[2025.02.19] Raytac Corporation is proud to announce that our application for Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) certification on the AN7002Q series(based on Nordic’s nRF7002 IC) has been successfully approved. This achievement reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality, reliable, and standard-compliant wireless solutions. By leveraging this certification, our modules ensure seamless interoperability, enhanced security, and superior performance for a wide range of IoT applications.
Advantages of Using Raytac Modules with WFA Certification:
Reliable and Secure Connectivity – Ensures seamless communication with other Wi-Fi-certified devices while meeting industry-leading security standards for stable and secure data transmission. Faster Time-to-Market – Pre-certified modules simplify compliance processes, reducing development time. Global Market Access – Certification helps meet regulatory requirements in multiple regions, expanding business opportunities. Significant Cost-Saving – Compared to the chip-on-board approach, using Raytac’s Wi-Fi module allows direct access to the Derivative programs(please click here for more descriptions), leveraging Raytac’s CID to minimize certification costs and save time-to-market.
To learn more about Wi-Fi certifications and Wi-Fi + BLE applications, feel free to contact us anytime at sales@raytac.com.
Edited by Account Manager: Ms. Mandy Chao
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子股份有限公司 A Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LoRa Module Maker based on Nordic nRF54; nRF53: nRF52; nRF51; nRF7002 Semtech Specification: SX1262
Currently, the Nordic Wifi module – AN7002Q on Raytac’s AN7002Q-DB-5340 board isn’t loaded with a Wi-Fi MAC address. You can choose to use your own MAC address or request one from Raytac. Below is a complete tutorial for users who would like to purchase MAC addresses themselves.
Note: Raytac provides two free Wi-Fi MAC addresses (2.4GHz & 5GHz bands) for each AN7002Q module. If you have a Raytac AN7002Q-DB-5340 demo board but have not received the Wi-Fi MAC addresses, please contact us at sales@raytac.com.
★ What is a MAC Address?
A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique identifier used to identify network devices. It is typically composed of six groups of two hexadecimal digits, for example, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. The first six characters are known as the Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI), which identifies the manufacturer or supplier of the MAC address. Manufacturers can use the OUI to identify the producer of the device.
Each network device’s MAC address should be unique. It is an important identifier used for unique identification among network devices, ensuring that devices can communicate correctly within a local area network. However, it is important to note that MAC addresses can be modified within a local network, so they should not be relied upon as the sole basis for security.
★ How to Obtain a MAC Address?
The application and distribution of MAC addresses are managed by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). Here’s how to apply for a MAC address from IEEE: Currently, MAC addresses can only be purchased directly from the IEEE Standards Association in the United States. Depending on the quantity, they can be categorized as:
MA-L (approximately 16 million addresses) MA-M (approximately 1 million addresses) MA-S (4096 addresses)
2. Log in and go to the MAC Address Purchase Page After logging in, navigate to the MAC address purchase page:IEEE MAC Address Purchase
3. Select the number of MAC Addresses to purchase.
4. Fill in your purchase information by providing the required details.
5. Confirm confidentiality Confirm whether the MAC address purchase is confidential. If you are purchasing publicly registered MA-L, select “No" for this option.
6. Choose payment method IEEE accepts several payment methods, including mailing a U.S. bank draft, wire transfer in U.S. dollars, and online credit card payment.
7. Receive your OUI Within 7 working days, IEEE will send an email to the registered email address containing the purchased OUI.
After obtaining the OUI, you can retrieve all the purchased MAC addresses using code and then import them into a database or Excel for management.
Edited by Sales Manager: Ms. Vicky Huang
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子股份有限公司 A Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LoRa Module Maker based on Nordic nRF54; nRF53: nRF52; nRF51; nRF7002 Semtech Specification: SX1262
Recently we have received the FAQ: how to write MAC address into the OTP memory of Raytac’s AN7002Q-P Nordic Wi-Fi module? In this article, we’ll get this question explained to give customers a more smooth experience using the AN7002Q-nRF5340 Demo Board(AN7002Q-DB-5340).
Is there an existing Wi-Fi MAC address in the AN7002Q part on the DevKit?
Currently, the AN7002Q module on Raytac’s AN7002Q-DB-5340 board has no Wi-Fi MAC address.
When running Wi-Fi Scan code/Station code/Shell code…etc. on NCS v2.6.0 (and later versions), the AN7002Q module must have a programed Wi-Fi MAC address to function properly.
Therefore, it’s necessary to follow the below process: 1. Program the original Wi-Fi radio test code (..\nrf\samples\wifi\radio_test) into the MDBT53 section, 2. Then write the Wi-Fi MAC address in to the AN7002Q section(nRF7002 IC) via command.
After this, program the original Wi-Fi Scan code/Station code /Shell code … into the 5340, and it will function properly.
