Microchip WFI32E01PC Wi-Fi MCU
Supports Trust&GO and has a unique ID


As the impact of IoT expands from the home to industry, demand for secure, integrated, and reliable IIoT connectivity is growing. Devices with hard-coded, verifiable, and trusted identities are needed to secure applications from cyber threats and connect to the cloud.

Microchip Technology Inc. announced on the 13th the release of the 'WFI32E01PC' Wi-Fi MCU module that supports Microchip's Trust&GO and has a unique verifiable ID.

The WFI32E01PC complies with the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) specifications and has been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Industry Canada (IC), and the European Union Radio Equipment Directive (RED). The Trust&GO platform within the cloud simplifies network authentication using pre-configured and built-in secure element technology.

Unlike existing devices, it includes an advanced PIC32 MCU core, rich peripherals, and a proven hardware security platform, enabling it to not only provide Wi-Fi, but also perform powerful MCU core duties in the entire IIoT system.

“The WFI32E01PC is the first secure, pre-built, factory-direct or distribution-ready MCU with Wi-Fi,” said Steve Caldwell, vice president of Microchip’s Wireless Solutions Group.

◇ Adding certified Wi-Fi connectivity to industrial MCUs

Discrete designs, unlike module-based designs, can be challenging because they require the development of drivers and circuits for multiple chips. Especially when chips are from different suppliers, each supplier's expertise is limited to the products they produce, making it difficult to obtain system-level support.

Embedded developers need highly integrated modular solutions that deliver industrial-grade MCU functionality, robust Wi-Fi connectivity, and hardware security and authentication. The WFI32E01PC is an all-in-one module that improves radio frequency (RF) power and provides a higher level of security.

Meanwhile, Microchip offers a portfolio that simplifies IoT and IIoT systems by pairing the WFI32E01PC module with other Microchip components, including the KSZ8081 family of Ethernet PHYs, the MCP2542WFD family of CAN transceivers, and sensors and radio technologies including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), LoRa® and IEEE® 802.15.4.

Ready-to-use software drivers and hardware reference designs are also provided to reduce project risk and time to market.

The 54-pin SMD type WFI32E01PC-I (24.5×20.5×2.5mm) device is currently in mass production, with pricing starting at $8.14 per unit in 10,000-piece quantities. A module option without the external antenna and Trust&GO security features is also available.