Mr. X presents Ai-Thinker’s Hi-12FL, a 2.4 GHz low-power WiFi module that integrates IEEE 802.11b/g/n baseband with a maximum rate of 72.2 Mpbs (at HT20 MCS7), a high-performance 32-bit MCU with a maximum operating frequency of 160 MHz, and additional RF circuits, including a power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, RF balun, antenna switch, and PMIC. This all comes in a SMD-22 package with a tiny footprint of 24.0 x 16.0 x 3.2 mm, meaning that much of your complex RF design is already dealt with, saving time-to-market and BOM costs.
Capable of supporting 256-node mesh networking (maximum 6 STA access when the module is used as an AP), the Hi-12FL is ideal for use in intelligent terminal end products in IoT, smart home, smart security, and smart city applications in environments from -40°C to +85°C. The device can be supplied by 3.0-3.6 V and a current >500 mA, and the receive current and standby current are 12.15 mA and 1.6 mA respectively. The Hi3861LV100 core chip contained within the module includes a hardware security engine and a wealth of peripheral interfaces, including 14 GPIOs, PWM, and multiple ADCs. The embedded SRAM (252 kB) and Flash (2 MB) can run independently, and the module supports running programs on Flash, Huawei LiteOS, and third-party components.
To evaluate this technology and help integrate it into one’s end application, Ai-Thinker has produced the Hi-12FL-Kit which places the Hi-12FL onto a 25.4 x 48.3 mm board with a PCB on-board antenna, 2 buttons (user and reset), and a micro-USB connector for powering and configuring the device.
We think Ai-Thinker’s Hi-12FL module provides a strong heart to WiFi-connected end devices, but if LoRaWan is more appropriate for your build, RAKwireless’ RAK3172 is a much lower power alternative wireless module, also with an inbuilt MCU but with far less memory; they aren’t call Ai-Thinker for nothing.
Keep designing!
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