**Raytac will assign 2 Wi-Fi MAC addresses(for both 2.4GHz & 5GHz) to every AN7002Q module. *If customers don’t have Wi-Fi MAC addresses for DevKit development yet, please reach out to service@raytac.com
Scenario: Following error occurred when building the SCAN example code, flash it onto the AN7002Q-DB-5340 board, and run the test.
Solution:
When running Wi-Fi scan code on NCS v.2.6.0 or later version, the OTP memory in the AN7002Q module must have a Wi-Fi MAC address programmed in for the Wi-Fi scan functionality to work properly.
(Note: OTP is a One-Time programmable memory, which means the value can only be written once. The customer must aware of this before performing the OTP operation.)
1. Program the original Wi-Fi radio test code (..\nrf\samples\wifi\radio_test) into the MDBT53 section, then manually input and execute the following OTP read command.
wifi_radio_ficr_prog otp_read_params
If you see both MAC0 and MAC1 display a value of 0xFF, as shown in above, it means that you haven’t written the Wi-Fi MAC address into the AN7002Q’s OTP.
2. Manually issue the OTP write command to write the Wi-Fi MAC address into the OTP.
After you complete the above, use the OTP read command in below to check if the Wi-Fi MAC address value was written. The MAC0 and MAC1 should display the value you’ve input from the OTP write command.
wifi_radio_ficr_prog otp_read_params
3. Program the original Wi-Fi SCAN code back into the MDBT53, the Wi-Fi scan functionality should work properly.
To help you quickly get started with Raytac’s AN7002 Nordic WiFi module and nRF5340 module, here’s a simple guide on how to set up the development and programming environment using AN7002Q-nRF5340 Demo Board(AN7002Q-DB-5340)and nRF5340 DK.
This article will cover the 4 sections below: 1. Hardware setup 2. Software Development Kit and Environment setup 3. Programming/Development 4. Flashing/Uploading firmware
1. Hardware Setup 1 x Nordic nRF5340-DK: PCA10095(2.0.0) 1 x Raytac AN7002Q-DB-5340 1 x IDC Cable 1 x USB-Micro USB Cable 1 x USB-Type C USB Cable
*Note: You need to use both the “Nordic nRF5340-DK” and “Raytac AN7002Q-DB-5340 demo board” together for programming and development. *
Steps to connect the hardware:
Connect J-Link on Nordic DK to AN7002Q-DB-5340using IDC Cable
After the installations are completed, you can see the following applications under the:
“Programs and Features" section in the Control Panel.
3. Programming/Development
nRF Connect SDK (NCS) supports development using the free VS (Visual Studio) Code IDE. Here’s how to select and install the NCS SDK version (nRF Connect SDK vx.x.x):
Step1.
Open “nRF Connect for Desktop” → Choose “Toolchain Manager” → then click” Open”
Step2.
You’ll see a list of nRF Connect SDK versions. It’s recommended to install NCS v2.6.0 or later. Here, we use NCS v2.6.0 as an example.
Step3.
Before installing NCS v2.6.0, confirm the installation path (Default path → C:\ncs).
If you want to change the path, click “Select directory”, and press OK.
Step4.
After installing the nRFConnect SDK v2.6.0, click “Open VS Code”.
Step5.
Open the Wi-Fi scan example
Step6.
Add build configuration → select the board and compile.
Select board: nrf7002dk_nrf5340_cpuapp.
Step7.
After compilation, a hex file will be generated.
Step8.
Under ACTIONS, you can choose to Build, Debug, or Flash.
Build:
Debug:
Flash:
4. Programming
nRF Connect SDK(NCS) supports programming. You can use the “Programmer” tool to flash .hex file. Here’s how:
Step1.
Open “nRF Connect for Desktop” → Select “Programmer” → then click” Open”.
Click “Select Device”;
Since AN7002 Wi-Fi IC does not act as an MCU, we can only flash the .hex file into the MDBT53(nRF5340) BLE IC.
Click “Add file” to add the .hex file.
Step2.
Select the .hex file you want to flash.
The hex file will be written into the part of the memory layout (where orange part is highlighted).
Slashes will be displayed in the circled part during the flash process.
Step3.
Once the flash process is completed, connect Raytac’s AN7002Q-DB-5340 development board to PuTTY.
Tx to p0.20
Rx to p0.22
GND to GND
This is a closer look into the pins that will be connected.
The flash process is completed when the LOG is displayed as circled below.
Check if hardware connection is successful using PuTTY.
*2024-Aug-12 update:* Before running Scan code / Station code / Shell code: You must ensure that the MAC address has already been programmed into the module. Click on this link to learn more about how to load the MAC address.
