WiFi Enabling Software for Embedded 802.11n

February 22, 2012

New WiFi Enabling Software for Embedded 802.11 Applications.

Inventek announces new firmware for their embedded eS-WiFi embedded serial-to-WiFi module family that supports the use of simple AT Commands for controlling WiFi connectivity.  eS-WiFi modules offer an easy-to-use, plug-and-play WiFi solution that enables the embedded sector to develop integrated hardware and software WiFi solutions and to control the WiFi operation using AT Commands over a serial port.

Inventek’s eS-WiFi software uses a modified Hayes AT command set and consists of a series of short text strings which combine together to produce complete commands for communicating with the eS-WiFi module and instructing the module to connect to a network and send and
receive data.  Basic operational command examples include:

“F0” (Find Networks), “C0” (Join Network), “T0” (Ping), “S0” (Send Data), “R0” (Receive data), “C4” (Set DHCP).


A summary of the complete list of commands is available online at http://www.inventeksys.com/specs/AT_CMD_Quick_Ref.pdf.  These commands are
sent to the eS-WiFi module over the UART input pin or through the SPI bus.   The
eS-WiFi module accepts these simple 2 digit commands, a Cortex M3 Microcomputer
interprets them and through an SDIO bus communicates with Broadcom’s 802.11
MAC/Baseband/Radio chip.   This simple AT Command Set programming feature
makes the eS-WiFi module agnostic and therefore not dependent on any specific
operating system, microprocessor or microcomputer allowing the use of a low
cost microcomputer for input to the module.

The Inventek User’s Manual for the eS-WiFi module provides program examples showing the AT Command code for several of the most popular WiFi functions such as those listed below. ·
Finding Available Networks
Join Network Access Point
Ping Host on Network
TCP Server Setup and Data Transport
TCP Client Setup and Data Transport
UDP Server Setup and Data Transport
UDP Client Setup and Data Transport

Inventek has created a You Tube video that further describes the eS-WiFi module hardware and the AT Command/Instruction Set. 

In addition to this basic configuration whereby customers use their embedded host processor to send AT commands to the eS-WiFi module over the UART pin or through the SPI bus, Inventek
offers additional flexibility for customers with either minimal program Requirements or with higher power host processors.  For applications with minimal program/processing requirements, Inventek offers the capability of integrating the customer’s host program onto the Cortex M3 microcomputer on-board the eS-WiFi module.  System inputs are supplied to the module using any of the combined total of ten (10) GPIO and ADC input pins.  For applications utilizing more powerful microcontrollers, the networking stack and services can reside on the customer’s host
microcontroller and communication to the eS-WiFi module uses the SDIO interface.  For
applications that require customized/turnkey design, Inventek also provides customer specific hardware and software design services.  Please contact Inventek for specific details
and recommendations for system partitioning using these more advanced options.

Inventek’s eS-WiFi modules provide designers the ability to easily integrate WiFi connectivity into their systems independent of the operating system and independent of the system complexity.   Examples of the rapidly expanding embedded WiFi space include smart appliances, building automation, smart energy control, and cloud-based interconnectivity for healthcare and medical monitoring applications.

Inventek’s eS-WiFi modules are based exclusively on Broadcom’s leading edge
WiFi technology.  All eS-WiFi products use the AT commands described above, have FCC certification, and the industries smallest footprint (15mmx30mm). These features minimize development time, testing routines and certification requirements and make eS-WiFi modules well suited for a wide range of embedded wireless applications.

