ZILOG Releases New MINI-Z™ WiFi Module

MILPITAS, Calif. & BIEL, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zilog, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ:IXYS) and a trusted supplier of application-specific, embedded microcontroller (MCU) system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for industrial, power management and consumer applications, today introduced its new Z16WiFiMiniZ28 Module.

“The Mini-Z WiFi Module provides a complete modular package for bringing fast time-to-market solutions. It is designed to work together with other stamp modules and carrier boards, providing a flexible design so it can be used independently in creative application designs”

This new WiFi module is a stand-alone 802.11 b/g TCP/IP wireless networking module that ships in a 28-pin Dual Inline Pin package. The Z16WiFiMiniZ28 integrates Zilog’s powerful ZNEO^® microcontroller and a Roving Networks 2.4GHz RN-171 802.11 b/g WiFi LAN Module.

The Mini-Z Wi-Fi Module is a “stamp” module designed for the hobbyist, student and engineer to quickly develop prototypes, proofs of concept and/or demonstrations, as well as to provide the functionality required for hands-on learning. The Mini-Z Wi-Fi Module, which features the 16-bit ZNEO CPU-based Z16F2810 MCU, is designed to be pin-compatible with the Parallax BS2 Series of stamp modules and with Basic Micro’s Basic ATOM Pro 28-M module. This compatibility in the Module’s design allows users to utilize differing vendors’ base boards which they may already possess in their development arsenal.

The Module is preprogrammed with a boot loader and a control shell to allow control of the Module from a terminal program. The Module is fully compatible with the ZDS II for ZNEO tools suite from Zilog. Users can write programs in C and Assembly, then compile and upload the resulting hex file through the serial port to the Module. Users can also attach Zilog’s USB Smart Cable (not included) and have full control over the ZNEO chip, including interactive debugging sessions.

The Mini-Z WiFi Stamp Module has a rich feature set with a broad range of networking support, including Secure WiFi authentication via the WEP-128, WPA-PSK (TKIP) and WPA2-PSK (AES) standards. It also features built-in networking via the DHCP, UDP, DNS, ARP, ICMP and TCP protocols and an HTML client. Also included are 802.11 power save and roaming functions including intelligent, built-in power management with programmable wakeup and software-controlled transmit power (0dBm to 12dBm) for ultra-low-power applications.

“The Mini-Z WiFi Module provides a complete modular package for bringing fast time-to-market solutions. It is designed to work together with other stamp modules and carrier boards, providing a flexible design so it can be used independently in creative application designs,” said Steve Darrough, Zilog’s VP of Marketing.

Example applications include:

12/24 Volt fans
12/24 Volt HVAC control: build multi-stage furnace thermostat
Control 12/24 Volt architectural lighting
Animated control system: up to 8 individual props!
Audio device control
Pneumatic controls

The Zilog Mini-Z WiFi Module is currently in production and available to ship to customers. The Mini-Z WiFi Module and Mini-Z SSR Project Board are available individually and can be ordered from the IXYS Colorado Online Store.

About Zilog, Inc.

Zilog is a trusted supplier of application-specific, embedded system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for the industrial and consumer markets. From its roots as an award-winning architect in the microprocessor and microcontroller industry, Zilog has evolved its expertise beyond core silicon to include SoCs, single board computers, application specific software stacks and development tools that allow embedded designers quick time to market in areas such as energy management, monitoring and metering, motor control and motion detection. Zilog is an IXYS company. For more information, visit our websites at http://www.ixys.com, and http://www.zilog.com.

About IXYS Corporation

IXYS Corporation makes and markets technology-driven products to improve power conversion efficiency, generate solar and wind power and provide efficient motor control for industrial applications. IXYS offers a diversified product base that addresses worldwide needs for power control, electrical efficiency, renewable energy, telecommunications, medical devices, electronic displays and RF power.

Safe Harbor Statement

Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including the performance, features and suitability of products for various applications, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of IXYS to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.

Zilog, ZNEO and Mini-Z are trademarks or registered trademarks of Zilog, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the United States and other countries.