WiFi Enabling Software for Embedded 802.11n

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 our IWIN AT Command set support page. 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 YouTube 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