RS9116W SDK Version 2.12.1 (August 29 2025) - Release Notes#

Wi-Fi 4 RS9116x Series SDK enables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for MCUs running RTOS or bare metal.

Click here for earlier releases.

Release Summary#

Release Item Version Release Date Release Notes Key Features API Changes Bug Fixes Chip Enablement

RS9116W Platform

2.12.1

August 29, 2025

Release Notes

  • None
  • None
  • Fixed compilation errors if UART interface is enabled.
  • None

Wi-Fi

2.12.1

August 29, 2025

Release Notes

    None
  • Wireless Query APIs enhanced to retrieve additional details.
  • Disabled the wireless activity enable/disable feature based on supply voltage.
  • Added documentation note about region-specific behavior of the RS9116 module while functioning in AP (Access Point) mode.
  • Updated the wakeup threshold to ensure RS9116 reliably wakes up to receive beacons.
  • Updated documentation to clarify that the 802.11r fast roaming feature is not supported.
  • Enhanced macro documentation in the SAPI PRM.
  • Updated the Aggregation feature description in the opermode.
  • Modified the Load certification section of the EAP example readme file.
  • Added the Note point to update the Pathlen bit in the EAP testing when using the existing Silabs wifi-user.pem file.
  • Updated the description of the pathlen field in opermode command.
  • Added the available setsockopt options in the product reference manual.
    None

Network Stack

2.12.1

August 29, 2025

Release Notes

    None
  • Enhanced DNS functionality with automatic DHCP configuration, improved asynchronous query support.
  • DNS server addresses now auto-configure when DNS mode is enable.
  • Enhanced asynchronous DNS rsi_dns_req_async API.
  • Updated rsi_send API documentation for error handling clarity.
    None

Bluetooth

2.12.1

August 29, 2025

Release Notes

  • For RS9116 ACx modules, a separate country region command has been added for BLE and BTC. Users can independently configure the BLE and BTC region settings before connecting to an Access Point (AP). After a successful AP connection, the BLE and BTC region settings are automatically updated to match the region supported by the AP.
  • Full production (FP) characterization has been completed for ACx modules.
  • rsi_bt_set_country_region
  • rsi_bt_get_country_region
    None
    None

Multi-Protocol

2.12.1

August 29, 2025

Release Notes

  • None
  • None
  • Fixed firmware hang issue while trying to perform BT SPP disconnection during simultaneous WLAN scan and BTC SPP data transfer.
  • None

Impact of Release Changes#

Impact Statements | Migration Guide

Impact Statements#

None

Migration Guide#

None

Using This Release#

What's in the Release? | Compatible Software | Installation and Use | Help and Feedback

Note:

  • The release packages will have bug-fixes, enhancements, and new features in both 'SAPI' and 'Firmware'. Customer should update and use 'SAPI' and 'Firmware' of same release package. SAPI and firmware combinations that are not released together are not supported.

  • RS9116W 2.12.1.4 release consists of two components:

    • Firmware - RS9116 Firmware Binary

    • SAPI Library - SAPI Library runs on Host

  • This release is intended for designs based on RS9116 Silicon revision 1.4 (RS9116X-xxx-xxx-Bxx) and revision 1.5 (RS9116X-xxx-xxx-Cxx). Customers using Silicon revision 1.3 (RS9116X-xxx-xxx-Xxx) parts may upgrade to the latest firmware but must disable the power optimization macro EXT_FEAT_LOW_POWER_MODE in rsi_wlan_config.h.

What's in the Release?#

Compatible Software, Supported Hardware and Host Interfaces#

Software Compatible Version or Variant
Connectivity firmware
SAPI 2.12.1
RTOS FreeRTOS v11.1.0

Installation and Use#

To upgrade your existing software with this release, see instructions Updating RS9116W Firmware

To run your first demo, see our Getting Started Guides.

To review Security and Software Advisory notifications and manage your notification preferences:

  1. Go to https://community.silabs.com/.

  2. Log in with your account credentials.

  3. Click your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the page.

  4. Select Notifications from the dropdown menu.

  5. In the Notifications section, go to the My Product Notifications tab to review historical Security and Software Advisory notifications.

  6. To manage your preferences, use the Manage Notifications tab to customize which product updates and advisories you receive.

For recommended settings, configurations, and usage guidelines, see the Recommended Settings section

To learn more about the software in this release, dive into our online documentation.

