GainSpan embedded Wi-Fi modules make it quick and easy to add Internet connectivity

SAN JOSE, USA: GainSpan Corp., a leader in ultra low-power embedded Wi-Fi solutions, has launched its family of All-in-One GS1011M Wi-Fi modules that makes it quick, easy and cost effective for embedded device and appliance manufacturers to add Wi-Fi to their products.

The new modules significantly shorten hardware and software development time and reduce the complexity typically associated with adding Wi-Fi to embedded applications.

GainSpan's GS1011M modules are FCC certified for the United States, IC certified for Canada and have passed pre-certification for ETSI for Europe. The modules are an ideal solution for organizations with limited or no Wi-Fi or RF expertise, as they not only eliminate RF design time but also reduce the burden of testing and certification globally, allowing customers to focus on their core application and product.

On the software side, adding Wi-Fi connectivity to any embedded device is easy. The modules provide a serial UART or SPI interface making it possible to connect to any device using an 8/16/32-bit microcontroller via a few AT commands. Multiple firmware configurations are available for the stack running on the module.

For applications utilizing a small 8-bit microcontroller host, the module supports a serial to Wi-Fi function and runs the full Wi-Fi and TCP/IP networking stack, completely offloading the host. For applications utilizing more powerful microcontrollers, the networking stack and services can reside on the host while the module provides all Wi-Fi functionality including security, WPS and provisioning features, for example.

The GainSpan provided firmware provides a rich suite of features such as personal and enterprise security including WPA2, adhoc based web server provisioning and Wi-Fi Protected Set-up (WPS) for simple provisioning of devices with no control buttons or display screen, embedded HTTP Get/ Post client for internet server communication and over the air firmware download.

"We're seeing strong growth in the adoption of low power Wi-Fi into new and existing embedded designs and an enormous market potential in connecting the billions of devices and sensors. Our customers are developing smart appliances, thermostats, in-home displays, security and access control systems, remote patient monitors and fitness equipment among many other products," said Greg Winner, CEO of GainSpan. "Our low power Wi-Fi module family allows designers to quickly and easily get their product to market."

The module family is available in four different SKUs for antenna configuration and output power -- internal or external power amplifier (PA) and built-in or external antenna. The module SKUs are single-sided and designed so that they can be soldered on a customer application baseboard.

GainSpan's offerings include an extensive suite of solutions including Wi-Fi chips, modules, evaluation and development kits. With GainSpan low-power embedded Wi-Fi solutions, customers across a variety of industries can now develop a whole new class of Internet-connected products.

The low power Wi-Fi modules are sampling now, with production shipments scheduled for September.