If you're an Internet of Things (IoT) developer, it can be hard to keep up with all the emerging development options for your IoT solutions. To help you out, here's a roundup of two freshly announced choices to manage the frontend of your IoT application.
Skyworks SKY66112-11 Multimode FEM
The Skyworks SKY66112-11 RF front-end module (FEM) is part of a suite of new modules from Skyworks Solutions. It's designed specifically for IoT applications and supports multimode operation for Bluetooth (including the soon-to-be-released Bluetooth 5), Thread and ZigBee wireless networking protocols.
The SKY66112-11 has features that allow you to focus less on wireless design and more on your IoT applications. The FEM has a built-in power amplifier with 21 dBm output power and a low-noise amplifier with a typical noise figure of 2 dB. It has integrated antenna diversity switching and integrated interstage matching and doesn't require an external bias resistor. Essentially, it takes care of the frontend so you don't have to.
Cypress WICED Studio 4 SDK
The WICED Studio 4 Software Development Kit (SDK) Is the latest version of Cypress' IoT development platform, and it enables wireless connectivity within minutes.The Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) platform provides developers with a single environment to handle multiple wireless options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a combination of both.
The WICED application programming interface aims to makes it easy for IoT developers to abstract complexity and implement protocols to connect to popular cloud services, such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.The WICED SDK also provides support for Apple's HomeKit platform and will soon add support for the popular Chinese social media platform Weibo. The SDK runs on Windows, Mac and Linux and complements Cypress’ many wireless connectivity FEMs.
Figuring Out Your FrontEnd
“Many IoT applications are trending toward combo solutions that enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and alternative connectivity protocols, and every IoT developer is looking for a simple migration path to connectivity upgrades,” said Cypress' Mike Hogan.
Designing effective IoT solutions is already a difficult task; if your application allows it, consider ready-made options like the Skyworks SKY66112-11 or Cypress WICED SDK for taking care of connectivity for you.