Summary of Panasonic PAN9420 is a standalone fully embedded Wi-Fi Module
The article discusses the challenges of non-IP wireless IoT interfaces and highlights Wi-Fi's native IP capabilities. It introduces the Panasonic PAN9420, a standalone 2.4 GHz embedded Wi-Fi module designed for cost-effective integration. Key features include a Marvell SoC, integrated antennas, an internal web server, and over-the-air firmware updates, making it ideal for scalable IoT applications without needing separate gateways.
Parts used in the PAN9420 Module:
- Marvell® 88MW300 MCU/WLAN System-on-Chip (SoC)
- Fully shielded case
- Integrated crystal oscillators (38.4MHz and 32.768KHz)
- Chip antenna with option for external antenna
- Medium access controller
- Encryption unit
- Boot ROM with patching capability
- Internal SRAM
- Integrated web server
- Two UART interfaces
Building an Internet of Things infrastructure most times depends upon the wireless connectivity, but there are many options for wireless and not every device is IP addressable – a requisite feature for IoT. There are many wireless interface options, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, Z-Wave, Lora, RFID and Satellite, each with their own unique balance of power, range, data rates, mesh networking, interference immunity, and ease of use. However, some interfaces are not yet native-IP enabled, so cannot be addressed directly or exchange data with other devices and servers over the Internet. These then require a separate gateway, adding expense and complexity to the final solution.
This is where Wi-Fi stands out: it is based on the IEEE 802.11 standards with native IP addressability, is ubiquitous, well understood, and can scale well in terms of data rates to optimize for power consumption. The PAN9420 is a 2.4 GHz ISM band Wi-Fi-embedded module from Panasonic.
The PAN9420 is a fully embedded stand-alone 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi module and the successor of the PAN9320. It includes a wireless radio and an MCU for easy integration of Wi-Fi connectivity into various electronic devices. The module is specifically designed for highly integrated and cost-effective applications and includes a fully shielded case, integrated crystal oscillators, and a chip antenna.
The PAN9420 is a 29.0×13.5×2.66mm SMT package with a fully shielded case and a high-performance Marvell® 88MW300 MCU/WLAN System-on-Chip (SoC) inside, an integrated crystal oscillator at 38.4MHz, a clock crystal at 32.768KHz, medium access controller, encryption unit, boot ROM with patching capability, internal SRAM, and a chip antenna with option for a selectable external antenna. It also comes with an integrated web server, over-the-air firmware update, two UART interfaces, and a full security suite.
Read more: Panasonic PAN9420 is a standalone fully embedded Wi-Fi Module
- Why is Wi-Fi preferred for many IoT projects?
Wi-Fi stands out because it is based on IEEE 802.11 standards with native IP addressability, is ubiquitous, well understood, and can scale data rates to optimize power consumption. - What problem do non-native IP interfaces face?
Interfaces that are not yet native-IP enabled cannot be addressed directly or exchange data over the Internet without a separate gateway, which adds expense and complexity. - What is the Panasonic PAN9420?
It is a fully embedded stand-alone 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi module from Panasonic that includes a wireless radio and an MCU. - What processor powers the PAN9420 module?
The module contains a high-performance Marvell® 88MW300 MCU/WLAN System-on-Chip (SoC). - Does the PAN9420 support over-the-air updates?
Yes, the module comes with over-the-air firmware update capabilities. - What communication interfaces does the PAN9420 provide?
The module includes two UART interfaces along with a full security suite. - Can the PAN9420 use an external antenna?
Yes, while it has a chip antenna, there is an option for a selectable external antenna. - Is the PAN9420 suitable for highly integrated applications?
Yes, it is specifically designed for highly integrated and cost-effective applications.
