Introducing the SmartConnect SAM W25 module for edge nodes IoT applications

Now on display at Electronica 2014, the SmartConnect SAM W25 module is the industry’s first fully-integrated FCC-certified Wi-Fi module with a standalone MCU and hardware security from a single source. The module includes Atmel’s recently-announced 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi WINC1500, along with an Atmel | SMART SAM D21 ARM Cortex M0+-based MCU and Atmel’s ATECC108A optimized CryptoAuthentication engine with ultra-secure hardware-based key storage for secure connectivity.

With nearly 5 billion connected devices expected next year with another 25 billion predicted by 2020, designers are now demanding more flexible, cost-optimized modules that provide a complete end-point solution from a single vendor. The fully-integrated SAM W25 delivers a secure ‘plug and play’ solution integrating wireless technologies with the design flexibility required for these IoT developers.

The billions of devices in edge nodes IoT applications will be powered by an embedded processing unit such as an MCU, and connected through a secure wireless signal. As more embedded developers start designing IoT apps for smart, secure connected devices, the need for solutions that integrate an MCU, hardware security and pre-certified wireless connectivity solution into one box will become a critical piece of the IoT puzzle; thereby, designers will no longer need wireless or encryption expertise to create an IoT gadget or gizmo.

Atmel’s FCC-, Telec-, IC- and CE-certified SAM W25 is a standalone solution that gives designers an all-in-one platform with a low-power MCU, hardware security and FCC-certified wireless connectivity from a single source. The small packaged module is cost optimized to lower the overall bill of materials for battery-operated applications ranging from remotes to home automation devices and beyond.

“IoT will impact nearly everyone’s lives ranging from their garage to their lighting systems, door locks, thermostats, fitness monitors, medical devices and more,” said Kaivan Karimi, Atmel Vice President and GM of Wireless MCUs. “Every one of these IoT devices will require an integrated edge node solution that delivers an MCU and secure wireless connectivity. Atmel’s SAM W25 delivers just that—a fully integrated secure wireless MCU module with over-the-air upgrade functionality that simplifies the complexities of wireless and security, and gives our customers time-to-market advantage. Atmel is committed to making it easier for IoT designers to bring their latest products to market with fully integrated modules that are ‘out-of-the-box’ ready to use, so developers can focus on developing features that will enhance the consumer experience.”

Key features of the Atmel SmartConnect SAM W25 include

• Turnkey system with integrated software that includes TLS 1.0 and a TCP/IP stack WPA2 personal and enterprise security
• FCC-certified 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi WINC1500
• Atmel | SMART ARM Cortex M0+-based SAM D21; 256KB Flash; 32KB SRAM
• Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)
• Over-the-air updates
• ATECC108A CryptoAuthentication engine with ultra-secure hardware-based key storage for secure connectivity

Though the Atmel SAM W25 module won’t be available until December 2014, Electronica attendees can now get a firsthand sneak peek at the ‘plug and play’ solution. To help accelerate design development, Atmel offers a SAM W25 integrated module on an Xplained starter kit platform which will be available next month as well.