miniPCIe Wifi adapter with USB interface - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 10:15:51 am
content: Hi all,I'm designing a product with the Raspberry Pi compute module, which needs wifi connectivity.I don't think that having a USB Wifi adapter inside the product is such a good idea, so I'm looking for other options.The miniPCIe connector contains a USB 2.0 interface alongside the PCI-e interface, so does anyone know of a miniPCI-e wifi card, that can be used through the USB interface in the miniPCI-e connector?Other suggestions on how I can add wifi connectivity to the raspberry pi, without using a regular USB Wifi adapter, is welcome as well.Thanks,Jonas

author: kb0thn
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 01:06:00 pm
content: I am using M08-5 USB wifi module in something PI related.http://relyrf.en.made-in-china.com/product/KBembQgvAPWX/China-Rt5370-150m-Wireless-WiFi-Module-for-IP-Cameras.htmlI ended up having to go this route because of physical packaging constraints and needing an external antenna.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 01:27:56 pm
content: ?? it seems you want to alter appearance only? you want to mislead someone?

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 02:16:03 pm
content: Mislead?? Not at all. I just want to fix the wifi module to the pcb. In my opinion, a usb connector doesn't belong inside a case.So either a solution like the one kb0thn suggests or a mini pcie card./Jonas

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 03:50:02 pm
content: ah, what is stopping you from soldering directly to the usb wifi adapter?

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 04:49:30 pm
content: Quote from: Rasz on August 21, 2015, 03:50:02 pmWell, because I don't think that it's a great way to do it in a couple of 100 devices./Jonas

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 07:01:51 pm
content: Quote from: JJalling on August 21, 2015, 04:49:30 pmwhy? it will be cheaper than barebone modules, or additional big pcb with connectorask your contractor(in china?) how much would it cost to crack open usb dongles and solder 4 wires.

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 06:32:13 am
content: Quote from: Rasz on August 21, 2015, 07:01:51 pmWell it's isn't just another hobby product. I don't think I can get my boss to support a solution like that./Jonas

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 10:39:24 am
content: If it's not a hobby project and medium volume I strongly suggest to design your own board using a TI Omap or Freescale iMX SoC. It will be much more painless than using the Rpi and for a couple of hundred pieces the engineering costs are definitely managable. If you use the Rpi you will have a maintenance and support nightmare on your hand. The Rpi changes every few years; if you need to support your product for a long time then you'll need to find a way to source the Rpi version you are using. SoCs from TI and Freescale have are guarenteed to be available for a long time. Also keep in mind that your product may need to pass EMC compliance testing. If the Rpi turns out not to be compliant (and I can point out a few problem areas on the Rpi just by looking at the photo) then you are really screwed. All in all using the Rpi in a product is a really bad and non-professional choice.

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 10:45:03 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on August 22, 2015, 10:39:24 amThanks. Actually I have considered the iMX.6 from Freescale - it has PCIe controller as well. The reason why I chose the Rpi compute module, was that it was easy to get started, but I see your point about the EMC (and other) compliance tests./Jonas

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 11:24:21 pm
content: Quote from: JJalling on August 22, 2015, 06:32:13 amaah, like nctnico it didnt cross my mind someone would use Pee professionally in a productis it something ruggerized/mobile? USB really isnt all that bad, for example some server boards have straight up USB in the middle for USB key

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 10:16:56 am
content: Quote from: Rasz on August 22, 2015, 11:24:21 pmSometimes you want to take the easy/cheap way and not spend a lot of money, developing a custom processor board. Of course if I need to make more than a couple of 100s, it might be cheaper to make the custom board.It looks like an internal USB port is the solution I have to choose. I just thought that the minipcie is great, as the module can be fixed to the PCB with screws.I haven't been able to find any wifi cards that use the USB part of the minipcie interface - only modems and BT modules.Thanks for your input./Jonas