Embedded WiFi
Mike Huselton
Posts: 746
I seem to have lost the thread concerning WiFi for the prop. We discussed low-cost solutions such as Lantronix MatchPort, but the conclusion that I reached was programming an interface based on the following device was superior:
The Connect One line of devices has many options, and the above device description may not be optimal for Prop use in hindsight.
Does anyone have opinions based on my conclusion?
This topic follows directly from my inspiration to connect Props to the Web for remote processing.
This has grown in my mind to include wireless connection to the Web. Taking the idea further, I can imagine very complex programs running on a Web Server controlling decisions made locally on the Prop. The immediate applications that come to mind are Robotics, Home Security, Process Control, etc. Anything that involves massive computation and database connectivity with loop turnaround times of 2 to 5 seconds (or more) can benefit from this. Many papers concerning what to do if connection is lost have been published. My professional coding has involved automatic detection and recovery of robotic systems in these type of situations for NDC Automation, so I am quite familiar with the issues involved in this.
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JMH
Post Edited (James Michael Huselton) : 5/21/2009 3:18:38 PM GMT
Mouser Catalog Quote said...
Connect One's Socket iWiFi Sec™ is a secure, serial-to-wireless LAN device server module which acts as a bridge to connect serial devices to 802.11b/g Wireless LANS. Supports up to 10 simultaneous TCP/UDP sockets, two listening sockets, SMTP, MIME, POP3, FTP, Telnet, HTTP clients, web server, and serial-to-IP bridging mode. Packaged in RoHS-compliant SocketModern™ form factor, uses the standard SocketModern pin-out, and operates in an extended temperature range.
The Connect One line of devices has many options, and the above device description may not be optimal for Prop use in hindsight.
Does anyone have opinions based on my conclusion?
This topic follows directly from my inspiration to connect Props to the Web for remote processing.
This has grown in my mind to include wireless connection to the Web. Taking the idea further, I can imagine very complex programs running on a Web Server controlling decisions made locally on the Prop. The immediate applications that come to mind are Robotics, Home Security, Process Control, etc. Anything that involves massive computation and database connectivity with loop turnaround times of 2 to 5 seconds (or more) can benefit from this. Many papers concerning what to do if connection is lost have been published. My professional coding has involved automatic detection and recovery of robotic systems in these type of situations for NDC Automation, so I am quite familiar with the issues involved in this.
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JMH
Post Edited (James Michael Huselton) : 5/21/2009 3:18:38 PM GMT
Comments
This looks like a fair option. Wonder if they sell the chips. The Mini Socket iWiFi looks more compact.
An option that is less compact but potentially cheaper is to use an Ethernet/WiFi game adapter and ENC28J60.
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--Steve
Propalyzer: Propeller PC Logic Analyzer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=788230
I did the survey of available WiFi devices and found the device described in my post to be superrior in capability, reliability and useful range. At a price difference of about $10 additionally, this device (not chip, but a complete mini board) won. $70 seems to be a fair price for adding this powerful flexibility to the Prop. Now, if we are talking mass production, that is a whole new ball game.
The ENC28J60 runs quite hot, and eats up the milliamps. Maybe there is a way to trigger low power mode, but I haven't seen it.
Which Ethernet/WiFi game adapter are you referring to? Again, I am open to suggestions.
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JMH
Post Edited (James Michael Huselton) : 5/21/2009 7:39:52 PM GMT
I'm just thinking about how to get network function on a board on one hand and easy connection on the other.
A 1x2 PCB footprint is less convenient in some cases than a 1.6x1.2 footprint.
Either one of course could fit in its own enclosure and be connected via a serial interface which would
be friendlier than a game adapter for small embedded applications.
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--Steve
Propalyzer: Propeller PC Logic Analyzer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=788230