Help and Feedback#

Feature Matrix#

The following sections cover the features of the Wi-Fi 4 + BT/BLE (Wi-Fi 4 RS9116x) SDK:

Supported Features#

Wi-Fi | Network Stack | Bluetooth | Multiprotocol | RS9116W Platform

Note: The following list specifies the hardware parts compatible with the WiFi 4 SAPI:

  • NCP mode boards supported:

    • RS9116W-SB00-QMS

    • RS9116W-SB00-B00

    • RS9116W-DB00-CC0

    • RS9116W-DB00-CC1

    • RS916WS-01-AC1A3

  • Chip Revision:

    • 1.3

    • 1.4

    • 1.5

  • Host Interfaces:

    • UART

    • SPI

    • SDIO

Wi-Fi#

Operating Modes | Wi-Fi Protocol Features | Wi-Fi Scan | Wi-Fi Station Mode | Access Point Mode | Wi-Fi Power Save | Wi-Fi AT Commands

Operating Modes#
Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
Wi-Fi Station (STA) Wi-Fi Station mode with 802.11n support GA
  • Chip Revision All
  • Boards All
  • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

Wi-Fi - Station Ping
Wi-Fi Access Point (SoftAP) Wi-Fi Access Point mode with 802.11n support GA
  • Chip Revision All
  • Boards All
  • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

Wi-Fi - Access Point
Wi-Fi Station (STA) + Access Point (SoftAP)

Wi-Fi concurrent mode support over the same channel. Station with 802.11n + Access Point with 802.11n

 GA
  • Chip Revision All
  • Boards All
  • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

Wi-Fi - Concurrent Mode
Wi-Fi Enterprise Client

Support for EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, EAP-FAST, and PEAP security.

 GA

API Reference Guide - Client
  • Chip Revision All
  • Boards All
  • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

Wi-Fi - Enterprise Client
Wi-Fi Transmit Test Mode

Custom, connection-less testing.

 GA
  • Chip Revision All
  • Boards All
  • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

Wi-Fi - WLAN RF Test
Wi-Fi Protocol Features#
Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi standards supported over the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band.

 GA

API Reference Guide - Client
  • Chip Revision All
  • Boards All
  • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

Wi-Fi - Station Ping
Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) Quality of Service (QoS)

Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) Quality of Service (QoS)

 GA

API Reference Guide - Client
  • Chip Revision All
  • Boards All
  • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

Wi-Fi - Station Ping
2.4 GHz Band See Supported channels on 2.4 GHz band GA
  • Chip Revision All
  • Boards All
  • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

  • Wi-Fi - Station Ping

  • Wi-Fi - Access Point

  • Multiple additional examples.
    		•
    5 GHz band See

    Supported channels on 5 GHz band

    and

    Supported DFS channels on 5 GHz band

    		 GA
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

  • Wi-Fi - Station Ping

  • Wi-Fi - Access Point

  • Multiple additional examples.
    		•
    Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) Certification

    Pre-testing completed for WFA certification.

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Client
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    		 None
    Wi-Fi Scan#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Selective Scan

    Channel-specific scan

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Scanning
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Station Ping
    Active / Passive Scan

    Active scanning to send probe requests to discover networks; and passive scanning to listen for beacon frames from access points.

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Scanning
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Station Ping
    Background (BG) Scan

    Background scan is a scan triggered after connection in station mode

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Background scanning
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Station Ping
    Wi-Fi Station Mode#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Wi-Fi Re-join

    Enable a device to automatically re-connect to a previously connected wireless network after disconnection.

    		 GA

    rsi_wlan_connect - refer to the Note section of this API
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Station Ping

    Note: This application needs to be modified to check for rejoin. See the Note section of rsi_wlan_connect.

    Wi-Fi Security
    • Wi-Fi open security
    • WPA
    • WPA / WPA2 Mixed Mode
    • WPA2 Personal
    • WPA2 Enterprise security
      • Method: PEAP/TTLS/TLS 1.0/TLS 1.2/FAST/LEAP
    • WPA3 Personal
    • WPA3 Personal Transition Mode
    • WPA3 Enterprise security (Beta)
      • Method: PEAP/TTLS/TLS 1.0/TLS 1.2/FAST
    • Known security vulnerabilities handled:
      • WPA2 KRACK attacks
      • Fragment and Forge
    		 GA

    rsi_wlan_connect
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    Access Point Mode#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    4-client Support

    Allow up to 4 clients to connect to the access point.

    		 GA

    rsi_wlan_ap_start

    rsi_wlan_ap_stop
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Access Point
    Hidden SSID Mode

    Prevent a Wi-Fi network’s SSID from being broadcast in beacon frames, making the network name invisible to casual scans.

