MRF24WB0MA_13 Datasheet, PDF (5/38 Pages) Microchip Technology – MRF24WB0MA/MRF24WB0MB Data Sheet 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b™

MRF24WB0MA/MRF24WB0MB
1.0 DEVICES OVERVIEW
The MRF24WB0MA and MRF24WB0MB are low-power,
2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.11-compliant, surface mount
modules with all associated RF components such as
crystal oscillator, bypass and bias passives with
integrated MAC, baseband, RF and power amplifier, and
built-in hardware support for AES, and TKIP (WEP, WPA,
WPA2 security). The integrated module design frees the
designer from RF and antenna design tasks and
regulatory compliance testing, ultimately providing
quicker time to market. The MRF24WB0MA module is
approved for use with the integrated PCB meander
antenna.
The MRF24WB0MB has an ultra miniature coaxial
connector (U.FL) and is approved for use with a list of
pre-certified antennas. See Section 2.8, External
Antenna, for specific recommendations.
The MRF24WB0MA/MRF24WB0MB modules are
designed to be used with Microchip’s TCP/IP software
stack. The software stack has an integrated driver that
implements the API that is used in the modules for
command and control, and for management and data
packet traffic.
The Microchip TCP/IP software stack is available in the
Microchip Application Libraries for free download
(including example applications and source code) from
the Microchip web site, http://www.microchip.com/
wireless.
The combination of the module and a PIC running the
TCP/IP stack results in support for IEEE 802.11 and IP
services. This allows the immediate implementation of
a wireless web server.
The MRF24WB0MA/MRF24WB0MB modules have
received regulatory approvals for modular devices in
the United States (FCC), Canada (IC), and Europe
(ETSI). The modular approval removes the need for
expensive RF and antenna design, and allows the end
user to place the modules inside a finished product and
not require regulatory testing for an intentional radiator
(RF transmitter). They also have Radio Type Approval
Certification for Japan. See Section 3.0, Regulatory
Approval, for the specific requirements that should be
adhered to by the integrator.
1.1 Interface Description
Figure 1-1 represents a MRF24WB0MA/
MRF24WB0MB module. It interfaces to Microchip
PIC18, PIC24, dsPIC33, or PIC32 microcontrollers
through a four-wire serial slave SPI interface, such as
interrupt, hibernate, Reset, power and ground signals.
The module runs on a single supply voltage of
nominally 3.3V. It also supports optional JTAG and
serial debug for testability. The debug port operates at
3.3V and requires a level shifter for operation with RS-
232 devices. Figure 1-2 shows a simplified connection
between a Microchip’s PIC MCU and the module.
Table 1-1 lists the pin descriptions.
Data communications with the MRF24WB0MA/
MRF24WB0MB are through the SPI interface, for
more information see Section 2.0, Circuit Descrip-
tion. Microchip’s PIC MCUs communicates with the
module through a command API within the Microchip
TCP/IP stack. The command API is detailed in the
Microchip TCP/IP stack online help that is available in
the Microchip Application Libraries for free download.
 2010-2013 Microchip Technology Inc.
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