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CC3200: Cc3200

Mark Phillips
Prodigy 50 points
Part Number: CC3200
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: WL1801MOD, AM625, , CC3300

Tool/software:

I have a project prototype for a wifi controller using a Pi Zero W. The code is written in Python, and the OS on the Pi is Ubuntu. I would like to replace the Pi Zero W board with a WiFi SOC and that runs on a flavor of Linux and allows me to continue software development in Python. Which part of parts should I look at? 

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 26960 points

    Hi Mark,

    What is your goal? Are you designing your own board from scratch? What linux MPU are you planning to use?

    I think if you are just starting out, then perhaps look at the design of the BeaglePlay, which uses the AM625 processor and WL1801MOD for WiFi communication. 

    https://www.beagleboard.org/boards/beagleplay 

  • 0 in reply to Sabeeh Khan1
    Prodigy 50 points

    Hello Sabeeh,

    I am designing my own circuits and PCB from scratch. These controllers are model rockets launchers controlled over Wi-Fi from a cell phone. I need a WiFi SOC to respond to commands from the cell phone which control certain aspects of the launch  and report measurements back to the cell phone - ie continuity of the igniter, controlling the current to the igniter, etc. I have all the "controller" circuitry designed and tested. I just need to replace to Pi with  a WiFi SOC chip that does not require me to rewrite all the code.

  • 0 in reply to Mark Phillips
    Guru 78485 points

    Hi,

    You cannot run Linux at small MCUs as CC3200, CC3235 or EPS32. For Linux you need to have processor with memory protection support.

    CC3200 and Pi Zero W are completely different class of devices. CC3200 have Cortex-M4 at 80MHz with 256kB RAM. At Pi Zero W is BCM2835 (single core ARMv6 at 1GHz) with 512MB RAM.

    As far I know there no single WiFi SoC with enough or RAM, MPU support and capability to run Linux at the market.

    • You have options to select MPU + external RAM + external radio chip (like suggested AM625 + WL1801MOD or CC3300).
    • Other option is to select WiFi SoC + external RAM. If you need such device you need to search at other manufacturers (Broadcom, MediaTek, Qualcomm, etc.). But this approach is possible only for high quantities. If you want to produce less than 10k devices annually don't even asked these manufacturers.

    I think best for you are. Stay with tour Pi Zero W or rewrite your code into C and small WiFi SoC like CC3200/CC3220 or ESP32.

    Jan

  • 0 in reply to Jan D
    Prodigy 50 points

    Hi Jan,

    Thanks for your response. I am disappointed that TI does not have a part that will meet my needs.

    I found this reference from Espressif for the ESP-32 WiFi SOC - https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-idf/en/stable/esp32/get-started/index.html#introduction. The chip (ESP32-S3FH4R2) in single quantities is $2.32 in single unit quantities - RF System on a Chip - SoC SMD IC ESP32-S3FH4R2, dual-core MCU, Wi-Fi 2.4G & BLE 5.0 combo, 4 MB flash and 2 MB PSRAM inside, QFN 56-pin, 7*7 mm from Mouser. I will look at that product in more depth as a possible replacement for the Pi Zero W in my project.

    I am very new to WiFi SOCs but I am learning!

    Mark

  • 0 in reply to Mark Phillips
    Guru 78485 points

    Hi Mark,

    No. You cannot run Linux a ESP32. ESP32 is not a replacement for BCM2835 at Pi Zero W. ESP-32 is similar class of device as TI CC3200/CC3220/CC3235.

    ESP32 cannot run classic Python. It ca run MicroPython but this is far from the normal Pyton.

    If you select ESP32, you will need to rewrite your code into C (maybe MicroPython). This will be exact same as CC3200, where MicroPython port exist as well.

    Jan

  • 0 in reply to Jan D
    Prodigy 50 points

    Jan,

    Thanks for the clarification. The Espressif document I referenced is very misleading.

    Mark