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Microchip Technology WILCS02IC-I/ZZX
- Part No.:
- WILCS02IC-I/ZZX
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
WILCS02IC-I/ZZX.pdf
- Description:
- WI-FI LINK CONTROLLER SOC, 802.1
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:416
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Product details
Overview
WILCS02IC-I/ZZX from Microchip Technology is a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n single-stream (1×1) Wi-Fi Link Controller IC with integrated high-power amplifier (HPA), low-noise amplifier (LNA), and RF switches. It delivers hardware-accelerated security (AES-128/192/256, SHA-2, ECDSA up to 521-bit), 2 MB internal flash, and operates at 3.3 V over –40°C to +85°C. It serves as the core SoC in certified WILCS02 modules for embedded wireless connectivity.
For engineers reviewing the WILCS02IC-I/ZZX datasheet, WILCS02IC-I/ZZX pinout, WILCS02IC-I/ZZX application, or WILCS02IC-I/ZZX equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, SDIO/SPI interface configuration details, hardware PTA coexistence support, secure boot architecture, and industrial temperature-grade RF performance metrics.
Technical Context
The WILCS02IC-I/ZZX implements a fully integrated WLAN baseband PHY/MAC stack with dedicated crypto engines (CryptoMaster) supporting AES-ECB/CBC/CTR/CFB/OFB, SHA-1/SHA-2, HMAC, and ECC/ECDSA on NIST curves up to 521-bit and Curve25519. Its RF front-end integrates HPA, LNA, and TX/RX switching with independent 3.3 V (HPA/PPA) and 1.5 V (LNA, synthesizer, BB) supply domains.
It supports dual host interfaces-SDIO v2.0 or SPI-based SDIO-SPI-with strapping pins (DFU_RX/STRAP1, DFU_TX/STRAP2) determining protocol selection at power-up. The device includes a three-wire PTA interface for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth coexistence and optional RTCC oscillator support (32.768 kHz), though current firmware does not enable RTCC functionality.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz band only, 1×1 SISO, 20 MHz bandwidth - enables cost-optimized, low-complexity embedded Wi-Fi without 5 GHz or MIMO overhead |
| Security Acceleration | Hardware CryptoMaster engine with AES-128/192/256, SHA-2, ECDSA (NIST P-521, Curve25519), RSA-2048 - offloads cryptographic operations from host CPU and enforces immutable secure boot |
| Memory | 2 MB stacked internal flash - stores full Wi-Fi firmware, TLS stacks, and application binaries without external memory dependency |
| Supply Voltage | VDD/VDDIO: 3.0–3.6 V (3.3 V typical); multiple 1.5 V domains for RF/analog blocks - requires discrete 1.5 V generation via on-chip PMU (MLDO/Buck) |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade) - qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 2, suitable for factory automation and outdoor edge nodes |
| Host Interface | Configurable SDIO v2.0 or SPI (SDIO-SPI mode) - selected via resistor strapping; eliminates need for separate interface logic or glue logic |
| RF Integration | Integrated HPA, LNA, and TX/RX RF switches - reduces BOM count and layout complexity vs. discrete RF front-end solutions |
Pinout & Package
48-pin Very Thin Quad Flat No-lead (VQFN), 7 mm × 7 mm × 0.9 mm, with exposed thermal pad (Pin 49 = GND). Designed for reflow assembly and thermal management in space-constrained industrial PCBs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SD_CMD/SCK1 (Pin 3) | Bi-modal control signal | SDIO command line or SPI clock input - determines host interface timing domain and must match strap configuration |
| DFU_RX/STRAP1 (Pin 34) | Strap + serial receive | Pull-down (100 kΩ) selects SDIO; pull-up (10 kΩ) selects SPI - sets interface mode at power-on reset |
| PTA_WLAN_ACTIVE (Pin 43) | Coexistence output | Active-high signal indicating WLAN transmission - used by Bluetooth controller to defer activity and avoid RF collision |
| RTCC_OSC_IN/PTA_BT_ACTIVE (Pin 40) | Shared functional pin | Either 32.768 kHz RTCC input or Bluetooth active indication - mutually exclusive per firmware; design must support routing option |
| TXR_HPA_VDD33 (Pins 28, 29) | Power rail | Dedicated 3.3 V supply for high-power amplifier - requires local decoupling and isolation from digital rails to maintain EVM and ACLR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware PTA Coexistence | Three-wire packet traffic arbitration interface compliant with IEEE 802.15.2 - enables deterministic Wi-Fi/Bluetooth time-slicing without host CPU intervention |
| Immutable Secure Boot | Root-of-trust enforced via one-time programmable fuses and signature verification - prevents unauthorized firmware execution at every boot |
| On-chip Flash Storage | 2 MB of integrated flash memory - eliminates external SPI NOR requirement and simplifies certification for OTA update integrity |
| Multi-Rail Power Management | Dedicated 3.3 V (VDD/VDDIO) and 1.5 V (PMU-derived) supplies for RF, analog, and digital domains - enables independent voltage scaling and noise isolation |
| SDIO-SPI Dual-Mode Host Interface | Single physical interface supporting both SDIO and SPI protocols - reduces PCB layer count and host GPIO usage while maintaining Linux driver compatibility |
Applications
| Smart Factory Sensor Node | Industrial CCTV Edge Encoder |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wireless vibration/temperature sensor node transmitting encrypted telemetry to PLC gateway over constrained 2.4 GHz ISM band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Wi-Fi Link Controller SoC handling MAC/PHY, TLS offload, and secure OTA updates - replaces external MCU + Wi-Fi module combo. Use Value: Hardware crypto acceleration reduces host CPU load by >70% during TLS handshake; integrated flash avoids external memory qualification. | Use Scenario: Compact IP camera streaming H.264 video via Wi-Fi to NVR, requiring low-latency coexistence with Bluetooth remote control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary WLAN controller with hardware PTA arbitration - manages real-time packet scheduling between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios. Use Value: Three-wire PTA interface ensures sub-100 µs response latency for priority handoff, eliminating video stutter during remote button press. |
| Smart Lock Access Module | Wi-Fi Dongle for Legacy Embedded Host |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered smart lock using Wi-Fi for cloud provisioning and firmware updates, with strict power and security requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure wireless subsystem managing key exchange (ECDH), firmware validation (ECDSA), and low-duty-cycle beaconing - operates in deep-sleep modes between events. Use Value: Hardware ECDSA signing cuts key-agreement time to <15 ms; immutable boot prevents persistent malware persistence post-update. | Use Scenario: Retrofitting legacy microcontroller (no native SDIO) with Wi-Fi capability using minimal GPIO resources and existing UART debug port. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-configured Wi-Fi adapter with UART2_TX debug logging - leverages existing bootloader infrastructure and avoids SDIO controller redesign. Use Value: SDIO-SPI mode enables full Wi-Fi functionality using only 4 GPIOs (CS, CLK, MOSI, MISO), reducing integration effort by 60% vs. SDIO-native solution. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Wi-Fi Link Controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESP32-WROOM-32 | Integrated dual-core Xtensa LX6 MCU, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2, no hardware PTA, 4 MB flash - lacks AEC-Q100 qualification and dedicated crypto accelerators for ECDSA/ECC | Targeted at consumer IoT with rich application processing; less suitable for safety-critical industrial firmware signing or deterministic coexistence | Select when host processing capability and Bluetooth stack integration outweigh hardware security and coexistence determinism |
| ATWILC3000-MR210PB | Same Microchip family, pin-compatible 48-VQFN, identical RF/analog architecture but 1 MB flash and no hardware ECDSA/ECC acceleration - supports only AES/SHA crypto | Lower-cost variant for non-PKI applications (e.g., basic WPA2-PSK); unsuitable for certificate-based zero-touch provisioning | Select when firmware size <1 MB suffices and asymmetric crypto is handled externally or omitted |
Compared with ESP32-WROOM-32, WILCS02IC-I/ZZX provides deterministic PTA timing and AEC-Q100 qualification for industrial deployment; compared with ATWILC3000-MR210PB, it adds 2 MB flash and full hardware ECC/ECDSA to enable secure device onboarding without host CPU involvement.
Availability
WILCS02IC-I/ZZX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart factory sensor nodes, industrial CCTV encoders, smart lock access modules, Wi-Fi dongles for legacy hosts, and wearable smart devices requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for WILCS02IC-I/ZZX 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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, FPGAs, and wireless solutions with emphasis on industrial, automotive, and aerospace reliability.
The WILCS02IC product line delivers certified, secure, single-chip Wi-Fi Link Controllers targeting resource-constrained embedded systems needing robust RF performance, hardware-enforced security, and long-term supply stability.
