Wi-Fi(R) Transceiver Modules with Easier API Interface to PIC(R) Microcontrollers

Free, Next-Generation TCP/IP Protocol Stack and EZconfig and ZeroConfig Utility Protocols Make Wi-Fi Networking Easy

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced from the Embedded Systems Conference in Chicago its next-generation, agency-certified MRF24WB0MA/MB embedded Wi-Fi^(R) transceiver modules. The IEEE 802.11 module firmware has an easy-to-use API driver interface to Microchip's free TCP/IP Protocol stack and 8-, 16- or 32-bit PIC^(R) microcontrollers.

Embedded designers are increasingly leveraging the ubiquitous Wi-Fi infrastructure to enable wireless communication in a broad range of remote monitoring and control, and machine-to-machine applications, such as smart-energy monitors. Microchip's low-power MRF24WB0MA/MB embedded Wi-Fi modules enable the "Internet of Things" by removing the complexity and cost of developing RF circuitry and obtaining agency certification. Additionally, Microchip has improved its free TCP/IP stack, and offers free EZconfig and ZeroConfig utility protocols, to make commissioning and configuring Wi-Fi networks easy.

"Wi-Fi is quickly becoming the preferred standard for adding remote Internet access to embedded products," said Steve Caldwell, director of Microchip's RF Products Division. "The combination of our next-generation Wi-Fi transceiver module and TCP/IP stack provides an industry-leading platform for designers to Wi-Fi enable their monitoring and control products."

Development Tools

Microchip created the MRF24WB0MA PICtail(TM)/PICtail Plus Daughter Board (part # AC164136-4, $59.99) to enable development with the new Wi-Fi module. This daughter board plugs into the Explorer 16 and PICDEM.net(TM) 2 boards to allow easy, modular development with hundreds of 8-bit PIC18, 16-bit PIC24 and 32-bit PIC32 MCUs, as well as the dsPIC^(R) DSCs. All of these tools are available today at http://www.microchip.com/get/NNET.

Availability & Pricing

The MRF24WB0MA/MB embedded Wi-Fi modules are available today, for $29.40 in single-unit quantities, via any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or at Microchip's e-commerce Web site: http://www.microchip.com/get/NNET. For additional information, please visit Microchip's online Wireless Design Center at http://www.microchip.com/get/A96T.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at http://www.microchip.com/get/UWE4.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, and dsPIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

High-res Photos Available Through Flickr or Editorial Contact (feel free to publish): http://www.microchip.com/get/C79U

Tags / Keywords: Wi-Fi, Embedded, Embedded Wi-Fi, PIC, MCU, Microcontroller, Wireless, RF, Wireless Networking

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    Source: Microchip Technology Inc.

Released June 8, 2010