    		 GA

    rsi_driver_init
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Access Point

    Note: Enable CUSTOM_FEAT_AP_IN_HIDDEN_MODE See the RSI_CUSTOM_FEATURE_BIT_MAP.

    Auto Channel Selection

    Dynamically select the optimal Wi-Fi channel to minimize interference and improve network performance.

    		 GA

    rsi_wlan_ap_start
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Access Point
    Scan in Access Point Mode

    Wi-Fi scanning in access point mode

    		 GA

    rsi_wlan_scan
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Access Point
    Wi-Fi Security
    • Wi-Fi open security
    • WPA2 Personal
    • WPA3 Personal (Alpha)
      • H2E Method only
    • WPA3 Personal Transition Mode
    • WPA Mixed Mode (WPA/WPA2)
    		 GA

    rsi_wlan_ap_start
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Access Point
    Wi-Fi Power Save#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Standby Associated

    Standby Associated (connected sleep) with Max Power Save Profile (PSP), Enhanced MAX PSP and Max PSP

    		 GA

    rsi_wlan_power_save_profile
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Power Save Standby Associated
    Network Processor (NWP) Deep Sleep

    NWP Deep Sleep with and without RAM retention

    		 GA

    rsi_wlan_power_save_profile
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - Power Save Deep Sleep
    Wi-Fi AT Commands#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Wi-Fi AT Command

    Host shall use AT Commands for interacting with RS9116 Module.

    		GA

    WLAN AT commands reference
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART

    AT command examples

    Network Stack#

    Core Networking Features | Advanced Networking Features | IoT Cloud Integration

    Core Networking Features#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Core Network Protocols IPv4, UDP, TCP, ARP, ICMP, ICMPv6 GA
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) Connect and exchange data with other hosts using the IPv6 protocol in the networking layer of the network stack. Beta
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    TLS Client Supported versions 1.0, 1.2 GA
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    DHCP Client Support for DHCPv4 and DHCPv6 Beta
      None
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    DHCP Server Support for DHCPv4 and DHCPv6 GA
      None
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    BSD BSD GA
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    Advanced Networking Features#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Advanced Network Protocols
    • HTTP/HTTPS Client
    • mDNS
    • DNS Client
    • Embedded MQTT
    • MQTT on host
    		 GA
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    mDNS over IPv6 Host a Multicast Domain Name (mDNS) service over Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) to allow other network devices to look up your IPv6 address based on your host name. Alpha
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
      None
    SNTP Client Retrieve date and time information from an SNTP server. GA
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    IGMP Add the multicast group and exchange multicast data on a UDP socket. GA
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
      None
    IoT Cloud Integration#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    AWS IoT Core Configure RS9116 as an IoT device and securely connect to the AWS IoT cloud to subscribe and publish on topics using the AWS MQTT library (version 3.1.0). GA
      None
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    Azure IoT Configure the RS9116 as an Azure device endpoint, connect, and exchange messages with the Azure IoT Hub. Beta
      None
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Bluetooth#