Edited by Sales Manager: Ms. Vicky Huang Technical guidance provided by R&D Manager: Mr. MW Lee Hardware environment provided by Hardware Engineer: Mr. Kyle Wang
After reading through the article of WFA (Wi-Fi Alliance) QuickTrack program, you may try to seek for a seamless option that least effort made for a Wi-Fi certificate.
Raytac Corp. has took this Wi-Fi program topic into consideration already!
Raytac Corp. is working on the FlexTrack package as a source product so that end product developer can apply a Derivative program to grant a WFA(Wi-Fi Alliance) certificate by leveraging Raytac Corp. WFA source product – NRF5340 & nRF7002 IC combo solution (MDBT53 & AN7002Q Module)
Let Raytac Corp. do the work ahead of your request, the FlexTrack program is provided with a fix option, the necessary Wi-Fi compliance & conformance have been done by Raytac Corporation, Raytac Corp. will get a WFA Certificate that you (end product developer) can simply leverage it and apply Derivative program seamlessly for getting your own Wi-Fi certificate ID as long as you’re the member of Wi-Fi alliance.
What benefits you (end product developer) by sticking to Raytac Corp. FlexTrack (Source product) program?
No-Testing required: Raytac Corp. has granted the Wi-Fi certificate ID using source product (MDBT53 & AN7002Q Module) , you simply leverage Raytac Corp. Wi-Fi certified ID and apply the solution to your end product when you’re working on the certification process ; No-testing is required.
Faster time-to-market end device (WiFi) : By using Raytac Corp. available WFA source product , you can get through the certification process easily without being in the process of a series of tests as long as you’re the member of Wi-Fi alliance. This helps your WiFi end device get launched at the earliest.
Seamless Connectivity & Least resource required : Without involving in a series of complicate Wi-Fi compliance and conformance test, it delivers the seamless connectivity and the least effort would be took for end product developer to get Wi-Fi certificate ID.
Waive cost on Wi-Fi conformance test: it significantly decreases the cost for your project budget without getting through a series of Wi-Fi compliance & conformance tests.
If you stick to Raytac Corp. combo solution (source product )- MDBT53 & AN7002Q Module, given the WiFi components are pre-certified in the FlexTrack solution, you (end product developer) will be able to use the minimal resource and least effort to get Wi-Fi certificate ID for your WiFi end device.
Which membership level shall be applied in Wi-Fi alliance for being Derivative?
If you agree with Raytac Corp. FlexTrack program and are confident in the Raytac Corp. combo solution(source product )- MDBT53(Raytac Bluetooth Low Energy Module) & AN7002Q( Raytac Nordic Wifi Module) , Wi-Fi Implementer membership would extend this benefit for you. Being the Implementer membership and participate in the Derivative program, this is the perfect option for the budget sensitive company.
Raytac Corp. is officially a member of Wi-Fi Alliance now!
Before stepping into Wi-Fi module selection and adoption, Wi-Fi regulatory compliance will be essential for you to know.
Let’s dig into the Wi-Fi certification program and investigate the possibility of WFA Qualified Solution (provided by Solution Provider) & WFA certificate (obtained by end product developer).
What benefits you (end product developer) by working with Rayta Corp. (Solution Provider) for QuickTrack program?
Faster time-to-market : By using available WFA Qualified Solution (provided by solution provider) to waive (or partially waive) compliance test criteria/decrease testing days for end product (WiFi Device), shorter development days would be took before product launch.
Reduce test and certification costs: it significantly reduces the cost and certification days for your project with minimal resource by working with Raytac Corp. (Solution Provider) using available WFA Qualified Solution.
Avoid testing redundancies: Raytac Corp. (Solution Provider) has pre-certified the core Wi-Fi architecture and protocols in Nordic WiFi module AN7002Q, the necessary qualification tests has been conducted. You (end product developer) don’t need to test on those same criteria for end product (WiFi Device) if Raytac WiFi module is implemented in your end device.
Allow flexibility of Wi-Fi functionality change: In case those minor change of Wi-Fi feature which is not relates to core/essential/architecture change may be raised someday in the future , QuickTrack program delivers the qualified product base (Source product) and lower cost with conformance test (QuickTrackTool) responding to the minor change.
How QuickTrack certification program works?
QuickTrack certification program shall be completed by 2 different parties, one is solution provider and the other is end product developer.
(Refer to the following image)
As a Solution Provider, Raytac would proceed the essential and fundamental Wi-Fi protocol/compliance test and develop this into a Qualified solution so that end product developer can leverage this solution as a base (Source Product) to obtain a certificate entitled to end product developer.
Please note the conformance check (named QuickTrack Tool) would be required before Wi-Fi alliance certifies the application.
Conformance check (QuickTrack Tool) will be reviewed for the 8 Wi-Fi components.
