Microchip introduces a Wi-Fi SDK with support for Apple HomeKit

     Microchip Technology has announced the availability of a fully certified Wi-Fi software development Kit (SDK) that supports Apple HomeKit. With this SDK, MFi license customers can develop high-speed, low-power designs on the industry's first Wi-Fi development kit for HomeKit that supports hardware encryption.

     Microchip's Wi-Fi SDK uses both the hardware encryption suite in CEC1702, a full-featured ARM® Cortex-M4 based single-chip microcomputer (MCU), and the industry-proven WINC1510, a low-power 802.11b /g/n certified Wi-Fi module. The hardware-based security engine in the Wi-Fi HomeKit solution dramatically reduces system computing time, resulting in a faster and friendlier end-user experience.

     With the significant reduction in the execution time of HomeKit commands, for example, pairing commands - pairing Settings are completed in 0.95 seconds, and pairing verification is performed in less than one-tenth of a second, the system responds very quickly and achieves a seamless user experience, such as immediate door unlock. The Wi-Fi SDK reduces system uptime, thereby reducing system power consumption. The Wi-Fi SDK performs key commands such as pairing with very low power consumption, comparable to Bluetooth low power systems, while maintaining the enhancements of Wi-Fi solutions.

     With its single chip processor that supports hardware encryption technology, the Wi-Fi SDK also offers unmatched hardware security features. The CEC1702 is a low-power yet powerful programmable 32-bit MCU that provides security measures such as secure boot, enabling device manufacturers to develop hardware-based trusted roots to prevent security breaches. Developers can also take advantage of integrated security features such as easy-to-use encryption, authentication, private and public key capabilities, and flexible customer programming features to minimize application risk. In addition, CEC1702 has 480 KB of SRAM code and data space, providing developers with ample HomeKit protocol code space as well as application-specific code space.

     Ian Harris, Microchip's vice president of Computing Products, commented, "As users increasingly automate their homes, they are demanding that networked designs respond immediately after a command is issued. When users want to open the door every time, they don't have the patience to wait a few seconds for the device to pair. Our Wi-Fi SDK achieves pairing speeds of less than a tenth of a second and features industry-leading security features, such as secure startup, which is important for the smart home market."