Datasheet

 2014 Microchip Technology Inc. DS70005171A-page 3
RN171
1.0 DEVICE OVERVIEW
The RN171 is a standalone, embedded 802.11 b/g
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module. The
module incorporates an on-board TCP/IP networking
stack, cryptographic accelerator, power management
subsystem, real-time clock, versatile sensor interface,
2.4 GHz transceiver, and RF power amplifier (see
Figure 1-1). With the RN171, designers can embed Wi-
Fi and networking functionality rapidly into virtually any
device.
The RN171 provides cost and time-to-market savings
as a self-contained internet-enabling solution. The
module has been designed to provide designers with a
simple Wi-Fi solution that features:
• Ease of integration and programming
• Vastly reduced development time
• Minimum system cost
• Long battery life
• Maximum value in a range of applications
The RN171 is configured with a simple ASCII com-
mand language. The “WiFly Command Reference,
Advanced Features and Applications User's Guide”
(DS50002230) contains a complete listing and
instructions of the ASCII command interface.
In the simplest configuration, the module requires only
power, ground, and UART TX and RX connections.
The RN171 module can interface to low-cost microcon-
trollers using only two wires, UART TX and RX.
The RN171 has a versatile sensor interface that can be
used to monitor analog signals such as temperature,
audio, motion, and acceleration.
The module has a small form factor, which makes it
easy to integrate. Additionally, the module is compati-
ble with standard pick-and-place equipment.
The RN171 is ideal for a vast range of applications that
require long battery life, moderate processing power,
moderate data throughput and occasional Wi-Fi
connectivity, such as:
• Real-Time Locationing Systems (RTLS)
• Industrial and home automation
• Health and fitness monitoring
• Telemetry
•Security
Additionally, the module is perfect for mobile wireless
applications such as asset monitoring and sensor
applications.
The RN171 can independently maintain a low-power
wireless network connection. Ultra-low power usage
and flexible power management maximize the mod-
ule’s lifetime in battery-operated devices. A wide oper-
ating temperature range allows use in indoor and
outdoor environments (industrial temperature range).
When operating in Sleep mode, the module minimizes
battery usage while still being able to respond to certain
events, including internal timers and events on the sen-
sor interfaces. Applications that make efficient use of
the sleep state can extend battery life to multiple years.
The RN171 has modular device approval for operation
in the United States (FCC) and Canada (IC). The
RN171 module is an R&TTE Directive assessed radio
module for operation in Europe.
FIGURE 1-1: RN171 BLOCK DIAGRAM
128-KB
RAM
2.4-GHz
Radio
2.4-GHz
PA
Crypto-
accelerator
32-Bit
CPU
802.11 b/g
MAC/PHY
ADC
2-MB ROM
Timers
SPI
GPIO
SDIO
Sensor Interface
2-KB NVM
Power
Management
Flash
Memory
SPI
GPIO
UART
VDD IN
VDD BATT
2.4 GHz
TX/RX
External
Antenna
RN171