GainSpan Wi-Fi Module Brings Connectivity to More Embedded Devices

GainSpan Corporation, a provider of ultra low-power embedded Wi-Fi solutions, unveiled its next-generation Wi-Fi module that brings future-proof wireless connectivity to even more embedded devices.

The GS1500M is a high-performance 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi module with Wi-Fi Direct capability designed for embedded devices that require next generation Wi-Fi connectivity services, such as security cameras, home appliances and industrial control systems. The module makes it easy to add Wi-Fi connectivity to standard 8-32 bit microcontrollers and is aimed at plug-and-play integration of Wi-Fi into embedded platforms using SPI or UART interfaces.

Building on GainSpan’s existing ultra low power embedded Wi-Fi portfolio, the feature rich module enables new opportunities for Internet of Things (IoT) applications where 802.11b/g/n connectivity is a key requirement.

For typical IoT applications, customers look to optimize cost of deployment, range and power consumption, and in these cases 802.11b is ideal. This is especially true in the case of GainSpan’s GS1011M module, where 802.11b has been optimized for IoT applications”,  while maintaining interoperability with existing access points said Bernard Aboussouan, vice president of marketing, GainSpan.

The GS1500M preserves the software architecture, feature set and is pin-to-pin compatible with the GS1011M module that is currently in production. This allows designers to leverage all previous hardware and software development work, preserve existing investments and ensures a smooth migration to 802.11b/g/n.

In addition, the GS1500M module also offers configurable antenna options — built-in or external antenna. The GS1500M module is single-sided and designed so that it can be easily soldered down on the customer application baseboard.

On top of 802.11 b/g/n capability, the new GS1500M supports the newly released Wi-Fi Direct standard from the Wi-Fi Alliance, for best in class peer-to-peer networking. The result: Wi-Fi devices can connect to one another without an access point, enabling easy transfer of content anytime, anywhere.

Since ease of provisioning a device onto the Wi-Fi network is crucial in Internet of Things particularly for devices with no user control buttons or display screen, the GS1500M offers three other provisioning modes — Wi-Fi Protected Set-up (WPS), Web server based Ad hoc provisioning and provisioning Access Point modes, in addition to a rich suite of features such as Wi-Fi Personal and Enterprise security.

The new module utilizes a highly integrated 802.11b/g/n WLAN radio with leading edge receiver sensitivity and best-in-class transmit power of 18dBm, enabling excellent range. The module is fully certified for major worldwide regulatory regions and by the Wi-Fi Alliance. It is an ideal solution for organizations with limited or no Wi-Fi or RF expertise, as it not only eliminates RF design time but also reduces the burden of testing and global certification, allowing customers to focus on their core product and application.

By TelecomLead.com Team

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