Wireless Technology
Simplify industrial wireless integration using pre-certified Wi-Fi 6 modules with Bluetooth LE
By Rolf Horn, applications engineer at DigiKey W
ith the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless connectivity has become a fundamental requirement for industrial applications
ranging from equipment monitoring and asset tracking to building automation. Designers looking to implement this connectivity face multiple challenges, including integrating wireless chipsets, antennas, software components, global certification, security, and reliability in harsh environments. These challenges can be overcome by opting for rugged, pre-certified Wi-Fi 6 modules with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.4 that deliver the necessary features while simplifying integration.
This article discusses wireless connectivity challenges for industrial system designers and introduces examples of pre-certified Ezurio Wi- Fi 6 modules with BLE 5.4. It also discusses pre-certified antennas and an associated development kit.
Key challenges in industrial wireless communications
Industrial environments contain an ever- growing number of endpoints that need to share high-speed data, and wireless networks are often the only practical means of communicating this data.
This can lead to network congestion for older wireless technologies, with latency issues and packet loss affecting operational efficiency. Outdated communications technology can also leave networks vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Modern technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and BLE 5.4 can solve these problems, but developing and integrating them requires strong RF expertise, especially in space-constrained devices and retrofit applications. Moreover, many wireless solutions require manual assembly steps, which slows production and increases costs.
Reliability is another concern. Many industrial environments feature significant
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electromagnetic interference (EMI), extreme temperatures, and vibration and shock. Finally, numerous applications demand low power consumption to extend battery life while ensuring compliance with global standards.
A robust solution: Wi-Fi 6 modules with Bluetooth LE 5.4
Ezurio’s Sona TI351 modules address the challenges of industrial wireless connectivity by combining Wi-Fi and BLE in robust, pre- certified packages (Figure 1). Built around the Texas Instruments SimpleLink CC3351 Wi- Fi and BLE companion IC, these modules are available in surface mount technology (SMT) and pluggable variants, with a choice between a built-in chip antenna or an antenna connector.
All modules support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) via an SDIO 2.0 interface with high-speed data transfer and built-in error detection and correction. Wi-Fi 6 offers several features that support reliable performance in congested industrial networks: Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) allows simultaneous transmission from multiple IoT devices on the same channel, boosting efficiency in dense deployments. Target Wake Time (TWT) optimizes battery life by allowing precise scheduling of device wake times. Dual-band support offers flexibility for different use cases: 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) ensures better obstacle penetration, while 5 GHz delivers higher bandwidth. An 18 decibel referenced to 1 milliwatt (dBm) transmit power provides reliable coverage across large industrial spaces. The modules’ BLE 5.4 support is via a dedicated high-speed UART (HS-UART) channel. BLE 5.4 is a protocol that is well- suited to industrial environments. It supports: Periodic Advertising with Response (PAwR) to reduce power consumption by using predetermined transmission windows Periodic Advertising Sync Transfer (PAST)
Components in Electronics
Figure 1: The Sona TI351 is a family of compact, pre- certified Wi-Fi 6 and BLE 5.4 modules in SMT and pluggable variants with built-in antennas or antenna connectors. (Image source: Ezurio)
to simplify network management by enabling primary devices to share synchronization data LE 2 megabit per second (Mbit/s) physical layer (PHY) to support fast data transmission with a quick return to sleep mode, further improving power efficiency LE Long Range mode for reliable communication over extended distances The modules support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth coexistence for applications requiring both protocols.
A high-reliability design Sona TI351 modules incorporate an integrated power amplifier (PA) that boosts outgoing signal strength to ensure reliable operation in demanding environments. On the incoming side, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) enhances signal reception by amplifying weak signals while minimising noise interference. This combination ensures stable wireless connectivity even in environments with significant EMI and physical obstacles.
The modules are also designed for physical reliability. The SMT versions have robust connections that tolerate vibration and mechanical stress, while the embedded antenna option removes a potential point of failure. The modules also have an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.
Comprehensive software support for Linux and Android OSs Sona TI351 modules include comprehensive software support for Linux and Android operating systems. For Linux, the connectivity stack has been tested across multiple kernel versions, with backported drivers for releases as early as v2.6.37 to ensure compatibility with older kernels. The stack supports familiar build environments, including Buildroot, Yocto, and Ubuntu.
Rather than providing just the hardware-specific drivers, Ezurio delivers a complete, pre-tested connectivity stack (Figure 2). This approach helps prevent incompatibilities between components and accelerates system integration. The stack is continuously maintained with the latest driver source and kernel components to ensure optimal performance.
The modules leverage the advanced security features of Wi-Fi 6 and BLE 5.4. On the Wi-Fi side, they provide robust support for enterprise-grade WPA2/3 security protocols, including advanced encryption and authentication mechanisms.
For BLE, the Encrypted Advertising Data feature enables the secure broadcast of sensitive information without the overhead
www.cieonline.co.uk
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