Industry’s First Wi-Fi and ZigBee IP SoC

Date: 26/2/2013

- multi-standard, multimode chip contains WLAN baseband, RF functions and a dual IPv4/ IPv6 stack; spurs adoption of Internet of Things and extends IP Everywhere

GainSpan has released details of the industry's first single chip solution to deliver two IEEE low power standard wireless technologies: Complete Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n with Space Time Block Coding) and ZigBee IP (IEEE802.15.4).

Based upon the popular, low power ARM Cortex-M3 processor the Gainspan GS2000 is a highly integrated System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that delivers multi-standard RF as well as both 802.11b/g/n and 802.15.4 PHY/MAC functionality, networking stack & services and significant memory resourse, all on a single silicon die. The GS2000 also provides the mixed signal peripherals needed to support various application profiles and deliver a powerful, flexible solution for low power as well as line powered IoT applications.

The Gainspan GS2000 features a dual mode IPv4/IPv6 TCP/UDP networking stack along with additional networking services, enabling a complete networking solution for embedded MCU-based applications. It supports Wi-Fi WLAN software and networking features, ZigBee IP - based upon 6LoWPAN - and IP based addressing and methods over both 802.11 and 802.15.4 wireless standards. With the GS2000, device and appliance manufacturers no longer have to design for one or the other protocols, but can use the same SOC to develop a design that supports either ZigBee IP and/or Wi-Fi, with IPv4 or IPv6, all in the same product.

 Multi-mode capability

• Complete Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n with Space Time Block Coding) and ZigBee IP (IEEE802.15.4) on a single silicon die
• Support for dual stack IPv4 and IPv6
• Support for Station/Client Mode, Limited Access Point for easy provisioning or connecting to smartphones, Wi-Fi Direct™, and Wi-Fi Direct with concurrent mode, allowing a device to act simultaneously as an access point station as well as access point for other devices

 Best-in-Class Performance

• 802.11 b/g/n chips and modules with multi Mbps throughput for high-definition video and audio applications
• Unmatched idle power consumption combined with fast wake up performance from idle state offers the longest battery life for a Wi-Fi device.
• High receiver sensitivity capability for extended range operation 

Extensive networking stack and services

• Includes personal and enterprise security, embedded DHCP, DNS and HTTP(S) clients and servers, XML parser, service and device discovery, easy provisioning, over-the-air firmware updates, and more.
• Supports SEP2.0, OpenADR as well as ECHONET Lite for Smart Energy Applications

According to Dave Blissett, Ismosys Smart Energy Applications Specialist, by incorporating the only two wireless IP-based Home Area Network (HAN) standards and at the same time supporting IPv4 and/or IPv6 devices, the new Gainspan SoC extends internet connectivity wherever there is a Wi-Fi access point or hotspot: “The Gainspan GS2000 leverages the key benefits of both technologies - the high data rates and widespread availability of Wi-Fi and the small channelisation and meshing capability of ZigBee IP,” Blissett said. “In residential applications, for example, it bridges the gap between ZigBee-based smart meters and smart-home Wi-Fi connected appliances, and will accelerate the development and market adoption of home networked devices”.

Availability
GainSpan's GS2000 Wi-Fi/ ZigBee IP combo SOC and associated modules will be sampling in March with full production slated later this year.

Click here and use the Ismosys Enquiry Service to request full Gainspan GS2000 technical and/or pricing and availability information.