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Microchip Technology MCW1001AT-I/SS
- Part No.:
- MCW1001AT-I/SS
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCW1001AT-I/SS.pdf
- Description:
- IC INTERFACE SPECIALIZED 28SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,332
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Product details
Overview
MCW1001AT-I/SS from Microchip Technology is a TCP/IP socket communications interface IC designed as a companion controller for the MRF24WB0MA/MB 802.11 Wi-Fi modules. It integrates an on-board TCP/IP stack, 802.11 connection manager, UART interface (up to 230 Kbaud), 8 GPIOs, and operates from 2.7V–3.6V. It enables embedded microcontrollers to implement Wi-Fi connectivity without external memory or protocol stack software.
For engineers reviewing the MCW1001AT-I/SS datasheet, MCW1001AT-I/SS pinout, MCW1001AT-I/SS application, or MCW1001AT-I/SS equivalent, key selection criteria include UART-based socket API support, SPI-controlled MRF24WB0M interfacing, industrial temperature operation (−40°C to +85°C), SSOP-28 packaging, and GPIO voltage tolerance differentiation (GPIO0–4: VDD-only; GPIO5–7: 5.5V-tolerant).
Technical Context
The MCW1001AT-I/SS implements a dedicated hardware abstraction layer between host microcontrollers and the MRF24WB0M 802.11 transceiver, using a proprietary WSPI interface (WCS, WRST, WHIB, WSDI/WSDO, WSCK, WINT) with precise timing control for Wi-Fi power management and connection state synchronization. Its internal TCP/IP stack supports BSD-style socket creation, binding, listening, connecting, sending, and receiving over UDP/TCP.
It relies on an external 8 MHz crystal oscillator (OSC1/OSC2), includes an internal voltage regulator stabilized by a 10 µF VCAP capacitor, and provides asynchronous event notification (e.g., IP assignment, Wi-Fi status change, scan completion) via UART to the host. Autobaud initialization uses 0x55 sync byte, and hardware flow control is supported via URTS/UCTS with buffer-level handshaking thresholds.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | 2.7V–3.6V - Enables direct integration with 3.3V logic systems without level-shifting. |
| Temperature Range | −40°C to +85°C - Qualified for industrial environments including smart meters and HVAC controls. |
| UART Baud Rate | Up to 230 Kbaud - Supports high-throughput serial data exchange with host MCU over standard UART. |
| GPIO Count & Types | 8 I/O pins: GPIO0–4 (medium drive, VDD-limited input); GPIO5–7 (high-drive, 5.5V-tolerant input) - Enables mixed-voltage system interfacing and LED driving. |
| Oscillator Requirement | 8 MHz crystal (OSC1/OSC2) - Provides stable clock source for internal timing and Wi-Fi synchronization. |
| VCAP Capacitor | 10 µF low-ESR ceramic/tantalum - Required to stabilize internal LDO output; must not be connected to VDD. |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (Small Outline Package) - Surface-mount footprint compatible with automated PCB assembly. |
Pinout & Package
MCW1001AT-I/SS is housed in a 28-pin Small Outline Package (SSOP) with 0.635 mm pitch and exposed pad-less construction. Pin numbering follows standard SSOP convention (pin 1 at top-left corner, counterclockwise).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RESET | Active-low reset input | Externally triggers full device initialization; includes internal noise filtering to reject glitches. |
| UTX / URX | UART transmit / receive | Full-duplex asynchronous serial interface; default 115200 baud, 8N2 format after reset. |
| URTS / UCTS | Hardware flow control | URTS (output) de-asserts at 499-character buffer threshold; UCTS (input) enables/disable transmission handshake. |
| GPIO0–GPIO7 | General-purpose digital I/O | GPIO0–4: medium-drive, VDD-referenced inputs; GPIO5–7: high-drive, 5.5V-tolerant inputs - supports mixed-voltage peripheral control. |
| WCS / WRST / WHIB / WSDI / WSDO / WSCK / WINT | WSPI interface to MRF24WB0M | Direct SPI-like control of Wi-Fi module: chip select, reset, hibernate, data I/O, clock, and interrupt signaling. |
| OSC1 / OSC2 | Crystal oscillator interface | Drives external 8 MHz fundamental-mode crystal; requires load capacitors per crystal manufacturer spec. |
