Telink ML9118A RISC-V IoT Module with Wi-Fi 6 and Matter

Telink ML9118A RISC-V IoT module

With Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee/Thread/Matter) connectivity, the Telink ML9118A is a wireless IoT module intended for use in smart lighting, smart home, smart remote control, and industrial IoT terminals. The ML9118A stipulates multi-protocol compatibility, an extensive storage capacity, as well as formidable security features in reference to its advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology.

Furthermore, the ML9118A has a 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller with a clock processing speed of 160 MHz, 576KB SRAM, 4MB flash, and multiple peripheral interfaces, including SDIO 3.0, 19x GPIOs, I2C, SPI, UART, and I2S for audio. The TLSR9118 SoC operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range and supports the Wi-Fi 6 protocol. The FCC, CE, SRRC, and other internationally recognized standards have certified the ML9118A Wi-Fi 6 module, guaranteeing full conformity with anti-static and environmental regulations in international markets.

Telink ML9118A WiFi-6 IoT module

Telink ML9118A module (ML9118A-GAIA-M0-PG12) key specifications:

• Processing and Memory:
  • Dual-core 32-bit RISC-V MCU clocked at 160 MHz
  • 576 KB on-chip SRAM
  • 4 MB integrated flash storage
• Wireless Connectivity:
  • 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ax) with features such as DL/UL OFDMA, RX STBC, and TWT
  • Bluetooth 5.4 LE supporting data rates up to 2 Mbps
  • IEEE 802.15.4 radio compatible with Matter 1.3, Zigbee 3.0 (ZHA/ZLL), and Thread
  • Proprietary 2.4 GHz mode supporting Matter over Wi-Fi and Thread
  • Transmit power: +15 dBm in BLE mode
• Receiver Sensitivity:
  • −88 dBm (802.11b CCK 11 Mbps)
  • −76 dBm (802.11g 54 Mbps)
  • −72 dBm (802.11n HT20 MCS7)
  • −65 dBm (802.11n HT40 MCS7)
  • −72 dBm (802.11ax MCS7)
  • −95 dBm (BLE 1 Mbps)
  • −91 dBm (BLE 2 Mbps)
  • −98 dBm (Zigbee)
• Interfaces and Peripherals:
  • SDIO 2.0
  • Up to 19 GPIOs
  • 2× SPI, 2× I²C, 3× UART
  • Audio via I²S
  • 6-channel 16-bit PWM controller
• Security Features:
  • Secure boot and OTA firmware update support
  • Hardware crypto: AES-128/256, SHA-1/224/256/384/512
  • RSA-2048 and ECC-256 authentication plus additional ECC algorithms
  • True random number generator (TRNG)
  • Secure debug capability
• Power Characteristics:
  • TX current: 142–198 mA
  • RX current: 38–58 mA
  • Hibernation: 64 µA
  • Deep sleep: 90 µA
• Mechanical and Compliance:
  • Module size: 25.5 × 18 mm
  • Certifications: FCC, IC, CE, TELEC, NCC, SRRC, RoHS, REACH, ESD (+2 kV)

The company provides a Zephyr SDK as well as the AIOT-DK2 development kit for which a user manual (PDF) is available. 

AIOT-DK2 Top Side

AIOT-DK2 specifications:

• Core Module: Based on the Telink ML9118A wireless module as stated above
• Audio Interfaces:
  • 3.5 mm headphone/audio jack
  • 2-pin I²S speaker connector
  • 2-pin microphone connector
  • Two 3-pin headers for selecting microphone input
• USB and Power: USB Type-C connector used for 5 V power input
• Expansion and Connectivity:
  • Two 8-pin GPIO headers exposing SDIO, SPI, I²S, and UART signals
  • Additional 8-pin and 13-pin headers providing access to power, UART, current-measurement points, switch/LED connections, and PWM test signals
• Debug and Programming: Dual 6-pin JTAG headers for MCU debugging
• User Interface and Indicators:
  • Reset button plus six programmable user buttons
  • Five LEDs (power indicator plus four user-controllable)
• Power Requirement: Operates from a 5 V supply delivered through the USB-C port

AIOT-DK2 Bottom Side

Additional materials—including the TLSR9118 datasheet, hardware design guidelines, and AIOT-DK2 board design files (schematics and PCB layout)—are also available, but they can only be obtained through a Telink FAE or authorized sales representative. 

The Telink ML9118A module and its AIOT-DK2 development board seem to be available now, although pricing details have not been disclosed. Refer to the official product page and press release for further information.

Images used courtesy of Telink.