TI intros simple-to-use OpenLink Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity inside WiLink 6.0 solution for AM18x Sitara ARM MPUs

DALLAS, USA: Texas Instruments Inc. premiered its first module platform housing the WiLink 6.0 (WL1271) single-chip, wireless combo solution with TI's open source, Linux-based OpenLink drivers.

The OpenLink drivers are built on the community-validated mac80211 Wi-Fi driver and BlueZ Bluetooth protocol stack. The first in a series of such open source platforms from TI, the new WiLink 6.0 OpenLink platform is pre-integrated with TI's AM18x Sitara ARM microprocessors (MPUs). This enables customers developing industrial or point-of-service applications on cost-effective ARM MPUs to easily introduce reliable, low-power Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies.

Introducing OpenLink Wi-Fi access points
Today's release also signifies the first time TI's customers can easily repurpose Sitara ARM MPU-based designs as Wi-Fi access points via the new WiLink 6.0 OpenLink platform. OpenLink technology offers mobile-grade, battery-optimized Wi-Fi connectivity supporting native Linux designs, giving customers tested wireless technologies that can be easily re-integrated into designs as they migrate from one kernel version to the next.

Additionally, TI's mac80211 Wi-Fi driver is optimized to maximize system level throughput.

As a result, battery-friendly customer products built on Sitara ARM MPUs can serve as a mobile Wi-Fi gateway or support peer-to-peer file transfers with other Wi-Fi enabled devices. These capabilities eliminate the need for external access points and create new opportunities for unique use cases depending on mobile, self-networking devices.

Quick-start experience and other key features
The AM18x Sitara ARM EVM + WL1271 Development Kit is the latest version of TI's original AM18x Sitara ARM EVM and includes elements that create a unique, quick-start experience right out of the box. Meaning a user can be up and running with a demo application in 30 minutes or less.