Main Hardware Features:

  •     802.11 b, g and n compliant based on Broadcom MAC/Baseband/Radio device.
  •     Fully contained TCP/IP stack minimizing host CPU requirements
  •     Configurable though AT commands.
  •     Host interfaces: UART, SPI up to 25MHz.
  •     Network features – ICMP ( Ping), ARP, DHCP,TCP, UDP
  •     Low power operation (3.3V supply) with built-in low power modes.
  •     Secure Wi-Fi authentication WEP-128, WPA-PSK (TKIP), WPA2-PSK

Design Examples:

  •     PDA, Pocket PC, computing devices
  •     Building automation and smart energy control.
  •     Industrial sensing and remote equipment monitoring.
  •     Warehousing, logistics and freight management
  •     PC and gaming peripherals
  •     Printers, scanners, alarm and video systems
  •     Medical applications including patient monitoring and remote diagnostics

 

 

Posted in Wifi 802.11
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eS Wi-Fi embedded module – 802.11 b/g/n

December 12, 2011

 

Press Release

BILLERICA, MA, Nov. 29, 2011
/PRNewswire/ –

Inventek
Systems Announces the Ez-WiFi Module Family Targeting Embedded Wi-Fi 802.11
b/g/n Applications Utilizing Broadcom’s Leading-Edge WiFi Technology.

Inventek (www.inventeksys.com)
has released three embedded Ez-WiFi modules based on the Broadcom’s (NASDAQ:
BRCM) (www.Broadcom.com) Wireless Internet Connectivity Platform.  Ez-WiFi modules offer the first plug-and-play
WiFi solution that enables the embedded sector to develop integrated hardware
and software WiFi solutions using Broadcom’s 802.11 components.

These
modules will provide manufacturers the ability to easily integrate wireless
connectivity into many MCU based designs in the consumer, industrial and
medical product markets. Examples of the rapidly expanding embedded WiFi space
include smart appliances, building automation, smart energy control, and
cloud-based interconnectivity for healthcare and medical monitoring
applications.

The
Ez-WiFi module hardware system consists of a host processor, integrated antenna
and Broadcom WiFi device.  The module
provides SPI and UART interfaces enabling easy connection to an embedded
design. The module requires no operating system and has a completely integrated
TCP/IP stack that only requires a simple AT command set to establish
connectivity.

Inventek’s modules utilize the recently released Broadcom modular
WiFi WICED platform (www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s622654) and adds several key
features such as configuration using standard AT commands, FCC certification,
and a small 15mmx28mm or 15mmx30mm form factor.
These
features minimize or eliminate the development time, testing routines and
certification requirements and make them ideal for a wide range of embedded
wireless applications.

 

Ez-WiFi
modules are offered in three configurations:
15mmx30mm module with integrated trace antenna (ISM4319-M3-L44-E),
15mmx28mm module with ceramic antenna (ISM4319-M3-L44-C) and 15mmx28mm module
with U.Fl connector for external antenna connection (ISM4319-M3-L44-U).  In addition, Inventek offers two development
boards (ISM4319-M3-E-EVB and ISM4319-M3-UC-EVB) for customer evaluation and
integration of the Ez-WiFi module into their system.

For applications that require customized
design, Inventek also provides customer specific hardware and software design
services.

 

Availability:

Ordering
Number

Description

Availability

ISM4319-M3-L44-E

 802.11 Module, 44-pin LGA, Commercial Temp (UART,SPI,
Internal Microstrip Antenna)

Production

December
2011

ISM4319-M3-L44-C

 802.11 Module, 44-pin LGA, Commercial Temp (UART,SPI,
Ceramic Antenna)

Production

December
2011

ISM4319-M3-L44-U

 802.11 Module, 44-pin LGA, Commercial Temp (UART,SPI,
External Antenna)

Production

December
2011

ISM4319-M3-E-EVB

 Evaluation Board with ISM4319-M3-L44-E,USB Cable, Temperature Sensor Board, Quick-Start Guide

NOW

ISM4319-M3-UC-EVB

 Evaluation Board with ISM4319-M3-L44-UC (Selectable Option1
for Ceramic Antenna or External Antenna), USB Cable, Temperature Sensor
Board, Quick-Start Guide

NOW

Note:      1 – Requires change of 0Ω resistor

Main Features:



  • 802.11
    b, g and n compliant    based on Broadcom
    MAC/Baseband/Radio device.
  • Fully
    contained TCP/IP stack minimizing host CPU requirements
  • Configurable
    though AT commands.
  • Host
    interfaces:  UART, SPI up to 25MHz.
  • Network
    features – ICMP ( Ping), ARP, DHCP,TCP, UDP
  • Low
    power operation (3.3V supply) with built-in low power modes.
  • Secure
    Wi-Fi authentication WEP-128, WPA-PSK (TKIP), WPA2-PSK



Design Examples:

 

  • PDA,
    Pocket PC, computing devices
  • Building
    automation and smart energy control.
  • Industrial
    sensing and remote equipment monitoring.
  • Warehousing,
    logistics and freight management
  • PC
    and gaming peripherals
  • Printers,
    scanners, alarm and video systems
  • Medical
    applications including patient monitoring and remote diagnostics

AT Command

 

About Inventek:

Inventek Systems is a privately held,
USA-based, full-service wireless solutions provider focused on 802.11 WiFi
embedded solutions, GPS embedded modules and antennas.  We provide a wide range of standard and
custom embedded options ranging from low cost system-in-a-package (SIP)
products to modular based custom solutions.
We provide complete services from consulting to custom design to cost
effective high volume manufacturing.

Inventek Systems products are used in a wide
range of consumer, industrial, and defense based applications.  Inventek’s Ez-WiFi and Ez-GPS products are
enabling customers around the world to add WiFi connectivity and GPS features
at a quickening pace with minimal design effort.

Contacts:

Martin Tierney

Inventek Systems

2 Republic Road

Billerica,MA01862

978.667.1962

martinm@inventeksys.com

Posted in Wifi 802.11
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INVENTEK SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES THE PRODUCTION RELEASE OF SiRF GPS MODULAR SOLUTIONS.

November 30, 2011

Westford, MA, February 27, 2007 – Inventek Systems, introduces its release of SiRFstar III GPS Modules.

Inventek Systems successful launch of the new extremely small surface mount GPS receiver family – ISM300x.

Inventek Systems, LLC, a market leader in location awareness and location intelligence design and manufacturing services recently announced that the company is now a new SiRF VAM (Value Added Manufacturer). The SiRFstarII and SiRFstarIII modules are based on Global Positioning System (GPS), technology. The same technology used to guide everything from car navigation systems to handheld devices used by backpackers. Created by the U.S. military, GPS uses more than 24 satellites in orbit around the earth to provide always-on location information free of charge to any GPS receiver, anywhere in the world.

Inventek’s ISM300x Module is based on the market leading, high sensitivity SiRFstarIII chip set (GSC3x). The ISM300x is a 20-channel Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver module offered in an extremely compact Surface Mount Device (SMD) module form factor. The module provides high sensitivity, high gain, and low power. It is designed for a broad spectrum of OEM applications and is based on the fast and deep GPS signal search capabilities of the SiRFstarIII architecture with its 200,000 correlators. Benefits include Low cost, Low Power, High Sensitivity , a very unique and patent pending RF Shield to maximize performance while minimizing EMI, an 18mmx18mm design (Integrated RF connector supports and powers an external active antenna) – small but not small enough to risk significant manufacturing and test issues.

Inventek’s ISM200x Module is a very cost effective module based on market proven SiRFstarII chip set (GSC2x). The ISM200x provides plug and play 12 Channel support, low cost, and is a fully functional module. The DIP format makes manufacturing, assembly and test quick and easy for embedded applications. The module is a full featured GPS solution and maintains the technical specification of the SiRFstarII architecture. Features include Signal acquisition using 1920 time/frequency search channels, SBAS (WAAS and EGNOS) and DGPS support, Cold start under 45 seconds and is compatible with SiRFXTrac®. This module is designed for quick and easy integration into cost sensitive GPS-related applications – especially compact/portable devices such as: Hand-held Devices for Personal Positioning, recreational devices, Asset Tracking and other computing devices.