    BT-Classic | Bluetooth Low Energy

    BT-Classic#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    BT Classic AT Commands Host shall use AT Commands for interacting with RS9116 Module. GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - UART
      All applicable commands.
    GAP (Generic Access Profile)
  • GAP defines how Bluetooth devices discover each other, establish and manage connections, and control access modes (discoverable, connectable, etc.).
  • It governs the fundamental behavior of device interactions, including pairing and authentication.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, UART, SDIO
      All applicable examples.
    Serial Port Profile (SPP)
  • SPP enables devices to emulate serial port communication over Bluetooth Classic using RFCOMM.
  • It is widely used in industrial, medical, and embedded systems for wireless serial communication between devices like sensors, printers, and terminals.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, UART, SDIO
    Secure Simple Pairing (SSP) Secure Simple Pairing is a feature that simplifies device pairing while providing strong protection against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, UART, SDIO
    A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) – Source Streaming
  • A2DP Source functionality allows the device to stream high-quality stereo audio from a source (e.g., smartphone or embedded device) to a sink (e.g., headphones or speakers) over Bluetooth.
  • It supports standard SBC and optionally other audio codecs.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SDIO
    AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile)
  • AVRCP functionality allows the device to control audio/video playback remotely over Bluetooth.
  • It supports standard remote control operations such as play, pause, stop, volume control, and track navigation for multimedia applications.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SDIO
    Role Switch
    • Role switching allows a Bluetooth device to dynamically change roles between master and slave during an active connection.
    • This is essential for topology flexibility, improved connection robustness, and compliance with role preference requirements in many applications.
    		 GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, UART, SDIO
    Sniff Mode
  • Sniff mode is a low-power mode that reduces power consumption by allowing the device to periodically wake up and check for activity.
  • This is particularly important for battery-operated Bluetooth peripherals like keyboards, mice, and remote controls.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, UART, SDIO
    HID (Human Interface Device Profile)
  • HID allows Bluetooth devices to interact as input devices, such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, or styluses.
  • It supports both interrupt and control channels for low-latency and command communication, making it suitable for consumer electronics and PC peripherals.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - UART
      NA
    Bluetooth Low Energy#
    Legacy Features#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Supported Software Variants, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    BLE AT Commands Host shall use AT Commands for interacting with RS9116 Module. GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - UART
      All applicable commands
    GAP
  • Advertising, Scanning, Connection Initiation, Establishment and Bonding
  • Handling of access modes and procedures of the device including device discovery, link establishment, link termination, initiation of security features, and device configuration.
    		•  GA
    • Hardware boards - All
    • Chip revisions - All
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
      All applicable examples
    Generic Attribute Protocol (GATT)
  • Defines how data is organized and exchanged between devices.
  • It builds on the Attribute Protocol (ATT) by organizing data into hierarchical structures of profiles, services, and characteristics.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Attribute Protocol (ATT) Fundamental layer responsible for managing data transmission and handling between devices, particularly within the context of the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Security
  • Security in LE is handled by Security Manager Protocol.
  • The Security Manager (SM) defines the protocol and behavior to manage pairing, authentication and encryption.
  • It uses a key distribution approach to perform identity and encryption functionalities in radio communication.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    HID (Human Interface Device Profile)
  • HID allows Bluetooth devices to interact as input devices, such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, or styluses.
  • It supports both interrupt and control channels for low-latency and command communication, making it suitable for consumer electronics and PC peripherals.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - UART, SDIO, SPI
    LL Privacy 1.2 Enhanced privacy by allowing devices to use temporary, non-identifiable addresses (Resolvable Private Addresses or RPAs) instead of their public identity address GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Accept List Feature responsible for restricting connection allowed to a particular BLE device. GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Directed Advertising Broadcasting information to a specific device (the scanner) identified by its address. GA
    • rsi_ble_start_advertising - Request the local device to start advertising. Directed advertising type and address can be mentioned as a parameter to this API.
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    LE PHY and Coded PHY
  • LE PHY (1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 2M PHY): Higher data throughput physical layer (2 Mbps) enabling faster data transfers while maintaining power efficiency for high-bandwidth applications.
  • Coded PHY (125kbps, 500kbps): Extended range capability utilizing Forward Error Correction (FEC) allowing connectivity at up to 4x the standard distance in open environments.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    LE dual role topology Demonstrates ability to function as both a central and a peripheral simultaneously on different connections. GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    LE data packet length extensions (DLE) DLE allows Bluetooth LE devices to transmit data packets with larger payloads, increasing the maximum data rate and potentially improving throughput. GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Asymmetric PHYs The concept of asymmetric PHYs is where different PHYs (Physical Layers) are used for transmission (TX) and reception (RX). GA
    • rsi_ble_setphy - Set TX and RX PHY. A received event rsi_ble_on_phy_update_complete_t indicates PHY rate update complete.
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    LE channel selection algorithm 2 (CSA#2)
  • The LE channel selection algorithm 2 (CSA#2), also known as Channel Selection Algorithm #2, is a more complex algorithm used to determine the channel index for the next connection event.
  • It is designed to improve channel hopping and minimize interference, especially in high-throughput and high-interference scenarios.
    		•  GA
      NA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
      All applicable examples.
    LE Secure connections LE Secure Connections uses Elliptic-Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) cryptography to generate a public-private key pair. GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Advertising Extensions#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Hardware Modules, Hardware Chipsets, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Extended Advertising
  • Use secondary advertising channels to offload data that would otherwise be transmitted on the primary advertising channel.
  • Enables multiple sets of advertisements, each with their own data, intervals, duration, address types, filter policies and PHY rates.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - 1.5
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Extended Advertising Scanning
  • Extended scanning enables the discovery of devices advertising extended data (i.e., more data than the limited 31 bytes of traditional advertising), which is achieved by offloading data to an auxiliary advertising packet on a secondary channel.
  • Extended scanning allows scanning for different PHY rates and supports different sets of scan interval, scan window, and scan type for each.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - 1.5
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    LE periodic advertising synchronization LE Periodic Advertising Synchronization in BLE allows multiple devices to wake up and receive data from a single source at the same time, enabling energy-efficient communication and data sharing. GA
    • rsi_ble_ae_set_periodic_sync - Synchronize with a periodic advertising train from an advertiser and begin receiving periodic advertising packets.
    • Chip Revision - 1.5
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Simultaneous scanning on 1 Mbps and Coded PHY Involves listening for advertisements on both PHYs at the same time. GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Periodic Advertising Periodic Advertising enables sending non connectable advertisements at fixed intervals. GA
    • Chip Revision - 1.5
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Periodic Advertising List
  • A list of periodic advertising events that provides a schedule or timetable of when a device will send its advertisement data at regular intervals.
  • This allows devices to synchronize with the advertiser and receive data at the specified times, saving power and improving efficiency.
    		•  GA
    • Chip Revision - 1.5
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Periodic Advertising Scanning Scan for periodic advertisements. GA
    • Chip Revision - 1.5
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO
    Power Save#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Hardware Modules, Hardware Chipsets, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Wireless Power Save
    • BLE Advertising with power save
    • BLE Scan with power save
    • BLE connection with power save
    • Only Max PSP power save mode is supported for BLE
    		 GA
    • Chip Revision - All
    • OPNs - All
    • Boards - All
    • Modes - NCP Host
    • Interface - SPI, SDIO

