With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless connectivity has become a fundamental requirement for various industrial applications, from device monitoring and asset tracking to building automation. Designers hope to achieve this connection, but face multiple challenges including integrating wireless chipsets, antennas, software, global certification, security, and reliability in harsh environments.

To overcome these challenges, you can choose sturdy, pre certified Wi Fi 6 modules and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.4, which not only provide the necessary functionality but also simplify integration.

This article will discuss the wireless connectivity challenges faced by industrial system designers and introduce them using pre certified EzuroWi Fi 6 modules and BLE 5.4 as examples. This article will also discuss pre certified antennas and related development kits.

The main challenges faced by industrial wireless communication
In industrial environments, the number of terminals that need to share high-speed data is constantly increasing, and wireless networks are often the only practical means of achieving these data communications.

This may lead to network congestion and latency issues with older wireless technologies, and packet loss can affect operational efficiency. Outdated communication technology can also make networks vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Modern technologies such as Wi Fi 6 and BLE 5.4 can solve these problems, but developing and integrating these technologies requires strong RF expertise. This is especially true in devices and retrofit applications with limited space. In addition, many wireless solutions require manual assembly, which not only reduces production speed but also increases costs.

Reliability is another issue that needs to be considered. Many industrial environments suffer from severe electromagnetic interference (EMI), extreme temperatures, vibrations, and impacts. Finally, many applications not only require low power consumption to extend battery life, but also ensure compliance with global standards.

Powerful solution: Wi Fi 6 module with low-power Bluetooth 5.4
Ezuro's Sona TI351 module combines Wi Fi and BLE in a robust pre certified package, solving the challenge of industrial wireless connectivity (Figure 1). These modules are built on the SimpleLink CC3351 Wi Fi and BLE IC from Texas Instruments; There are two types available: surface mount (SMT) and pluggable, with the option to use built-in chip antennas or antenna connectors.

Ezuro Sona TI351 Wi Fi 6 and BLE 5.4 modules
Figure 1: Sona TI351 is a compact pre certified Wi Fi 6 and BLE 5.4 module series, featuring built-in antennas or antenna connectors, available in SMT and plug-in models. (Image source: Ezurio)

All modules support Wi Fi 6 (802.11ax) through SDIO 2.0 interface, with high-speed data transmission capability and built-in error detection and correction functions. Wi Fi 6 is feature rich and helps achieve reliable performance in crowded industrial networks:

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) allows multiple IoT devices to transmit data simultaneously on the same channel, improving the efficiency of dense deployment.
Target Wake Time (TWT) allows for precise scheduling of device wake-up times, thereby optimizing battery life.
The dual band support function improves flexibility for different usage scenarios: 2.4 GHz ensures better penetration of obstacles, while 5 GHz provides higher bandwidth.
A transmission power of 18 decibels (based on 1 milliwatt (dBm)) can achieve reliable coverage in large industrial spaces.
This module implements BLE 5.4 support through a dedicated high-speed UART (HS-UART) channel. BLE 5.4 is a protocol that is highly suitable for industrial environments. This protocol supports:

Periodic Broadcast with Response (PAwR) reduces power consumption by using a predetermined transmission window
Periodic Broadcast Synchronous Transmission (PAST) enables master devices to share synchronous data, simplifying network management
LE 2 Mb/s physical layer (PHY), supports fast data transmission, can quickly return to sleep mode, further improving energy efficiency
LE long-distance mode can achieve reliable communication over long distances
These modules support the coexistence of Wi Fi and Bluetooth, making them suitable for applications that require both protocols.

High reliability design
The Sona TI351 module integrates a power amplifier (PA) to enhance output signal strength and ensure reliable operation in harsh environments. At the receiving end, a low noise amplifier (LNA) can amplify weak signals while minimizing noise interference to enhance signal reception capability. Even in environments with severe electromagnetic interference and physical barriers, this combination can ensure stable wireless connectivity.

The design of these modules also has physical reliability. The SMT version has sturdy connections that can withstand vibration and mechanical stress, while the embedded antenna option eliminates potential failure points. Both have a working temperature range of -40 ° C to+85 ° C.

Provide comprehensive software support for Linux and Android operating systems
The Sona TI351 module includes comprehensive software support for Linux and Android operating systems. For Linux systems, the connection protocol stack has been tested on multiple kernel versions and reverse ported drivers have been provided for earlier versions (such as v2.6.37) to ensure compatibility with older kernel versions. Stack supports familiar build environments, including Buildroot, Yocto, and Ubuntu.

Ezuro not only provides hardware specific drivers, but also offers a complete, pre tested connection stack (Figure 2). This method helps prevent incompatibility between components and accelerates system integration. The stack is continuously maintained using the latest driver sources and kernel components to ensure optimal performance.