“As the GPS solutions continue to proliferate across a multitude of applications and market segments, the Inventek team with its extensive experience in developing and supporting GPS and wireless products provides an excellent avenue for customer engagements in North America,” said Kanwar Chadha, Founder and Vice President of Marketing for SiRF. “We are pleased to add Inventek to our VAM program to help us accelerate the time to market for a broad range of GPS enabled products.”

Inventek’s proven consultative sales and support expertise in combination with an extremely compelling development team comprised of over 100 years of experience in Complex Systems, RF, and Wireless applications development at the architectural level truly differentiates our value proposition.

From the conceptual definition phase all the way through to production qualified solutions, learn more about how Inventek can help you “Invent Your Tomorrow Today”

For more information, contact:

Inventek Systems, LLC
sales@inventeksys.com
Westford, MA 01886
978-392-2202
978-692-3502 FAX

Posted in GPS Modules

Inventek Systems Announces enhanced Navigation Performance SiRF III GPS module

November 30, 2011

Inventek Systems ISM300F1-C3 and ISM300F1-C4 product launch

The Inventek ISM300x is a 20-channel Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver module (C4 is SBAS enabled) offered in an extremely compact Surface Mount Device (SMD) module form factor The module provides high sensitivity, high gain, and low power. It is designed for a broad spectrum of OEM applications and is based on the fast and deep GPS signal search capabilities of the SiRFStarIII architecture.

Enhancements include:

Enhanced Navigation

  • Improved cross-correlation detection
  • Altered search strategy for improved weak-signal acquisition
  • Improved positioning results, particularly in transitional environments
  • Improved EGNOS

Improved Jamming Mitigation

  • Better identification and dismissal of jamming signals through enhanced Carrier Wave (CW) detection.

Improved Ephemeris Availability

  • Incremental ephemeris collection allowing quicker time-to-first-fix (TTFF)
  • Improved ephemeris collection under challenging dynamics (Movement)

Flexible Power Control

  • Improved hardware “on/off” control – 10uA mode
  • For implementations that do not include hardware “on/off” control, software can now be used to turn off the receiver

Applications
This module is designed for quick and easy integration into GPS-related applications – especially compact size devices – such as:

Hand-held Devices for Personal Positioning and Navigation
PDA, Pocket PC and other computing devices
Fleet Management / Asset Tracking
AVL and Location-Based Services

At Inventek Systems our top priority is to service our customers as an extension of their own organization. We take great pride in earning and developing long term partnerships as we strive to exceed your expectations.

Our expertise in GPS Modular solutions combined with a very unique and compelling business model, positions us as the premier leader in market competitive system solutions across a wide range of GPS applications.

For more information, contact:

Inventek Systems, LLC
sales@inventeksys.com
Westford, MA 01886
978-392-2202
978-692-3502 FAX

Posted in GPS Modules
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Inventek Systems Announces a USB DONGLE with Integrated SiRFstar III GPS

November 30, 2011

Inventek Systems, November 07, 2007

ISM300F1-CX-USB GPS Module with Integrated Antenna product launch

Family Description: The Inventek GPS DONGLE comes complete with an integrated USB interface and antenna. The module is based on the SiRFstar III 20-channel Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver module and offered in a 45mm x 21mm package (excluding USB connector). The module combines high sensitivity, high gain, and low power consumption. It is designed for a broad spectrum of OEM applications

Compatibility

The ISM300F1-Cx-USB is supported by a complete suite of drivers that are available on our website. The Virtual COM port (VCP) drivers allow the USB device to appear as an additional COM port available to the PC. Application software can access the USB device in the same way as it would access a standard COM port. The output is standard NMEA 0183.