| VCAP | Voltage regulator filter | Mandatory 10 µF low-ESR capacitor to ground - stabilizes internal LDO; no connection to VDD permitted. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Built-in TCP/IP & 802.11 connection manager | Offloads Wi-Fi association, DHCP, ARP, and socket state management from host MCU - eliminates need for embedded TCP/IP stack licensing or porting effort. |
| BSD-style socket messaging API | Standardized UART command set (e.g., SOCKET_CREATE_MSG, SOCKET_SEND_MSG) enables rapid firmware development using familiar socket semantics. |
| No external memory required | Integrated RAM and ROM store firmware, network buffers, and configuration - reduces BOM cost and PCB area vs. external Flash/SRAM solutions. |
| UART-to-Wi-Fi bridge architecture | Abstracts MRF24WB0M complexity behind simple serial commands - allows any UART-equipped MCU (8-bit to 32-bit) to add certified Wi-Fi capability. |
| Industrial-grade operating range | −40°C to +85°C ambient operation with 2.7–3.6V supply - validated for deployment in utility meters, thermostats, and industrial sensors. |
Applications
| Smart Energy Metering | Home Security Systems |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Wireless transmission of electricity/gas/water consumption data from utility meters to concentrators or cloud gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TCP/IP socket interface bridging MCU UART to MRF24WB0M Wi-Fi radio - handles secure association, DHCP, and periodic UDP packet transmission. Use Value: Eliminates custom Wi-Fi driver development; enables field-upgradable firmware via socket-based OTA updates using standard network protocols. |
Use Scenario: Real-time alarm reporting and remote camera streaming from door/window sensors, motion detectors, and IP cameras in residential security panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-latency socket handler managing concurrent TCP connections for control commands and UDP streams for sensor events. Use Value: Reduces host MCU processing load during alarm events; GPIO5–7 drive status LEDs directly while tolerating 5V panel logic levels. |
| HVAC Control Units | Remote Patient Monitoring |
|
Use Scenario: Cloud-connected thermostats and air handlers transmitting environmental data and accepting remote setpoint adjustments via MQTT or HTTP. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART-based Wi-Fi interface executing socket bind/listen/accept for local web server and socket send/receive for cloud API calls. Use Value: Enables seamless integration with existing HVAC MCU firmware; VCAP-stabilized LDO ensures reliable operation during AC line fluctuations. |
Use Scenario: Portable glucose meters and pulse oximeters transmitting health metrics to caregiver apps or EHR systems over home Wi-Fi networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure socket endpoint handling TLS-capable HTTPS POSTs and encrypted UDP telemetry with minimal host intervention. Use Value: Meets medical device power efficiency requirements (10 mA active current); GPIO0–4 provide isolated status signaling to analog front-end circuits. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Wi-Fi interface applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRF24WG0MA | Integrated 802.11g transceiver + 32-bit PIC® MCU + TCP/IP stack in single 44-pin QFN package - no external companion IC needed. | Requires PIC-specific toolchain and firmware development; lacks UART-transparent socket API abstraction. | Select when full MCU integration and code ownership are prioritized over rapid UART-based bring-up. |
| ESP32-WROOM-32 | SoC with dual-core Xtensa LX6, integrated Wi-Fi/BT, 4 MB Flash, AT command set - higher compute power but larger footprint and different power profile. | Supports richer protocols (HTTP/HTTPS/MQTT/Bluetooth) but demands more host resources for AT parsing and memory management. | Select when multi-protocol support, BLE coexistence, or local edge processing are required beyond basic socket bridging. |
Compared with MRF24WG0MA and ESP32-WROOM-32, the MCW1001AT-I/SS delivers a purpose-built, UART-transparent Wi-Fi interface with zero host stack dependency - ideal for legacy MCU platforms needing drop-in wireless upgrade without firmware rewrite or layout redesign.