Chipset
Wi-Fi Component Firmware Version
Driver
RF Architecture
Wi-Fi Component Operation System
Physical Interface
RF Components
Antenna
When you adopt Raytac WFA Qualified solution, the core/essential/architecture components are pre-certified in the solution, in most of cases, no further conformance test is required, you (end product developer) will be granted to obtain the certificate after a couple of days applying process.
Raytac leaves the right to Wi-Fi alliance for the conformance review (run QuickTrackTool).
Which membership level shall be applied in Wi-Fi alliance for being QuickTrack?
If you agree with QuickTrack program and are willing to participate in the partnership as end product developer with Raytac Corp. (solution provider), Implementer membership will be cost effective option for you.
Company like Raytac Corp. served as solution provider or require professional Wi-Fi alliance support, company own/multiple programs oriented or needs tasks management shall refer to the membership of top one – Contributor.
Which one of these wireless technologies is best for your wearable product?
Are you creating a wearable product, but not sure of what wireless technology to choose? The way modern APIs work, developers don’t necessarily need to know the technical details. But having a basic understanding of the underlying technology will help you make apps that are more efficient, more responsive and easier to use.
Which solution is best for your wearable product? This depends on your requirements for bandwidth, power considerations and range. Here’s a brief overview of the 6 most common wireless technologies to consider.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
NFC works best for wearables that require low power consumption. It involves the transfer of tiny amounts of data over a very short range, essentially by touching two devices together. The devices will switch between two different modes: Active and passive. The power consumption for NFC is similar to what we see in Bluetooth Low Energy, although higher when communicating with a passive tag.
If you need your wearable to transfer data over a longer range, you should look for other options.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Today, most wearables are running on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE, formerly called Bluetooth Smart).
This technology is known as an easy to implement, low-cost option that requires very little power from your wearable. Your product can be powered by a coin cell battery for months – even years in some cases. But BLE comes with a compromise: Your data throughput will be limited. As most wearables generally transfer very little data, product owners can usually live with this.
The BLE chip is small, and fits nicely into an esthetically pleasing wearable that is convenient for the user to wear. A line-of-sight range of up to 100 meters is possible.
Using BLE requires your device to be paired with a host, most usually a cellphone with an app activated.
If you plan for your wearable to transfer higher amounts of data frequently,Bluetooth Low Energy may not be the best choice. Limited data transfer capacity makes this technology unsuitable for audio and video streaming, for example.
ANT
The wireless network technology ANT is a good option for sports wearables. A subsidiary of Garmin, ANT is huge in the sports and fitness segment where it is typically used for monitoring of heart rate, cycling power, distance and speed. Many of today’s cycling and fitness brands use ANT for their wearables. In fact, it has almost become a de facto standard in cycling.
The sensors and other nodes will act as either slaves or masters within a wireless network. Each node can transmit, receive or even function as a repeater to increase the range of the network. You can configure the network to spend long periods in low-power sleep mode, consuming extremely little power.
Bluetooth Classic
Initially a standard intended to cover a lot of use cases for wireless communication, Bluetooth Classic (originally named slimply ‘Bluetooth’, of course) found its niche in audio. Today it is the de facto standard for audio streaming, whether from your smartphone to a headset, speaker or in-car multimedia system.
Compared to BLE, Bluetooth Classic requires much higher bandwith and therefore more power. The network topology is limited and not suitable for large sensor networks.
Wi-Fi
If your wearable needs to transfer a lot of data with as little lag as possible, Wi-Fi is your best option. The technology is best when streaming huge amounts of data, like video, but its main drawback is high power consumption that will require daily battery charging.
By using Wi-Fi, your wearable product can connect directly to the Internet via a Wi-Fi Access point.
Google Glass uses Wi-Fi to transfer graphics at high data rates for a better user experience. But the high power consumption of the display, and the high CPU load, requires the consumer to charge the device frequently. Be aware that such charging requirements will be a very important factor in overall customer satisfaction.
Cellular
In a similar way to how your smartphone operates, using a cellular radio means that your wearable device can talk directly to the cellular network. Although convenient, as there is no need for a bridge device such as a smart phone to access the cloud, today’s cellular technologies are not suitable for small wearable devices. Power consumption is high and the physical dimensions are usually rather large. In the future, we will see new cellular technologies that are more competitive in the wearable space. But we’re not there yet.
The best of all worlds?
Some wearables combine different wireless technologies to take advantage of different aspects of each method. The Apple Watch uses Bluetooth Classic, BLE, Wi-Fi, and even NFC for mobile payments. Nordic Semiconductor is currently the only manufacturer delivering chips that support both ANT and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), as well as NFC – all in one low power, ‘system on chip’ solution. Hopefully, you’re now a little clearer on which wireless technology is best for you. If you’re still struggling, consider your product priorities. Is it size, power consumption, user experience, cost, or something else? Once you’re clear on the priorities for your wearable, your wireless communication options become a lot clearer, too.
Raytac Corporation 