Drivers are available which allow the devices to work with the following operating systems: Windows Vista, Windows Vista x64, Windows XP, Windows XP x64, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 x64, Windows 98, Windows ME, Mac OS X (Intel), Mac OS X, Mac OS 9, Mac OS 8, Linux, Windows CE.NET(ARM/XScale Processor), Windows CE.NET (x86 Processor), Windows CE.NET(Other Processors).

Applications

This module is designed for quick and easy integration into GPS-related applications – especially compact size devices – such as:

Hand-held Devices for Personal Positioning and Navigation
PDA, Pocket PC and other computing devices
Fleet Management / Asset Tracking
AVL and Location-Based Services
At Inventek Systems our top priority is to service our customers as an extension of their own organization. We take great pride in earning and developing long term partnerships as we strive to exceed your expectations.

Our expertise in GPS Modular solutions combined with a very unique and compelling business model, positions us as the premier leader in market competitive system solutions across a wide range of GPS applications.

For more information, contact:

Inventek Systems, LLC
sales@inventeksys.com
Westford, MA 01886
978-392-2202
978-692-3502 FAX

Posted in GPS Modules
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Inventek Systems Announces Custom Firmware Off-the-Shelf

November 30, 2011

Inventek Systems, March, 2008

Westford, Massachusetts — Inventek Systems, a leading supplier of GPS (global positioning system) modules based on the cutting-edge SiRFstarIII architecture, has announced the availability of what it calls “custom firmware off-the-shelf”. According to Martin Tierney, Inventek’s vice-president of sales, Inventek’s new line of firmware dramatically reduces the time to deploy his company’s ISM300 GPS module.

Firmware is the on-board computer code that controls the module’s I/O and signal processing.

“Our firmware offerings save development time,” Tierney said. “For example, we have a version that outputs only the GGA messages of NMEA-0183. That’s the message most developers are looking for, and we save them from having to write code to identify it. That saves development time.”

NMEA-0183 is the National Marine Electronics Association’s serial protocol standard. It defines several messages that encode various types of information about the GPS satellites, latitude and longitude of the receiver, altitude, time, and so on. “GGA” is one of those messages.

“We have a similar capability for SiRF binary,” Tierney said. (SiRF makes the GPS engine for the ISM300. “SiRF binary” is their proprietary serial protocol.) “We have a firmware version with SiRF binary message 41 SBAS enabled”. (Message 41 is analogous to NMEA’s GGA message. “SBAS” stands for “satellite-based augmentation system”.) “Again, we save developers time by providing just the data they’d otherwise have to write code to identify.”

“We’re really excited about some of the applications our firmware enables,” Tierney said. “For example, we have a version that raises the operating ceiling of our module to 135,000 feet. We did that for a customer using it in a high-altitude balloon.” The usual operating ceiling for the ISM300 is 60,000 feet.

“We have other versions in the works that would be premature to mention. Stay tuned,” Tierney said.

Tierney provided this list of part numbers for his company’s firmware offerings:

Item

Part No.
Single UART build with NMEA running at 57600 Bd on port A with only GGA messages C5-V0001
Single UART build with NMEA running at 4800 Bd on port A with all NMEA messages C5-V0002
Dual UART build with SiRF binary message 41 SBAS enabled C5-V0003
Single UART build with NMEA running at 4800 Bd on port B with all NMEA messages with operating ceiling of 135,000 ft. C5-V0004

For more information, contact:

Martin Tierney, VP Sales
martint@inventeksys.com
Inventek Systems, LLC
http://www.inventeksys.com/
239 Littleton Road, Suite 4D
Westford, MA 01886
(978) 392-2202

Posted in Uncategorized

Inventek Systems Formally Releases the New ISM420 SiRFstar IV™ SIP GPS Module

November 29, 2011

Billerica, MA, August 16, 2010 Inventek Systems would like to announce a new SiRFstar IV SIP GPS Receiver Module based on CSR’s latest GSD4e chip with twice the sensitivity of the SiRFstar III.  Several key features about this module are