    Multiprotocol#

    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Wi-Fi Station (STA) + BT Mode

    Co-existence of Wi-Fi Station (STA) mode and Bluetooth (BT) on the same radio, supporting complex use cases with minimal interference. This solution is built on a Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) architecture that schedules radio access between Wi-Fi and BT with optimal performance.

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Client

    BLE AT Commands
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi Coex - Wi-Fi Client + BT + BLE
    Wi-Fi Station (STA) + BLE Mode

    Co-existence of Wi-Fi STA mode and BLE on the same radio, supporting complex use cases with minimal interference. This solution is built on a TDM architecture that schedules radio access between Wi-Fi and BLE with optimal performance.

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Client

    BLE AT Commands
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi Coex - Wi-Fi Client BLE
    Wi-Fi + BLE PTA 3-wire Co-existence

    Enable connecting two devices via GPIOs, with Wi-Fi as primary and external BLE as secondary, ensuring better performance on the same radio without interference. The solution relies on a radio-sharing mechanism using request, priority, and grant signals. The PTA secondary manages the request and priority, while the PTA primary handles the grant to ensure optimal performance without interference.

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Client
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Note: Flow control must be disabled to support PTA in NCP mode.

    Wi-Fi - Throughput
    Wi-Fi + Zigbee / OpenThread PTA 3-wire Co-existence

    Enable connecting two devices via GPIOs, with Wi-Fi as primary and external Zigbee or OpenThread as secondary, ensuring better performance on the same radio without interference. The solution relies on a radio-sharing mechanism using request, priority, and grant signals. The PTA secondary manages the request and priority, while the PTA primary handles the grant to ensure optimal performance without interference.

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Client
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Note: Flow control must be disabled to support PTA in NCP mode.

    Wi-Fi - Throughput
    Wi-Fi STA + BT + BLE Co-existence

    Co-existence of Wi-Fi Station (STA) mode, classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on the same radio, supporting complex use cases with minimal interference. This solution is built on a Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) architecture that schedules radio access between Wi-Fi and BLE with optimal performance.

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Client
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    None

    RS9116W Platform#

    Firmware Update | Auto Join

    Firmware Upgrade#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Firmware Loading through UART and SPI

    Load firmware via ISP using UART interface or SPI interface.

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Firmware Update From Host
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Firmware update
    Secure Over-the-Air (OTA) Update

    Perform OTA firmware update via Wi-Fi from a remote HTTP/HTTPS server.

    		 GA

    API Reference Guide - Firmware Update from Module
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    Wi-Fi - HTTP/HTTPS OTAF Update
    Auto Join#
    Feature Name Description Quality Related API Names Chip Revision, Hardware, Modes, Host Interfaces Related Example Names
    Store configuration

    Store the profile information in the flash, so that it can be used for consecutive connection or reconnection.

    		 GA
  • rsi_cfgget
  • rsi_usercfg
  • rsi_wlan_get_profile
  • rsi_fill_config_profile
  • rsi_wlan_delete_profile
    		•
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI

    AT command example
    Auto join.

