News
Overview
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has developed Wi-Fi™ driver software that enables Murata Wi-Fi™ modules to be used with µITRON*1 or other real-time OSes*2 (RTOSes) . The solution makes it easy to bring Wi-Fi™ to resource-constrained,*3 energy-efficient RTOS devices running at low clock speeds,*4 which opens the door for Wi-Fi™ in OSes other than relatively full-featured alternatives such as Linux®*5 and Android®.*6
Background
Wireless LAN environments are now more common, even in homes, fueled in part by greater popularity of Wi-Fi™ in smartphones, portable game consoles, and other small, lightweight devices. At the same time, more Internet-based cloud services are launched every day. Network connectivity and use of network services on these devices has extended beyond Linux®, Android®, and other relatively full-featured OSes to the realm of embedded devices,*7 a field previously unrelated to this kind of wireless networking.
In response, Murata has developed Wi-Fi™ drivers compatible with the RTOS used in many of these small, resource-constrained embedded devices, providing a one-stop solution for hardware and software with Murata Wi-Fi™ devices.
Availability of the drivers makes implementation of sophisticated Wi-Fi™ functionality in embedded devices easier, faster, and more economical, demonstrating Murata's commitment to supporting Wi-Fi™ development.
Features
- Designed for resource-constrained CPUs at low clock frequencies, yet compatible with the latest high-speed wireless specification (IEEE-802.11n) , for high-speed communication.
- In addition to client mode (for operation similar to that of a wireless extension handset), access point mode is included, for operation similar to that of the main wireless handset. Providing more robust security than ad hoc connectivity,*8 this mode enables easy connections from smartphones and support for an array of products and services.
- Supports WPA/WPA2*9 Personal encryption without additional software.
- Also supports WPS 2.0.*10 Wi-Fi™ certified, in conjunction with WPS products from Ubiquitous Corporation. Support is planned for other WPS 2.0-compatible products.
- Also supports Wi-Fi Direct™, enabling direct connection between Wi-Fi™ devices.
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The driver package consists of a Wi-Fi™ driver core and interfaces, which can be developed to suit the environment of use. Sample code for interfaces is also included.
- Extended platform support is planned.
- Existing resources can be used while adding network connectivity to RTOS devices.
- Used with Murata Wi-Fi™ modules, offers an integrated (hardware+software) , one-stop solution.
Applications
- RTOS devices with a low-spec 32-bit CPU
- Wi-Fi™ functionality for machine-to-machine (M2M) devices
- RTOS digital still or video cameras, printers, home appliances, and so on
License Fees
¥3,000,000
Terminology
| *1 | µITRON
(Micro Industrial TRON) : |
An RTOS specification. Offers ample performance even with limited processing power and memory, enabling use even on low-performance computers. |
|---|---|---|
| *2 | Real-time OS (RTOS) : | An operating system that implements functions for real-time processing. Includes a scheduler to determine required processing time, as well as functions enabling execution within the allotted time even with multitasking. |
| *3 | Resources: | CPU processing speed and memory capacity required for computer operation. |
| *4 | Clock: | Signals that coordinate the timing of processing by circuitry that runs on a specific frequency, such as CPUs. The number of clocks per second is referred to as the clock speed or frequency, with a low value indicating a low clock frequency. Low clock frequency indicates limited processing power, while a high clock frequency indicates higher power. |
| *5 | Linux®: | A type of OS. Originally a computer OS, Linux® is now used in many mobile phones, digital appliances, and other embedded devices. Notable for its standard network functions and stability. |
| *6 | Android®: | General name for a platform mainly used in smartphones and tablet computers, including elements such as the OS, middleware, interfaces, and applications. Currently the leading smartphone OS in the U.S. and Japan. |
| *7 | Embedded devices: | Electronic devices with built-in computer systems designed to implement specific functionality. |
| *8 | Ad hoc connection: | A wireless LAN protocol. Devices communicate directly, without an intermediate access point. |
| *9 | WPA/WPA2: | Encryption methods established by the Wi-Fi Alliance, an industry organization involved in wireless LAN technology. |
| *10 | WPS2.0: | Encryption method established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Enables easy configuration of connection and security settings for wireless LAN devices. |
*Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance.
*Android is a registered trademark of Google Inc.
*Linux is a registered trademark of Mr.Linux Torvalds.
*Wi-Fi Direct is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance.
