Microchip’s New Embedded Wi-Fi® Development Boards Integrate TCP/IP Stack; Enable Internet Of Things Via Simple Serial Connection

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced the integration of its Wi-Fi ^® modules from the recent Roving Networks acquisition into its flexible, modular Explorer development systems supporting all of Microchip’s 8, 16 and 32-bit PIC ^® microcontrollers. The RN-131 and RN-171 PICtail™/PICtail Plus daughter boards are the first two products developed by Microchip based on Roving Networks modules. These modules use a simple serial interface to connect with any PIC microcontroller, and expand Microchip’s wireless portfolio with the industry’s lowest power consumption along with an integrated TCP/IP stack in a certified Wi-Fi solution.

The Roving Networks RN-171 and RN-131 fully certified modules from Microchip are comprehensive networking solutions that include a true 802.11 b/g radio, baseband processor, TCP/IP stack and a host of networking application features. No external processor drivers are required, enabling Wi-Fi connectivity for 4, 8, 16 and 32-bit processors. This on-board-stack approach significantly reduces customers’ integration time and development effort in a small form factor, while offering ultra-low power consumption (down to 4 µA in sleep, 35 mA in receive and 120 mA in transmit mode).

“Integrating these exceptional modules onto standard PICtail/PICtail Plus boards enables more than 70,000 Microchip customers to easily add Wi-Fi connectivity to the entire portfolio of PIC microcontrollers,” said Steve Caldwell, director of Microchip’s Wireless Products Division. “Additionally, designers can add this connectivity without integrating a TCP/IP stack and while using standard development tools, which speeds time to market and reduces R&D resources.”

Pricing & Availability

The RN-131 PICtail Daughter Board (Part # RN-131-PICtail) is available now for $44.95 each. Likewise, the RN-171 PICtail Daughter Board (Part # RN-171-PICtail) is available now for $39.95 each.

For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/T074. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip’s authorized distribution partners.

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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/M49J.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. PICtail is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Tags / Keywords: Wi-Fi , Embedded Wi-Fi , Low-Power Wi-Fi , Wi-Fi Development Tools , Embedded Wi-Fi Development Tools

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