WIZnet is a company with its origins in South Korea. Presently, WIZnet has a global reach, in North America, Asia, and with WIZnet Germany concentrating its efforts on the European semiconductor market. The company’s area of expertise is serial-to-Ethernet technology, which is predominantly utilised in the industrial sector but also plays a significant role in commercial IoT devices.
Interview with Erich Heller, Software Development Engineer at WIZnet.
A brief description of wiznet and its activities
Erich Heller: Wiznet is responsible for the development and manufacture of its microchips, including the W5500, which are of crucial importance for the applications in question. Wiznet’s core technology is the development of a TCP/IP stack integrated into the hardware, a process that differentiates the company from its competitors, who utilise software-based implementations. This approach offers substantial computational advantages for microcontrollers and enhances cybersecurity. Although Wiznet’s primary focus is on the B2B sector, with a specialisation in bulk purchases and sales, the company has not neglected the maker and individual consumer markets. We provide a comprehensive range of sales options, from single units to large-scale orders of thousands of products. In addition to its core activities of development and production, Wiznet also participates in technology fairs, one of which is Embedded World. This global fair provides a forum for the dissemination and acquisition of knowledge regarding emergent technologies, as well as an occasion to advance the promotion of products and reinforce the company’s market presence.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
E.H: The principal areas of activity for Wiznet Germany are the sale of products and the modification and implementation of software based on said products. The company targets the semiconductor sector across Europe. Our principal technology, serial to Ethernet, is widely deployed across a range of industrial sectors, reflecting our commitment to versatility and innovation. This technology has a broad range of applications, varying from industrial automation in production to medical devices that require impeccable connectivity.
What’s the news about new products?
E.H: Wiznet has recently launched a series of products in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. These products are based on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip and integrate the computational power of the Raspberry Pi with Wiznet’s communication technology. These products are available in a variety of formats, making implementation easier in different scenarios. Another significant partnership with Raspberry Pi has been the development of a new microchip, ioNIC. Our new W55RP20 chip combines the RP2040 and W5500 into a single microchip, offering a compact solution that has the potential to reduce both physical size and costs by eliminating the need for an additional component. Another innovative technology from Wiznet is Power over Ethernet (PoE), a technology that enables the transmission of power through Ethernet cables, simplifying project implementation and reducing costs by eliminating the need for separate power supplies. This technology is applied to the W55RP20-EVB-pico product, which, through its easily interchangeable PoE module, allows for adjustments to suit specific project requirements.
What are the ranges of products?
E.H: Wiznet offers a diverse range of products, including microchips, mounted circuit microchips, evaluation boards and Wi-Fi solutions. Additionally, we provide a mass product programming service. If a client requires assistance with programming purchased products, we offer this service. This service was developed to meet industrial demand, as orders can range from a single product to thousands of products. Wiznet also offers a custom project creation and development service. In other words, clients can engage our services to develop their projects.
At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
E.H: The European semiconductor market is characterised by intense competition, with a significant presence of major technology firms and innovative start-ups. Wiznet differentiates itself from the competition by offering not only cutting-edge serial-to-Ethernet technology but also a dedication to customer service excellence. This focus is of critical importance, as it adds significant value to our advanced technological solutions. The demand for microchips and integrated solutions is increasing, driven by industrial automation, smart city developments and communication infrastructure expansion. In response to challenges such as global semiconductor shortages and supply chain volatility, Wiznet not only innovates in product development but also offers exceptional client support to ensure effective implementation and performance optimisation.
What can you tell us about market trends?
E.H: The market is increasingly shifting towards IoT, demanding solutions that are both simple and powerful. In response to this, Wiznet has formed a strategic partnership with Raspberry Pi to develop a range of solutions that leverage the capabilities of both Raspberry Pi chips and Wiznet technology. This collaboration demonstrates our proactive approach to aligning with market trends and meeting the evolving needs of our customers. Gigabit connections have rapidly gained momentum in the IoT space. There is a growing demand for this functionality in small devices that now transmit much larger volumes of data. The urgency to access this data at higher speeds has driven the implementation of Gigabit connections in IoT solutions, enabling faster data transmission and reduced latency. This is critical in applications such as industrial automation, smart cities, and medical devices, where efficiency and real-time data are essential. Another trend gaining traction is the preference for low-power consumption devices.
As IoT devices proliferate, reducing energy consumption has become essential for extending battery life and improving sustainability. Devices that combine high energy efficiency with high-speed connectivity, such as those powered by Wiznet’s low-power technology, offer a significant competitive edge, allowing IoT devices to operate continuously for longer periods with a lower environmental impact. Gigabit connections provide key advantages, including the ability to efficiently handle large amounts of data, which is crucial in scenarios where real-time processing and precision are vital. On the other hand, low power consumption devices help maintain scalability in IoT networks, reducing operational costs and contributing to greater environmental sustainability.
What are the most innovative products marketed?
E.H: Our latest product innovations include the RP2040-based range and the W55RP20 chip, which demonstrate Wiznet’s continued leadership in the integration of processing and communication technologies into single, more efficient solutions.
What estimations do you have for 2024?
E.H: The niche sectors are expected to undergo dynamic changes as large established markets continue to evolve. Miniaturization will move forward, offering better form factors and more attractive price points. This trend will not only enhance the overall design and functionality of IoT devices but also make them more accessible to a broader range of applications, driving further market growth in 2024.