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TI Introduces OpenLink Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity Inside the WiLink 6.0 Solution for AM18x Sitara ARM MicroprocessorsJuly 11, 2011 -- Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI) today premiered its first module platform housing the WiLink 6.0 (WL1271) single-chip, wireless combo solution with TI's open-source, Linux-based OpenLink drivers. The OpenLink drivers are built on the community-validated mac80211 Wi-Fi driver and BlueZ Bluetooth protocol stack. The first in a series of such open-source platforms from TI, the new WiLink 6.0 OpenLink platform is pre-integrated with TI's AM18x Sitara ARM microprocessors (MPUs). This enables those developing industrial or point-of-service applications on cost-effective ARM MPUs to easily introduce reliable, low-power Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies. Introducing OpenLink Wi-Fi access pointsToday's release also signifies the first time TI's customers can easily re-purpose Sitara ARM MPU-based designs as Wi-Fi access points via the new WiLink 6.0 OpenLink platform. OpenLink technology offers mobile-grade, battery-optimized Wi-Fi connectivity supporting native Linux designs, giving developers tested wireless technologies that can be easily re-integrated into designs as they migrate from one kernel version to the next. In addition, TI's mac80211 Wi-Fi driver is optimized to maximize system level throughput. As a result, battery-friendly customer products built on Sitara ARM MPUs can serve as a mobile Wi-Fi gateway or support peer-to-peer file transfers with other Wi-Fi enabled devices. These capabilities eliminate the need for external access points and create new opportunities for unique use cases depending on mobile, self-networking devices. Availability and PricingThe production-ready WiLink 6.0 (WL1271) OpenLink module is packaged as a daughter card and bundled in the AM18x Sitara ARM EVM + WL1271 Development Kit, priced at $1,150.00. For designers already working on an AM18x Sitara ARM EVM, the standalone daughter card is available for $249. (The WiLink 6.0 OpenLink daughter card is compatible with all existing AM18x Sitara ARM EVMs, except the AM1810 Sitara ARM MPU.) | |
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