Infineon & AzureWave: Turbocharging IoT with Wi-Fi 6
On September 20, 2023, against the backdrop of the rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, Wi-Fi 6/6E technology has emerged as a central focus within the wireless communication sector. Two prominent entities in the global IoT arena, Infineon Technologies AG and AzureWave Technologies, a recognized authority in the wireless communication module realm, have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership. The collaboration will extend into the domain of Wi-Fi 6 technology, with AzureWave poised to introduce wireless module products specifically tailored to leverage Infineon's Wi-Fi 6 technology.
This strategic alignment aims to harness the combined strengths of Infineon's AIROC™ wireless communication chips, renowned for their robust connectivity, performance, and stability, and AzureWave's proficiency in modular technology. Together, they seek to substantially enhance the efficiency of IoT ecosystems, simplify the intricacies of IoT device design, expedite the introduction of new products to market, and address a broader spectrum of applications within the industrial and consumer IoT sectors.
A recent study conducted by IoT Analytics underscores the mounting significance of the IoT landscape, predicting a surge from 14.3 billion connected devices in 2022 to over 29 billion by 2027, with an impressive annual compound growth rate of 16%. As the demand for more potent wireless communication technology continues to escalate in tandem with burgeoning device connections and data transmission requirements, Wi-Fi 6 technology shines as a beacon of promise. It boasts higher transmission rates, wider bandwidth, reduced latency, and pivotal optimizations in battery life, coverage, and stability, all contributing to an exceptional user connectivity experience. Since its inception in 2019, Wi-Fi 6 technology has made strides in the realm of routers and is poised for rapid proliferation across an array of IoT device endpoints, further propelling the flourishing IoT marketplace.
Infineon's AIROC CYW5557x series wireless communication chips not only excel in Wi-Fi 6 wireless connectivity but also incorporate proprietary algorithms to amplify product performance. When coupled with external power amplifier gain algorithms and preamble boost algorithms, these chips extend transmission distances and enhance reception sensitivity, ensuring stable long-distance communication. Furthermore, Infineon's exclusive interference suppression algorithms grant robust interference resistance, guaranteeing superior connection quality. Simultaneously, a more energy-efficient network offload communication protocol prolongs connection durations, while Infineon's Smart CoexTM technology optimizes the synergy among different wireless communication protocols, ensuring a seamless user experience even amidst multiple concurrent connections. This ecosystem establishes an efficient and stable connectivity foundation that caters to a diverse spectrum of IoT applications.
Historically, the development of wireless products necessitated substantial resources, encompassing specialized RF expertise, complex equipment, and intricate product certification processes. AzureWave Technologies, armed with its extensive knowledge in wireless communication technology, has emerged as a pivotal partner for Infineon. They have successfully crafted corresponding wireless modules and products for Infineon's AIROC series wireless connectivity chips, spanning consumer electronics, industrial applications, and the automotive sector. In a bid to cater to the multifaceted demands of the IoT market, AzureWave offers an array of module packages, ranging from SiP as compact as 7.9mm x 7.3mm to 10mm x 10mm, along with various LGA and M.2 specifications. Through miniaturization, diversification of functions, and comprehensive support for different platforms and operating systems, this approach significantly expedites product development timelines for manufacturers.
Ming-Song Chen, Director of Marketing at Infineon's Secure Connectivity Systems Division, emphasized, "Wi-Fi 6 is witnessing swift deployment within the IoT ecosystem, driven by its Target Wake Time (TWT), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), and Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technologies, which effectively augment IoT network efficiency and capacity. Through our collaboration with AzureWave, our Wi-Fi 6 chips are poised for even more effective utilization across diverse application scenarios, delivering heightened connectivity and performance and further expediting the adoption and innovation of IoT technology."
Gu-Feng Lin, Vice General Manager of Product Marketing at AzureWave Technologies, expressed, "We are elated to further fortify our alliance with Infineon within the wireless communication domain. Building upon Infineon's high-performance, low-power Wi-Fi 6 solutions, we have successfully forged versatile, dependable, and innovative wireless communication modules catering to both consumer and industrial applications. Looking ahead, empowered by Infineon's communication technology, we aim to develop Wi-Fi 6 communication module products tailored for connected vehicle applications, thereby unlocking a realm of possibilities for IoT applications."