    Auto join to the profile stored using store configuration.

    		 GA
  • rsi_trigger_auto_config
  • rsi_wlan_enable_auto_config
    		•
    • Chip Revision All
    • Boards All
    • Host interfaces: UART, SPI
    		 None

    Unsupported Features#

    Wi-Fi | Network Stack | Bluetooth | Multiprotocol | RS9116W Platform

    Wi-Fi#

    • AMSDU transmit is not supported.

    • UAPSD is not supported.

    • Fragmentation is not supported.

    • AMSDUs within AMPDU is not supported.

    • Currently, the RS9116 does not support the radio measurement requests feature of CCX V2.

    • 802.11k is not supported.

    • Short GI is not supported.

    • 2.4 and 5 GHz bands do not support 40 MHz bandwidth.

    • 802.11J channels less than 16 are not supported.

    • Auto PAC Provisioning in EAP-FAST with TLSv1.2 is not supported.

    • SA query procedure is not supported in 11W AP mode.

    • Channel 144 is not supported.

    • AP standalone mode does not support Tx aggregation. Rx aggregation is supported with limited number of BA sessions.

    • In concurrent mode - AP mode, aggregation (Tx/Rx) is not supported.

    Network Stack#

    • In AT mode, the total MQTT command length (apart from MQTT publish) should not exceed 150 bytes. This includes at+rsi (start of command) to (end of command)\r\n.

    • Configure MQTT_VERSION in rsi_mqtt_client.h based on the server configuration; only version 3 and 4 are supported.

    • In Wi-Fi-only mode, the module supports either three concurrent TLS connections or one TCP and two TLS connections.

    • TLS curve IDs supports from 15-28. TLS handshake with third party clients depends on the TLS curve.

    • Transparent mode is unsupported in USB-CDC mode.

    • RC4_SHA, DES_CBC3_SHA, and RC4_MD5 ciphers are not supported in enterprise security

    Bluetooth#

    Bluetooth Classic#

    • BT sniff mode does not work if BT multiple peripherals feature is enabled.

    • For BT Classic, only one connection is supported at a time.

    • When using the rsibt_spptxv2 command, if the data length field value is set higher than the actual number of data bytes provided, the firmware enters a continuous polling state waiting for the remaining data. This results in either no response from the device or causes the system to become unresponsive.

    • BT A2DP is only supported in RS9116 Silicon revision 1.5.

    • BT-A2DP encoder is not supported in the firmware.

    • BT-A2DP is not supported in AT mode.

    • BT-A2DP streaming is not supported during Wi-Fi download.

    • BT-HID is supported only on the UART interface.

    • BT-HID might not interoperate with Apple devices.

    Bluetooth Low Energy#

    • For BLE, if the connection is established with a small connection interval (<15 ms), simultaneous roles are not supported (that is, Central/Peripheral + Advertising/Scanning).

    • BLE peripheral latency value is valid up to 32 only.

    • Maximum supported AE data length is 200 bytes.

    • Maximum supported ADV_EXT sets is 2.

    • A maximum of two BLE connections are supported (one central + one peripheral).

    • SMP is not supported in AE applications "ble_ae_central" and "ble_ae_peripheral".

    • GATT transactions and data transfer are not supported in AE applications "ble_ae_central" and "ble_ae_peripheral".

    • BLE duty cycling is not supported.

    • BLE does not support the User_Config method.

    • Wake on wireless is not supported for BLE.

    • RTOS is unsupported in ae_peripheral, and ae_central applications.

    Multiprotocol#

    • The following multi-protocol modes are not supported: Wi-Fi Access Point + BLE, Wi-Fi Access Point + BT, and Wi-Fi Access Point + BT + BLE.

    • For AT commands, Wi-Fi + BT + BLE (Opermode 9) BT + BLE ( Opermode 8 ) do not work.

    • In Wi-Fi + BLE mode, if the BLE scan interval and window have the same value, then the Wi-Fi connection might be unsuccessful.

    • The wlan_https_bt_a2dp_ble_dual_role and wlan_https_bt_a2dp demos are not supported.

    RS9116W Platform#

    • Wake on Wireless support has only been tested for the UART AT command interface.

    • Firmware update via bootloader method requires the user to check the integrity of the RPS file content. A corrupt image may cause the chip to becomes unresponsive to host commands.

    SDK Release and Maintenance Policy#

    For information about the SDK release and maintenance policy, see https://www.silabs.com/developer-tools/sdk-release-and-maintenance-policy.