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Starterware/WL1837MODCOM8I: WL1837MODCOM8I

Part Number: WL1837MODCOM8I
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: WL1837,

Tool/software: Starterware

Hello everyone, 

I am a Mechatronics Engineering undergrad and I am currently working on my final year design project.  As a group, we are trying to obtain a user's indoor location by using trilateration equations on a smartphone that require 3 or more RSSI signals.  So far, I have purchased the WL 1837 daughter card and the WL1837 SDMMC adapter board.  On TI's website, it mentions that the SDMMC board can act as a standalone evaluation board but I'm confused by the total functionality of both components and whether or not I need another EVM as a host processor?

Questions: 

1. As a standalone evaluation board, is the SDMMC board programmable through the USB connection?  If so, where are the relevant software packages?

2. If it is not compatible, do I need another EVM such as AM335x?

3. Is there mobile software development packages that are capable of pulling near-by RSSI signals?

I want to thank everyone ahead of time.  I am relatively new to electronics so I appreciate any help whatsoever! 

Thank you, 

Andrew

  • Hi,

    This query has been assigned to a relevant expert. We will get back to you soon.

    Best regards,
    Vihang
  • Hey Andrew,

    Thanks for using the E2E forums! I will answer your specific questions, but I want to make sure I understand your application. My understanding is that you are trying to triangulate the location of a smartphone using the signal strength of several nearby wi-fi acess points. Is this correct? 

    1. As a standalone evaluation board, is the SDMMC board programmable through the USB connection?  If so, where are the relevant software packages?
                   This can be used with a PC, but only for product line testing. For your application the WL1837MODCOM8I-SDMMC is to be used with a host processor.

    2. If it is not compatible, do I need another EVM such as AM335x?
                   Correct, you will need a host processor for this application. The most compatible set up with our online SDK would be our TI AM335x EVMs. The cheaper option would be to use the Beaglebone platforms that use our chips for wi-fi connectivity.

    3. Is there mobile software development packages that are capable of pulling near-by RSSI signals?
                   My understanding of what you are tyring to do is triangulate a smartphone based signal strength. My guess is that the phone would gather the data and run the algorithms required to identify the location. I am not familiar with what resources are available for RSSI cell phone applications, but there might be some.

     

    I hope that helps,

    ~Danny W

  • Hi Danny,

    Thank you for your thorough reply. Your interpretation is correct. I plan to use the hardware to make multiple wi-fi access points in order to triangulate the location of a smartphone.

    Now that I understand your answers would you be able to answer some follow-up questions?

    1. To pinpoint a user's position, basic trilateration theory states that at least three reference distances are required. Consequently, our design application requires three wi-fi access points. Does each access point require it's own EVM? Or is only one EVM needed to program the three SDMMC boards?

    2. What functionality differences exist between the AM-335x and Beaglebone? As university students, we have very real cost constraints because we are personally funding the project. I am trying to figure out if the added functionality of the AM 335x justifies the higher price.  

    3. Is the Am 335x starter kit sufficient?

  • Hey Andrew, 

     

    1. To pinpoint a user's position, basic trilateration theory states that at least three reference distances are required. Consequently, our design application requires three wi-fi access points. Does each access point require it's own EVM? Or is only one EVM needed to program the three SDMMC boards?

    You will need a separate processor to operate each of the wilink chips.  


    2. What functionality differences exist between the AM-335x and Beaglebone? As university students, we have very real cost constraints because we are personally funding the project. I am trying to figure out if the added functionality of the AM 335x justifies the higher price.  

    The currently available Beaglebone options should meet your needs.

    3. Is the Am 335x starter kit sufficient?

    See previous question.
     
     

    I can reach out directly to further clarify.
     
    Best!
    ~Danny W
     
  • Andrew,

    The cheapest BeagleBone for your purposes is BeagleBoneGreenWireless from Seeed Studio. This is not supported by a TI SDK so you will need to use an open source debian release from 

    You will also need to buy a TTL UART to USB cable (uk.farnell.com/.../1329311) so that you can get a terminal on your PC for controlling the BBGW. You only need one that you can swap between boards

    Don't try an AM335x Starter Kit as it has an older WiLink6 wifi device that is not supported in latest images.

    Iain

  • Hi Iain, 

    Thank you for your reply! I impulsively bought three Beaglebone Black boards, but I failed to realize that this rendered the previously bought hardware useless (WL1837MODCOM8I and the WL18XX SDMMC Adapter).  

    In order to use the Beaglebone Black boards, do I need to purchase the Beaglebone wireless connectivity cape as well?  Or is there someway I can integrate the WL18XX SDMMC adapter?  

    Andrew

  • Hi Andrew,

    To use the BeagleBone Blacks you would be best buying the E14 Wireless Connectivity cape (

    In theory you could wire up your SDMMC adapter to the BBB. You need to connect the SD bus + 2 GPIOs for WL_EN and WL_IRQ.

    In practice I wouldn't as you will spend most of your project trying to debug the connection and get it working as you probably will have to reduce SDIO clock frequency. You get no academic credits for that part of your project. My advice would be to buy the capes and then focus your time and effort on the triangulation part where you will get marks.

    Iain