Engineers Create Power Model for IoT WLAN Chips
London, Sunday, 25 May 2025.
A new model aims to automate power estimates for WLAN chips, enhancing IoT device efficiency amidst Europe’s growing market demand.
The Significance of Power Efficiency in IoT Deployments
The burgeoning market of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is steadily increasing the demand for power-efficient wireless communication technologies. Power consumption models for WLAN chips, essential for maintaining battery life in battery-operated IoT devices, are crucial as these devices predominantly use Wi-Fi, which operates using radio waves from the electromagnetic spectrum to deliver high-speed internet [1]. The engineers’ recent advancements aim to automate the power estimation process, which traditionally demanded specialized tools and expertise, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing the skill barrier for developers [2].
Technological Innovations in WLAN Chip Development
Recent developments in WLAN chip technology are enhancing energy efficiency significantly. For instance, the DA16200 system-on-chip (SoC) offers ultra-low power consumption that facilitates year-long battery life for always-connected Wi-Fi IoT devices. This has been achieved without compromising on the range or security, making it a breakthrough in IoT device applications. The chip is equipped with multiple sleep modes and supports strong security features, including advanced protocols like WPA3 and TLS [3].
Applications and Impacts of Enhanced Power Models
These advancements have far-reaching implications, especially considering the expected proliferation of IoT devices across Europe where demand continues to rise. Power consumption models are vital for maximizing the efficiency of IoT-connected devices, as evidenced by the developments in IEEE 802.11 wireless standards such as Wi-Fi 6, which enhances spectral efficiency and power management, supporting the rapidly expanding IoT ecosystem [4][5]. As engineers refine these models, they contribute significantly to achieving better balance between energy consumption and performance in networking technology.
Economic and Practical Implications
From a market perspective, these innovations do more than boost technical capabilities; they also provide economic benefits by improving battery longevity and reducing maintenance costs. Fortinet’s diverse range of Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) Access Points is a testament to this, offering comprehensive solutions for varying WLAN needs with power consumption options starting at 15.2 W. This aligns with the trend towards reducing the total cost of ownership while ensuring high performance and security in network connectivity [6].