Imagination introduces a new generation of IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 IP products that support low-power applications

Imagination Technologies has announced the launch of the IMG iEW400, its latest silicon intellectual property (IP) product based on its Ensigma Wi-Fi technology. The iEW400 integrates radio frequency (RF) and baseband and is designed for low-power and battery-powered applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), wearables and listening devices.

iEW400 is based on the latest IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 standard and delivers enhanced performance, throughput and energy savings with a range of new features:

● Run at 20/40MHz bandwidth: Support low data rate applications to save battery power

● Target Wake Up Time (TWT) technology: Extends deep sleep time, significantly improves current consumption and extends battery life

● Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing Multiple access (OFDMA) technology: Supports bandwidth segmentation to efficiently transfer data, reduce power consumption, and improve performance and data throughput

● BSS Coloring Technology: Improves performance and data throughput in high-density environments

● Dual carrier modulation (DCM) technology: Improved performance for low data rates

● Optional upper layer MAC, which can be used to offload the workload of the main processor to reduce the total system power consumption

● An optional power management unit (PMU) that supports 2.7-4.5V DC power optimized for low power consumption

Richard Edgar, Senior Director of Product Management at Imagination Technologies, said: "In recent years, low-power IEEE 802.11n has seen significant adoption in products, which has driven strong growth for Wi-Fi in battery-powered applications. IEEE 802.11ax can help these products improve power consumption and efficiency, and improve performance. This makes low-power Wi-Fi 6 devices the next stage in Wi-Fi evolution in battery-constrained applications."

Gerry Conlon, Executive Vice president Ensigma at Imagination Technologies, added: "Wi-Fi 6 IP has the potential to completely disrupt the iot connectivity space. The iEW400 provides a one-stop-shop solution that includes both RF and baseband IP, making it easy for any MCU company looking to enter the MCU+ connectivity market. In addition, it can be paired with our Bluetooth Low Energy solution to enable a true Wi-Fi 6+ Bluetooth Low Energy v5.2 combo chip."

iEW400 is a complete, ready-to-use solution that integrates RF, analog Front end (AFE), Baseband Physical layer (PHY), and MAC layer. It offers both analog core and digital integrable RTL for maximum flexibility and fastest time to market while reducing development costs.

iEW400 is now available for licensing. Its main functions include:

● Complete 2.4/5GHz low power Wi-Fi solution

● Silicon-proven design with a bare sheet area of 6.84 mm2 (including analog pads) using TSMC's 40 nm LP process

● Built-in power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA) and switch

● Sleep controller ensures lower overall system-level power consumption

● Optional Integrated Power Management Unit (PMU)

● Support Station, Soft AP and Wi-Fi Direct modes