  • The module is capable of generating and storing extended ephemeris data to an external device for much faster hot starts in weak signal environments.
  • Built-in jamming detection and mitigation to permit fast and accurate navigation solutions in high noise environments.
  • Ability to use an external MEMS device for wakeup when motion is detected, thus reducing power consumption for tracking devices.
  • An addition 4 dB in tracking sensitivity and 5 dB navigation sensitivity over the world class SiRFstar III devices.
  • < 10 mW @ 1.8 volts required to maintain fixes in Trickle Power mode for the ultimate in low power requirements.
Posted in Sirf IV GPS
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Inventek Systems Formally Releases The New ISM300F2-C4.1 GPS Module Ideal for Hand Held GPS Applications.

November 29, 2011

Billerica, MA, January 29, 2010 – Inventek Systems is releasing a new firmware build that improves cold start sensitivity by a full 3dB making it twice as sensitive as it’s predecessor. In addition this build improves restart times up to 50% for applications that turn the receiver on and off to conserve power, thus extending battery life in those applications.

The ISM300F2-C4.1 is an exact pin for pin replacement for the ISM300F2-C4.0, so no changes are required for users electing to go with this package. Customers who already have the ISM300F2-C4.0 may be able to upgrade to the new firmware build.

Click here for more details. Contact engineering@inventeksys.com for more details.

Posted in GPS Modules
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Customer Sponsored Event: The Great Plains Super Launch

November 29, 2011

The premier conference for near space explorers and enthusiasts dedicated to the education and study of aerospace science via Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning.

Location:  Topeka, KS

Click here for more details.

Posted in Uncategorized

Inventek Systems Announces the Production Release of the Smallest Addition to their GPS Family – The ISM400F1

November 29, 2011

nventek Systems, LLC is pleased to announce the production of the ISM400F1, which offers compact size and is based on the high performance features of the SiRFstarIII GPS. The ISM400F1 comprises a 20-channel global positioning system (GPS) receiver in a compact surface-mountable module. Based on the fast and deep search capabilities of SiRFstarIII, it features high sensitivity, high gain, and low power. The ISM400F1 allows you to integrate GPS functionality into your product quickly and easily. Its small size (12.9mm X 12.9mm) makes the ISM400 perfect for compact devices. It’s suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

  • Hand-held personal positioning and navigation
  • PDAs, Pocket PCs and other hand-held computers
  • Fleet management
  • Asset tracking
  • Automatic vehicle location

Other improvements in the ISM400F1 design include SMT pads which allow for fully automatic assembly processes equipment and reflow soldering, RoHS compliant (lead-free), and an EMI/EMC metal shield. It provides lower RF emissions/ signature for FCC compliance and also optimal RF performance in noisy environments. The ISM400F1 will support both NMEA-0183 and SiRF Binary protocols.

The ISM400F1 has a tracking sensitivity of -159 dBm and an acquisition sensitivity of -142 dBm.  It is capable of receiving SBAS (satellite-based augmentation system) differential corrections (both WAAS (Wide-Area Augmentation System) and EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service)). SBAS improves horizontal position accuracy by correcting GPS signal errors caused by ionosphere disturbances, timing and satellite orbit errors. This can cut 2DRMS1 significantly.

Other advantages of the ISM400F1 include:

  • Ideal for compact devices
  • Flexible and cost effective hardware designed for multiple application requirements
  • Secure SMD PCB mounting method
  • Ultra-low Power
  • Multi-path Mitigation Hardware
  • TTL level serial port for GPS communications interface

Contact Inventek Systems to learn more about this revolutionary product and how it can enable you to “Invent your Tomorrow Today!”

Martin Tierney – Inventek Systems
sales@inventeksys.com
Westford, MA 01886
978-392-2202
978-692-3502 FAX

Posted in Uncategorized