Morse Micro’s MM8108: a next-Gen Wi-Fi HaLow SoC for AI app

Morse Micro is a Sydney-based company that specialises in IoT applications. Micro Morse introduced its Second-generation WiFi HaLow System-on-Chip MM8108. The primary objectives of MM8108 are long-range, low-power, and secure communication. MM8108 is designed to provide enhanced WiFi HaLow connectivity while improving power efficiency with higher data rates.

The MM8108 has fully integrated Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) achieving single channel data rates up to 43.33 Mbps using 256-QAM modulation technique at a bandwidth of 8 MHz. This is a notable improvement over the MM6108’s data rate of 32.5 Mbps. It contains a dedicated Power Management Unit (PMU), and offers various power-saving modes like Sleep, Hibernate, DTIM, Tx active, Rx active, and Rx listen. Hence, it supports ultra-low-power operations providing extended battery life in IoT devices.

Features and Specifications

Various interface options are available with MM8108. Interfaces such as USB 2.0, SDIO 2.0, and SPI allow integration with various systems. Other available peripheral options are GPIO, UART, I2C, PWM, and Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI), which allows customization for unique use cases. The MM8108 has a compact design of a 5×5 Ball Grid Array Package. This helps in reducing the PCB’s size and cost and such compact form factor makes it suitable for IoT devices.

For long-range communications, the MM8108 operates on worldwide sub-1 GHz bands. This improves compatibility and usability of the SoC. There is an integrated 26 dB power amplifier and a low noise amplifier (LNA) eliminating the need for external filters during long-range communications. MM8108 also supports an external Front-End Module (FEM) enabling extended reach as required by the user. Moreover, it supports four channel bandwidths, 1, 2, 4, and 8 MHz.

The security features of MM8108 include the latest WiFi security protocol WPA3 encryption. It also includes a Key Exchange Protocol – Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) which allows two devices to verify each other’s identity before establishing a secured connection. Galois and Counter Mode Protocol (GCMP) ciphers are available in MM8108. The Counter mode is for encryption of data and the Galois mode is to ensure data is not tampered with. These methods ensure confidentiality and integrity during the data transfers.

Applications

The Morse Micro SoC can be utilized in multiple applications, such as Smart Cities, Industrial Automation, Surveillance Systems, and Smart Homes. These applications vary from a small area to city-wide use cases which demonstrates the capabilities of MM8108.

Morse Micro works within the sector of WiFI HaLow Technology. Its MM8108 meets the basic requirements like power efficiency, security, and compact design. The SoC provides users with easier development processes and a reliable platform. Additionally, it reduces the time-to-market for IoT products. Morse Micro offers an MM8108-RD09 dongle that helps to integrate WiFi HaLow into the existing networks. The dongle is bundled with the MM8108-EKH19 evaluation kit, and includes a Raspberry Pi 4B, power supply, and antenna, providing a platform for users to evaluate and test the chip’s capabilities.

The MM8108 is a significant advancement in Wi-Fi HaLow technology, offering higher data rates, advanced security, and improved power efficiency. Its single-chip design, compact form factor, and various integration options make it applicable to a wide range of IoT applications. Lastly, it addresses the connectivity needs of today’s most demanding use cases. The SoC will be soon available on Morse Micro’s website for more info you can refer to the MM8108’s datasheet.

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