Availability
MCW1001AT-I/SS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, HVAC control, and remote patient monitoring applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MCW1001AT-I/SS 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
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and connectivity solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with ISO/TS-16949:2009 certification for design and wafer fabrication.
The MCW1001A product line was engineered to simplify Wi-Fi integration for resource-constrained microcontrollers by offloading TCP/IP and 802.11 management into a dedicated UART-accessible companion IC.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the MCW1001AT-I/SS in a Wi-Fi-enabled system?
The MCW1001AT-I/SS serves as a UART-transparent TCP/IP socket interface between a host microcontroller and the MRF24WB0MA/MB 802.11 Wi-Fi module. It executes the full TCP/IP stack, 802.11 connection management, and socket API processing internally - allowing the host MCU to communicate using simple UART commands instead of implementing complex Wi-Fi drivers. This makes MCW1001AT-I/SS ideal for adding certified Wi-Fi to legacy or low-resource MCUs.
Does the MCW1001AT-I/SS require external memory to operate?
No, the MCW1001AT-I/SS does not require external memory. It contains all necessary internal ROM and RAM to execute its TCP/IP stack, 802.11 connection manager, UART messaging API, and packet buffering. The datasheet explicitly states "No external memory required" as a key feature, and the internal memory architecture is sufficient to handle concurrent socket operations, network configuration, and event handling without external Flash or SRAM.
How does the MCW1001AT-I/SS interface with the MRF24WB0M Wi-Fi module?
The MCW1001AT-I/SS interfaces with the MRF24WB0M using a dedicated 6-signal WSPI bus: WCS (chip select), WRST (reset), WHIB (hibernate), WSDI/WSDO (bidirectional data), WSCK (clock), and WINT (interrupt). This interface is fully managed by the MCW1001AT-I/SS firmware - the host MCU only communicates via UART and never directly accesses the MRF24WB0M registers or timing-critical sequences. The WINT signal alerts MCW1001AT-I/SS when data is ready for transfer.
What are the voltage tolerance differences among the GPIO pins of the MCW1001AT-I/SS?
The MCW1001AT-I/SS GPIO bank is split into two voltage-tolerance groups: GPIO0–GPIO4 accept only VDD-referenced input levels (≤3.6V), while GPIO5–GPIO7 tolerate up to 5.5V DC input - making them suitable for interfacing with legacy 5V logic systems. Additionally, GPIO5–GPIO7 provide higher output drive strength (capable of direct LED driving), whereas GPIO0–GPIO4 are optimized for indicator or low-power signaling roles.
Can the MCW1001AT-I/SS operate with baud rates other than the default 115200?
Yes, the MCW1001AT-I/SS supports multiple UART baud rates up to 230 Kbaud. After reset, it defaults to 115200 baud, 8N2 format, but autobaud detection is enabled: sending 0x55 as the first byte sets the rate automatically. Valid rates include 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, and 230400. If an unsupported rate is used, Equation 3-1 in the datasheet calculates actual achievable baud rate and error percentage based on internal 12 MHz clock division.
MCW1001AT-I/SS Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- Communications Controller
- Interface:
- UART
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-SSOP
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
MCW1001AT-I/SS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCW1001AT-I/SS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCW1001AT-I/SS on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MCW1001AT-I/SS reliable?
The price and inventory of MCW1001AT-I/SS are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCW1001AT-I/SS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCW1001AT-I/SS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCW1001AT-I/SS transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCW1001AT-I/SS?
MCW1001AT-I/SS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCW1001AT-I/SS order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MCW1001AT-I/SS?
For technical support, including MCW1001AT-I/SS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCW1001AT-I/SS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCW1001AT-I/SS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCW1001AT-I/SS products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MCW1001AT-I/SS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCW1001AT-I/SS?
All MCW1001AT-I/SS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCW1001AT-I/SS, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MCW1001AT-I/SS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCW1001AT-I/SS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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