Using MSP430F149 with WiFi

Before I answer this, let me set the expectation that this is not going to be an easy protocol to implement using the MSP430, even though it can be done :) The easier solution is going to be to use the OMAP/Davinci TI devices. I will talk about that.
So, First thing you'll need is a WiFi chipset/device to do this.

Then, if you a MSP430 (the tougher solution), you'll need to do the following:
1. TCP/IP software to talk with the WiFi chipset
A downsized TCP/IP stack is used in the following report:
http://focus.ti.com/general/docs/techdocsabstract.tsp?abstractName=slaa137a

You may be able to find other resources that have done this and get a canned solution. If not, you will have to write this on your own.

2. Drivers for the WiFi interface (SDIO or USB). Again you may have to write this on your own if you can't find a canned solution by anyone else. MSP430 can interface to a SD Card and the following app report shows you how to do this:
http://focus.ti.com/mcu/docs/mcusupporttechdocsc.tsp?sectionId=96&tabId=1502&abstractName=slaa281b

3. Drivers for the WiFi device itself. Again you may have to write this on your own if you can't find a canned solution by anyone else.

4. If you are still insistent on a MSP430 based solution, then any MSP430 with large flash memory and Serial interfaces can be considered (even though I am not sure if it'll fit all this code). See product brochure:
http://www-s.ti.com/sc/techlit/slab034.pdf

Now, if you use a TI OMAP/Davinci device to do this:
1. It already has the Linux kernel
2. It already has a TCP/IP stack
3. It already has the drivers for a SDIO/USB interface
4. All you need to do is write the drivers for the WiFi device itself. Now someone may have already written the drivers for a particular WiFi chipset/device and you can use that. Please see http://beagleboard.org/ for  board with OMAP solution (for only $150) and all you have to do is find the right WiFi chipset/device that either plugs in the USB or SDIO slot on the board. 

Hi JoMat,

I have been using a quite simple solution with a complete WiFi module from connectBlue. http://www.connectblue.com/products/wireless-lan-products/oem-modules/owspa311g/

This owspa311g module comes as a complete WiFi solution, including the whole software needed (TCP stack, AT commands at serial port) and hardware (antenna is onboard).

The only you need is to connect the module with your processor by a a serial port (2 wire: Rx&Tx, HW-handshake is not necessarily needed when the amount of data is not too much). I recommend using a processor with two serial port, so there is one left for debug outputs.

The only backdraw is the price for the module. I paid about 100€, but probably your school can pay for you.

regards

spachner