Company and Products

Question 1. Can I purchase ZeroG chips?
Answer. ZeroG is currently focused on selling Wi-Fi I/O modules and limited chip engagements will begin in the second half of 2009. Initially, ZeroG chips will be available for design in by customers that will purchase significant unit volume direct from ZeroG Wireless.

Question 2. Where can I buy modules and system development kits for ZeroG Wi-Fi?
Answer. For a list of distributors of ZeroG low-power Wi-Fi, click HERE.

Question 3. In which fab is your chip manufactured?
Answer. Currently, ZeroG is partnered with TSMC for silicon manufacturing.

Question 4. Which company produces ZeroG modules?
Answer. Abocom, a well known wireless module manufacturer, manufactures ZeroG's Wi-Fi I/O module.

Question 5. Will you sell bare die?
Answer. There is no plan at this time to sell bare die for embedded Wi-Fi. Testing bare RF die is a very difficult process and is unlikely to be supported in the foreseeable future.

Question 6. Who do I contact for support of ZeroG's development tools?
Answer. "If you've bought a development kit from Microchip, please visit Microchip Technical Support Center for support resources. If you've purchased a development kit from ZeroG, please submit a ticket via the ZeroG Technical Support Center.

Question 7. What is the ZeroG "Wi-Fi I/O"?
Answer. The ZeroG "Wi-Fi I/O" refers to a comprehensive set of software and hardware that simplifies embedded system development for wireless internet connectivity . The ZG2100 Wi-Fi I/O product family is designed to allow our customers to significantly increase the value of their systems by reducing the design effort, power consumption, system design requirements and system cost to add Wi-Fi.

Question 8. My application is cost sensitive. Why should I use a module in production and not use the less expensive chip? My application can not afford to pay extra for a module.
Answer. ZeroG Wi-Fi modules have been architected to ease integration at minimum system cost. Designing from a module removes effort and time from having to design with a chip. All module components are tuned for best performance and have been tested for a variety of antennas. Designers can simply design the module onto their board in order to go straight to production. Because the ZG2100M and ZG2101M modules are certified, designers can save tens of thousands of dollars for certification fees and about 6 months of engineering time. For high volume customers, ZeroG will eventually offer the option of designing a chip. However, chip designs will require customers to design and implement all RF testing and certifications for their designs. This are substantial and costly tasks that require significant volume to offset the non-recurring engineering cost.

Question 9. Which processors or microcontrollers do you support?
Answer. ZeroG's embedded Wi-Fi currently supports Microchip microcontrollers. We have created a software driver that can specifically interface between Microchip microcontrollers and ZeroG's embedded Wi-Fi modules. Development kits from Freescale are expected to be available late Q4 2009. If you have interest in a particular microcontroller architecture, please send an email from the ZeroG Technical Support Site. and we will give you the most up to date information for that architecture.

Question 10. Where can I find the product warranty for ZeroG?
Answer. The ZeroG Product Warranty is available at the ZeroG Technical Support site.

Question 11. For which platforms do you have driver software?
Answer. We currently have the software driver for the following host microcontrollers: Microchip PIC18, PIC24, PIC32, dsPIC. These MCUs run on the Microchip PICDEM.net2, Explorer 16 boards. Please check Development Tools for the most updated list.

Question 12. Do you support an external PA for increased amplification?
Answer. The current ZeroG modules do not support the use of an external PA. However, the chip supports designs with an external PA.

Question 13. Please explain the concept of ad hoc Wi-Fi networks.
Answer. An ad hoc network is one in which client devices wirelessly connect to each other rather than to one central access point. The ZG2100 can create an ad hoc network and can connect to an existing ad hoc network.

Question 14. How much does the ZG2100M module weigh?
Answer. The ZG2100M module weighs approximately 0.13oz. Note that this does not include an antenna.

Question 15.Can I use ZeroG as a replacement for Bluetooth?
Answer. No, ZeroG technology implements Wi-Fi and is not intended for replacement of Bluetooth. Wi-Fi makes it possible for devices to interact through the internet. This allows users to configure, monitor and control devices across the web and away from their home or office.

Question 16.Can I use ZeroG as a replacement for USB?
Answer. No, ZeroG technology implements Wi-Fi and is not intended for replacement of USB.

Question 17.What sort of intellectual property does ZeroG possess?
Answer. ZeroG agressibly files domestic and international patents to validate and protect its intellectual property. Since its inception, ZeroG has filed more than 30 patents in various areas of circuit and system design. We anticipate filing additional patents as we continue to innovate in the wireless communications space.

Question 18. It seems like Wi-Fi is too hard to design and takes too long to receive regulatory approval. How will ZeroG make it easy to use Wi-Fi in my current applications?
Answer. ZeroG is focused on making it easy for our customers to design WiFi. First, customers can start designing from WiFi modules instead of chips. Our modules are certified for regulatory compliance globally, making it possible for our customers to speed up the time-to-market. We have also worked with Microchip to develop a driver that works with PIC(R) microcontrollers. A integrated Wi-Fi driver for Freescale microcontroller will be available as a Tower System module, TWR-ZGWIFI, integrated into the Freescale MQX stack. For more information, please visit Freescale Tower System page.