Morse Micro and Gateworks introduce Wi-Fi HaLow for smart factories

Morse Micro, Gateworks Corporation, and Silex Technology have joined forces to introduce Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) connectivity to the most challenging industrial environments. This collaboration has led to the creation of a high-performance ecosystem that enables secure, low-power, and long-range Wi-Fi capabilities in smart factories, transportation systems, and energy infrastructure.

Central to this partnership is the GW16159, an industrial-grade M.2 Wi-Fi HaLow card developed and produced by Gateworks in the USA. This advanced radio is powered by the Silex SX-SDMAH module, which is based on the cutting-edge MM6108 SoC from Morse Micro. The GW16159 card is well-suited for various smart factory applications, including wireless sensors, automated mobile robotics, and machine health monitoring. It is also applicable in transportation scenarios such as train safety systems, fleet management, predictive maintenance, as well as in smart grids for grid management, solar inverters, wireless EV charging, and smart meters.

Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) offers a standardized alternative to LPWAN technologies like LoRa or proprietary mesh systems, making it ideal for industrial networks. This technology combines exceptional range and power efficiency with bandwidth, IP-native compatibility, and scalability. Noteworthy specifications of Wi-Fi HaLow include a range exceeding 1 km, making it perfect for large facilities and remote infrastructure, along with the ability to connect over 8,000 devices per access point. Additional features include sub-GHz operation for penetrating walls and obstacles, as well as WPA3 security for enterprise-level communication security.

Gateworks has introduced the GW11056 Development Kit to expedite time-to-market for Wi-Fi HaLow solutions. This comprehensive platform facilitates Wi-Fi HaLow evaluation and prototyping in industrial automation, remote monitoring, sensor networks, mobile robotics, and more. The kit comprises the GW16159 Wi-Fi HaLow M.2 Card, VeniceFLEX SBC featuring the NXP iMX 8M Plus CPU, Linux Ubuntu board support package, antenna, JTAG programmer, adapter cables, and power supply.

Michael De Nil, CEO of Morse Micro, emphasized, "Our MM6108 SoC is specifically designed for long-range industrial-grade performance. Collaborating with Gateworks and Silex Technology establishes a robust ecosystem that simplifies Wi-Fi HaLow adoption, enabling connectivity in previously inaccessible areas." Kelly Peralta, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Gateworks, added, "Wi-Fi HaLow bridges critical gaps in smart transportation, smart factories, and energy infrastructure without compromising compatibility or reliability. With the GW16159, we are ushering in a new era of industrial applications."