RF Monolithics has introduced the WLS-series of Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth combination modules to the company's integrated short-range radio products. With the addition of three standards-based modules – the WLS1270, WLS1271, and the WLS1273 – the RFM integrated short-range radio product line now includes high-performance standards-based technologies in addition to the company's proprietary RFIC- and SAW-based product portfolio.

According to the April 2011 issue of Connected World Magazine, by the year 2020 over 50 billion M2M intelligent devices will be wirelessly connected. Many M2M applications employ end-devices that are Wi-Fi- and/or Bluetooth-enabled which are connected to the internet via an open or private communications network.

Commenting on the use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in M2M applications, Larry Miller, Director of Product Management for the RFM integrated short-range radio product portfolio said, “Immediate access to information and the standard-based communications protocols for ease of connectivity have become major selling points for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. As a result, the RFM WLS-series of combo modules are ideal for OEMs wanting to quickly add Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth connectivity within a broad range of products for world-wide markets.”

The WLS-series of products include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology in a single SoC and a high-efficiency RF front-end circuit plus a DC-DC converter. The modules are designed to fit into space constrained designs and are slightly smaller than a dime. Minimal external circuitry is required to complete a radio design; add an antenna, power source, processor and associated interface hardware and the radio hardware design is complete. The modules are FCC and/or ETSI certifiable.

The WLS1270 is IEEE 802.11b/g/ and 11n compliant and measures 9.2 mm X 8.4 mm x 1.35 mm, the WLS1271 is IEEE 802.11b/g/ and 11n compliant, Bluetooth 2.1 plus EDR, Power Class 2 compliant with dimensions of 9.2 mm x 8.4 mm x 1.35 mm, and the WLS1273 is IEEE 802.11a/b/g/ and 11n compliant, Bluetooth 2.1 plus EDR, Power Class 2 compliant, and measures 11.4 mm X 9.4 mm x 1.4 mm. The WLS Evaluation Kits currently support Linux and Android operating systems.

For further information: www.rfm.com.