Bachelor Thesis
Development of a miniaturized WLAN communication module
Many mobile robotics tasks require communication with other robots or with a host computer. WLAN (e.g. WiFi 802.11b/g) is a simple possibility to integrate such communication into existing networks that offers high bandwidth for data transmission. Various commercial modules for mobile robots exists, but typically are expensive, have a large size, and operate on relatively low transmission speed.
In this project the student will work with an existing WiFi chip module of size 10x10mm (type WhizNets WiFi-SMD-SDIO, http://www.whiznets.com/index.php/Wireless-LAN-Modules.html). This module provides all electronic components needed for WLAN communication except for an antenna, but has no “on-board intelligence”. The student will develop a tiny printed-circuit-board (PCB) that contains such a module, an antenna, and a microcontroller (ST ARM Cortex M3), which yields a complete “stand-alone” system. The student will implement software for the microcontroller that connects to the WLAN module on an SDIO port, using a provided library from the module manufacturer. On the other side the software shall provide a user-friendly interface to mobile robots, e.g. by SPI or a serial port. The student will develop and evaluate different communication schemes, such as connecting into an existing WLAN network and simple point-to-multi-point protocols without network manager.
This project has a small but important hardware (electronic) development component but mainly a software part. Here the student needs to understand the provided library, investigate in network communication protocols, and implement such in C for microcontrollers. Ultimately, these modules will be used in tiny flying robots to transmit sensory information for off-board processing and/or for communication within networks of such robots.
Student:
Alejandro Hernandez
Advisor:
