Silicon Labs AMW004-E02

Overview

AMW004-E02 from ACKme Networks is a revision 2 evaluation board for the AMW004 'Wallaby' WICED-based Wi-Fi module, featuring dual 10-pin expansion headers, USB-UART interface, two user LEDs, two user buttons, reset control, and on-board power regulation from USB. It supports WiConnect firmware with embedded TCP/IP, TLS/SSL, HTTP(S), UDP/TCP client functionality, and GPIO control for rapid prototyping of embedded Wi-Fi applications.

For engineers reviewing the AMW004-E02 datasheet, AMW004-E02 pinout, AMW004-E02 application, or AMW004-E02 equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware interface details, expansion header signal mapping, GPIO-to-header assignments, USB serial configuration, and real-world use context for integration into IoT sensor nodes, smart home gateways, and industrial wireless edge devices.

Technical Context

The AMW004-E02 implements a pluggable evaluation architecture comprising the AAE001 bare evaluation board and the AMW004-A01 'Hornet' through-hole module adapter. It provides direct access to 20 GPIOs from the AMW004 module via two 10-pin headers (Header 1 and Header 2), with pin 1–10 and 11–20 mapped to VDD_3V3, USART1_TX/RX, I2C0_SDA/SCL, SPI_SCK/MOSI/MISO/CS, RESET_N, WAKE, USART1_RTS/CTS, and GND.

All expansion header pins are electrically buffered or resistor-limited per design: GPIO_28 connects to Header 2 Pin 1 via 220Ω resistor; WAKE signal appears on Header 1 Pin 6; and Button 1 is physically wired to Header 1 Pin 8 despite silkscreen mislabeling. No debug or SWD programming interface is included - it is strictly an evaluation and application interface platform.

Key Specifications

Availability

AMW004-E02 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for IoT gateway validation, embedded Wi-Fi sensor node development, and industrial wireless connectivity testing requiring stable component supply, full documentation access, and long-term evaluation board continuity.

Supply support for AMW004-E02 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

ACKme Networks was a U.S.-based developer of embedded Wi-Fi modules and firmware platforms, specializing in turnkey serial Wi-Fi solutions for resource-constrained microcontroller systems before discontinuing operations.

The AMW004-E02 belongs to ACKme's 'Marlin' evaluation series designed specifically to accelerate development with the AMW004 'Wallaby' module by exposing all key interfaces - UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, and reset - in a USB-powered, breadboard-friendly form factor.

FAQ

What is the AMW004-E02 used for?

The AMW004-E02 is a dedicated evaluation board for the AMW004 'Wallaby' Wi-Fi module, enabling rapid prototyping of serial Wi-Fi applications using ACKme's WiConnect firmware. It provides physical access to all critical module signals - including UART, SPI, I2C, GPIOs, and reset - via dual 10-pin headers, along with USB power and serial communication. Engineers use the AMW004-E02 to validate network connectivity, test TLS-secured HTTP clients, configure GPIO peripherals, and integrate Wi-Fi into MCU-based systems without designing custom carrier hardware.

Does the AMW004-E02 include a debugger or JTAG interface?

No, the AMW004-E02 does not include a debugger, JTAG, or SWD interface. It is strictly an application and interface evaluation platform - not a programming or debug tool. Firmware updates and low-level development for the underlying AMW004 module require the separate AMW004-E01 'Snapper' WICED evaluation board, which provides full Broadcom WICED SDK support, debug headers, and program capability. The AMW004-E02 relies entirely on WiConnect's serial command-line interface for configuration and operation.

How are GPIOs mapped on the AMW004-E02 expansion headers?

GPIO mapping on the AMW004-E02 is defined in Table 3 of the official Evaluation Guide: Header 1 Pin 6 carries WAKE, Header 1 Pin 8 is BUTTON_1 (despite silkscreen error), and Header 2 Pin 1 connects to GPIO_28 via a 220Ω resistor. Full mapping includes USART1_TX/RX on Pins 2/3, I2C0_SDA/SCL on Pins 2/3 (Header 2), SPI signals across Pins 4–5 and 10–11, and RESET_N on Pin 5 of both headers. All mappings are validated against the AMW004-A01 'Hornet' adapter schematic and confirmed in the February 2015 revision of ARG-MW004E-105R.

Can the AMW004-E02 be used with standard breadboards?

Yes, the AMW004-E02 is designed for breadboard compatibility: its dual 10-pin male headers (2.54 mm pitch) align with standard breadboard rows, and the board's compact footprint allows direct insertion or use with jumper wires. The pluggable architecture - combining the AAE001 base board and AMW004-A01 'Hornet' adapter - maintains mechanical stability while enabling easy module replacement. This layout supports iterative hardware testing of Wi-Fi peripheral connections, sensor interfacing, and power profiling without soldering or custom PCBs.

Is the AMW004-E02 still supported or available from ACKme Networks?

No - ACKme Networks ceased operations and discontinued all product lines, including the AMW004-E02, after 2015. However, Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory and technical documentation for the AMW004-E02 to support ongoing maintenance, repair, and requalification of deployed systems. Full schematics, firmware binaries, and the original ARG-MW004E-105R Evaluation Guide remain accessible through Aetrix's engineering support portal for customers integrating or sustaining designs based on the AMW004-E02.