FAQ
What host interface modes does the WILCS02IC-I/ZZX support, and how is selection performed?
The WILCS02IC-I/ZZX supports SDIO v2.0 and SPI (via SDIO-SPI mode) host interfaces. Selection is determined at power-on by resistor strapping on DFU_RX/STRAP1 (Pin 34): a 100 kΩ pull-down configures SDIO, while a 10 kΩ pull-up configures SPI. DFU_TX/STRAP2 (Pin 35) is reserved for future upgrades and should be pulled high. This hardware-based selection eliminates runtime software negotiation and ensures deterministic initialization.
Does the WILCS02IC-I/ZZX include an integrated antenna or require external RF components?
No, the WILCS02IC-I/ZZX is a bare SoC - it contains no integrated antenna and requires external RF matching circuitry, balun, and antenna (PCB trace or U.FL-connected). Antenna integration occurs at the module level (e.g., WILCS02PE/WILCS02UE). The SoC provides TRS_RF (Pin 27) as the single differential RF I/O port, along with dedicated 3.3 V HPA supplies (Pins 28, 29) and 1.5 V LNA/synthesizer rails that must be properly decoupled and filtered per Microchip's reference design.
What security features are implemented in hardware on the WILCS02IC-I/ZZX?
The WILCS02IC-I/ZZX implements CryptoMaster - a hardware security accelerator supporting AES-128/192/256 (ECB/CBC/CTR/CFB/OFB), SHA-1/SHA-2, HMAC, AES-GCM, and asymmetric crypto including ECDSA/ECDH on NIST P-256/P-384/P-521 and Curve25519. It also enforces immutable secure boot via one-time programmable fuses and includes a hardware TRNG. These features execute independently of the host, ensuring cryptographic operations remain isolated and timing-constant.
Is the WILCS02IC-I/ZZX qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the WILCS02IC-I/ZZX is AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified (–40°C to +105°C), confirming its suitability for under-hood and cabin automotive applications. However, the specific ordering code WILCS02IC-I/ZZX is rated for –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade); the Grade 2 variant is WILCS02IC-V/ZZX. Both share identical functionality and package, differing only in temperature screening and test coverage - critical for automotive Tier 1 suppliers requiring PPAP documentation.
How is firmware loaded onto the WILCS02IC-I/ZZX, and what are the programming options?
The WILCS02IC-I/ZZX must be programmed with Link Controller firmware before operation. Programming is performed via Device Firmware Update (DFU) using UART2_TX/UART2_RX (Pins 11 and 19) or through the SDIO/SPI host interface. Pre-programmed units are available as WILCS02 modules (WILCS02PE/WILCS02UE). For SoC-level programming, Microchip provides DFU tools and the WILCS02 Application Developer's Guide, which specifies UART baud rate (460,800), framing (8N1), and command sequences required to load signed firmware images into the 2 MB internal flash.
WILCS02IC-I/ZZX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- -
- Type:
- TxRx Only
- RF Family/Standard:
- Bluetooth, WiFi
- Protocol:
- 802.11b/g/n
- Modulation:
- CCK, DSSS, OFDM
- Frequency:
- 2.412GHz ~ 2.472GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 54Mbps
- Power - Output:
- 20dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -97dBm
- Memory Size:
- 2MB Flash
- Serial Interfaces:
- SDIO, SPI, UART
- GPIO:
- 13
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 80mA ~ 86mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 216mA ~ 279mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 48-VQFN (7x7)
WILCS02IC-I/ZZX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for WILCS02IC-I/ZZX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for WILCS02IC-I/ZZX 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 WILCS02IC-I/ZZX reliable?
The price and inventory of WILCS02IC-I/ZZX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for WILCS02IC-I/ZZX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for WILCS02IC-I/ZZX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for WILCS02IC-I/ZZX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for WILCS02IC-I/ZZX?
WILCS02IC-I/ZZX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your WILCS02IC-I/ZZX 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 WILCS02IC-I/ZZX?
For technical support, including WILCS02IC-I/ZZX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your WILCS02IC-I/ZZX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that WILCS02IC-I/ZZX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All WILCS02IC-I/ZZX 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 WILCS02IC-I/ZZX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of WILCS02IC-I/ZZX?
All WILCS02IC-I/ZZX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with WILCS02IC-I/ZZX, 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 WILCS02IC-I/ZZX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for WILCS02IC-I/ZZX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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