The Features, Specifications, and Use Cases of the AR9331 WiFi Module

A WiFi module relates to the IoT transmission layer. It converts the TTL level or serial port into the embedded module. An array of IoT products rely on wireless connectivity. We have various wireless options, but all devices are not IP addressable which is an essential IoT feature.  Moreover, the radio frequency design is characteristically tough. Few manufacturers have the skills for implementing antenna and RF design to keep the design updated with modern-day standards for FCC compliance. Designers have proven and very solid choice for IoT and wireless connectivity. We know this option as WiFi modules. In this article, SKYLAB will discuss the features, specifications, and use cases of the AR9331 WiFi module.

Why We Need Ar9331 WiFi Module Or Other WiFi Modules?

We have various wire-free interface options. These include BLE (Bluetooth-Low-Energy), Z-Wave, RFID, WiFi, and ZigBee. All these interface options come with a unique combination of data rates, range, mesh networking, usage ease, interference immunity, and power.

However, a few interfaces are still not native-IP enabled. Therefore, it is not possible to address them directly or to exchange information or data with servers and other devices using the internet. Therefore, such situations require a new gateway that can add complexity and extra expense to the solution.

To deal with such situations, WiFi plays its role. It uses IEEE 802.11 standards having IP addressability. Therefore, we need WiFi modules, such as the ar9331 WiFi module. Today, almost all devices that communicate using the internet require a WiFi feature. Without it, we will not be able to perform many internet-based tasks in a precise manner.

WiFi Module Applications

As we already said, a WiFi module is a must for various IoT-based devices. Therefore, we can understand that its use cases would be almost endless. 

Some of the most common applications of WiFi modules include:

■  TTL - WiFi, Serial Port (RS485/RS232) - WiFi

■  WiFi coprocessor, TCP/IP, and WiFi Monitoring

■  Wireless Remote Control Toys, Cars, and Aircrafts

■  WiFi Camera, Electronic Photo Frame, and Digital Radio

■  Handheld Devices, Data Acquisition, and Medical Devices

■  WiFi Smart Cards, Intelligent Home, and Fat Scale

■  Wireless Point of Sale Machines

■  Equipment and Instruments Monitoring

Modern military fields, agriculture, and other WiFi-related development applications also require WiFi modules. Now, let’s take a look at the two variants of the ar9331 WiFi module.

1. SKW72 AR9331 UART & AP/Repeater WiFi Module

This WiFi module comes with a WiFi radio 1T1R 802.11n, a processor MIPS 24K, fast 2-port Ethernet PHY, 2.0 USB host, several slow IOs, and I2S. It is a perfect WiFi module if you need a highly integrated, low-cost, and low-power AP router.

This module is also a perfect solution for consumer electronics that requires a module that can work on the external power supply of 3.3V. It is compatible with 802.11n operating with 72.2Mbps/20MHz and 150Mbps/40MHz channels.

Moreover, this WiFi module supports data rates of IEEE 802.11b. The SKW72 WiFi module offer supports for client mode, repeater mode, UART WiFi, and AP mode. This module ensures high performance and can process complex applications seamlessly. It is a perfect choice for VoIP, security, and routing.

Module Features

The features of this WiFi module are as follows:

■  IEEE 802.11 n/g/b 1x1 WLANs compliance

■  Up to 512 Megabytes DDR2 Memory

■  Up to 64 Megabytes Flash Memory

■  One WAN port and Four LAN Ports

■  High-Speed UART

■  Support for 2.0 USB Device Host Mode

■  Support Client Mode, AP Mode, and Repeater Mode

■  Security: WAPI, TKIP, AES, WPA, WEP 128/64, and AES

■  Dimension: 40.5mm (length) x 27.5mm (width) x 2.9mm (height)

This WiFi module is RoHS compliant, so it fulfills environment-friendly requirements. Moreover, it is CE and FCC-certified.

Technical Specs and Use Cases

Take a look at the following technical specification of the SKW72 WiFi module:

■ Model: SKW72

■ Voltage: 3.3V

■ Antenna Type: PCB Antenna or IPEX Connector

■ Frequency Range: 2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz

■ Certification: RoHS, FCC, and CE

■ Operating Temperature: -20 to 70℃

Due to its technical specifications and features, SKW72 is an ideal module for AP WiFi, repeater WiFi, UART WiFi, IP TV, DVR, and IP DVD. The SKW72 ar9331 WiFi module is also appropriate for gaming consoles, home automation, and building automation.

2. SKW71 UART Transmission WiFi Module

This module supports WiFi radio 1T1R 802.11n, 24K MIPS processor, 2.0 USB host, fast Ethernet 2-port PHY, various slow IOs, and I2S. It provides an ideal solution for low-cost, low-power, and consumer electronics and AP routers.

This module needs an external power supply of 3.3V and is compatible with 802.11n operating; 72.2Mbps/20MHz and 150Mbps/40MHz channels. Moreover, it supports data rates IEEE 802.11 g/b.

The SKW71 module supports repeater mode, client mode, UART WiFi, and AP mode. It is a high-performance WiFi module that can process many advanced applications smoothly, including VoIP, routing, and security.

Module Features

Various features make this WiFi module a perfect choice for many applications. However, the main features of the SKW71 WiFi module are as below:

■  IEEE 802.11 n/g/b 1x1 WLANs Compliance

■  Up to 64 Megabyte Flash Memory

■  Up to 512 Megabyte DDR2 Memory

■  One WAN Port and One LAN Port

■  Host Support for 2.0 USB Device Mode

■  Support Repeater Mode, Client Mode, and AP Mode

■  UART - WiFi Transparent Support

■  Support SPDIF/I2S Interface

■  IC, CE, and FCC Certified

■  Small Dimension: 45mm (length) x 17.3mm (width) x 9.0mm (height)

■  Security: WPA2, WPA, WAPI, AES, WEB /128/64

The SKW71 ar9331 WiFi module is RoHS compliant which means that it fulfills the necessary environment-friendly requirement.

Technical Specifications and Use Cases

Let’s take a quick look at the technical specifications of the SKW71 WiFi module:

■  Model: SKW71

■  Voltage: 3.3V

■  Antenna Type: PCB Antenna or IPEX Connector

■  Frequency Range: 2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz

■  Wireless Security: AES, WPA2/WPA, TKIP, and WEP

■  Work Mode: Infrastructure Mode/UART/Repeater/AP/Ad-Hoc

■  Certification: RoHS, FCC, IC, and CE

■  Operating Temperature: -20 to 70℃

The above-discussed features and technical specs make the SKW71 WiFi module a perfect solution for various applications. Some of its use cases include UART WiFi, AP WiFi, IP DVD, IP TV, repeater WiFi, and DVR. Additionally, this ar9331 WiFi module is also apt for building automation, gaming consoles, and home automation.