Next-gen IEEE 802.11ax/WiFi 6 IP for low-power

iEW400 is based on the latest IEEE 802.11ax WiFi 6 standard, bringing improved robustness, throughput and power-saving through a range of new features, including: 

• 20/40MHz operation: Enables low-data-rate applications to conserve battery power
• Target Wake Time (TWT): Extends deep-sleep periods, dramatically improving current consumption and extending battery life
• Orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA): Enables bandwidth to be segmented for the efficient transmission of data, reducing power consumption, whilst improving robustness and data throughput
• Basic Service Set (BSS) Colouring: Increases robustness in dense environments, enabling improved data throughput
• Dual sub-carrier modulation (DCM): Enables increased robustness for low data rates
• Optional upper MAC available to offload work from the host processor to reduce total system power consumption
• Optional power management unit (PMU) supporting 2.7-4.5V DC supply optimised for low-power

Richard Edgar, Senior Director of Product Management, Imagination Technologies, said: “In recent years WiFi has seen strong growth for battery-powered applications, driven by increased adoption of low-power IEEE 802.11n devices. IEEE 802.11ax enables these products to enjoy improved power consumption and efficiency, along with enhanced performance and robustness. This makes low-power WiFi 6 devices the next step in the evolution of WiFi in battery-constrained applications.”

Gerry Conlon, Executive Vice President Ensigma, Imagination Technologies, added: “WiFi 6 IP has the potential to completely disrupt the connected IoT sector. By providing a total solution, comprising of integrated RF and baseband from a single source, any microcontroller company wishing to enter the connected MCU market can easily do so with iEW400. Furthermore, it can be paired with our Bluetooth Low Energy solutions for a true WiFi 6 plus Bluetooth Low Energy v5.2 combo IC.”

iEW400 is a complete, ready-to-market solution that includes integrated RF, AFE, baseband PHY and MAC. It is supplied as hard macro for analogue and synthesisable RTL for digital, enabling maximum flexibility and the fastest time to market along with reduced development costs.

iEW400 is available for licensing now.

Key features include:

• Complete 2.4/5GHz low-power WiFi solution.
• Silicon-ready design, with a 6.84 mm² die area, including analogue pads, in TSMC 40nm LP.
• Internal power amplifiers, LNA and switch.
• Sleep controller to ensure overall system-level power consumption reduction.
• Optional integrated power management unit (PMU).
• Supports Station, Soft AP and WiFi Direct operating modes.