User manual
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www.rovingnetworks.com Version 1.0r 9/21/2012 5
RN-WIFLYCR-UM
INTRODUCTION
The Roving Networks WiFly radio module is a complete, standalone embedded wireless LAN access device. The device
has an on-board TCP/IP stack and applications, and in the simplest configuration only requires four pins (power, TX, RX,
and ground). Once you have performed the initial configuration, the device automatically accesses a Wi-Fi network and
sends/receives serial data over the UART.
This user manual is applicable to standalone RN-131 and RN-171 modules, as well as Roving Networks hardware that
includes these modules. Although there are some differences, the RN-131 and RN-171 modules support the same ASCII
command set. The RN-XV device incorporates the RN-171 module; therefore, all RN-171 hardware features apply to the
RN-XV. Table 1 compares the RN-131 and RN-171 module features.
Table 1. Comparing the RN-131 & RN-171
Feature
RN-131
RN-171
Output power
18 dBm (fixed)
12 dBm (programmable)
Lowest power
18 dBm
0 dBm (< 100 mA Tx current)
On-board antenna
Yes
No
Accurate sleep timer
Yes (32 kHz)
No (+/- 10% error)
GPIO pins available
10, GPIO4 – 13 (GPIO1 – 3 are not available for use)
14, GPIO1 – 14
Default firmware
WiFly_GSX-<version>.img
WiFly_EZX-<version>.img
Refer to the RN-131 and the RN-171 data sheets on the Roving Networks website at http://www.rovingnetworks.com for
more details on their hardware differences and for detailed hardware specifications.
FEATURES
• Fully qualified and Wi-Fi certified 2.4-GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g transceiver
• FCC, CE, ICS certified, and RoHS compliant
• Ultra-low power:
o Intelligent, built-in power management with programmable wakeup
o Accepts 3.3-V regulated or 2- to 3-V battery with on-board boost regulators
o IEEE 802.11 power save and roaming functions
o RN-131: 4 uA sleep, 35 mA Rx, 210 m Tx at 18 dBm (Tx power not configurable)
o RN-171: 4 uA sleep, 35 mA Rx, 185 mA Tx at 12 dBm (Tx power configurable)
• Antenna options:
o RN-131: On-board ceramic chip antenna and U.FL connector for external antenna
o RN-171: RF pad