WiFi Module for Raspberry Pi's Compute Module - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 04:28:45 pm
content: Hi,I am looking for a WiFi module (not dongle) to integrate in a PCB that uses a Raspberry Pi Compute Module.Requirements:- very important is for it to have the drivers available for theCompute Module (i.e. Raspberry Pi equivalent)runningRaspbian.- ideally a USB connection (I already have integrated a USB hub). If not the highest possible speed interface (ideally at least 4-5 Mbps level).- connector for external antenna. The PCB enclosure is metal so needs to be placed outside the PCB enclosure.- preferably (not necessarily) SMDAny parts suggestions?Many thanks

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 09:12:15 pm
content: Thank you blueskull,Any other suggestions? I could not find a driver for it for the Compute module (i.e. for the Raspberry Pi).

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2020, 07:30:42 am
content: The RTL8188 is supported by the linux kernel (in case you plan to run linux on your compute module) so no need to find a special driver.BR Jonas

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2020, 03:19:37 pm
content: Thank you allhave to use Raspbian, so any suggestions for any WiFi modules that do have a driver ready for Raspbian? Or is there a driver ready for Raspbian for the RTL8188 ?What about the ESP8266 series (from Express If Systems)? Like the ESP-WROOM-02U?Also ideall I need a module that has a connector instead of a built-in antenna because the enclosure is metal and the antenna needs to be external.Many thanks in advance for all additional info/feedback

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2020, 10:48:42 pm
content: Quote from: ricko_uk on May 03, 2020, 03:19:37 pmHas been done with the Pi Zero before the version with built in wireless became available.https://hackaday.io/project/8678-rpi-wifi

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2020, 09:25:10 am
content: Here is a dump from the relevant part of the linux-kernel config file from the current image of Raspbian (2020-02-13-raspbian-buster-lite).Code:$ extract-ikconfig configs.ko | grep RTL8XXXCONFIG_RTL8XXXU=mThe =m means that the driver is compiled as a module.So you can safely go with a RTL8188 module as well.BR Jonas

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2020, 05:00:44 pm
content: Thank you very much BR Jonas!I have been googling quite a bit and searching all the various distributors but the only modules I came across were those with integrated antenna (i.e. no connector for external antenna) and through hole.Does it exist with external antenna (just the antenna's connector on the module) and in SMD?If so does it have perhaps a different part number?Many thanks

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2020, 08:28:12 pm
content: Any feedback anybody?Thank you

author: kaevee
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 03:07:13 am
content: Quote from: ricko_uk on May 05, 2020, 08:28:12 pmCheckout out Ti WiLink athttp://www.ti.com/wireless-connectivity/simplelink-solutions/wi-fi/overview/wilink-combo-solutions.htmlThey offer drivers for Linux and Android.Venkatesh