Waveshare WIFI232-B2 User manual

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
1/ 102
WIFI232 User Manual
Note: This manual is based on the version of the module with firmware V5.01.01 and
above. If the module you use is older version, some of the functions cannot be used.

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
2/ 102
CONTENS
1QUICK START .................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 HARDWARE CONNECTION ............................................................................................................... 5
1.2 NETWORK CONNECTION ................................................................................................................. 5
1.3 COMMUNICATION TEST.................................................................................................................... 6
2OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 DEVICE FEATURES.............................................................................................................................. 8
2.3 DEVICE PARAMETERS........................................................................................................................ 9
2.4 KEY APPLICATION............................................................................................................................10
2.5 PACKAGE INFORMATION................................................................................................................10
2.5.1 Recommended Reflow Profile ................................................................................10
2.5.2 Device Handing Instruction .....................................................................................11
2.5.3 Shipping information..................................................................................................12
3. HARDWARE INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................12
3.1 PINS DEFINITION........................................................................................................................ 12
3.1.1 WIFI232 Pins Definition .............................................................................................12
3.2 MECHANICAL SIZE .....................................................................................................................14
3.2.1 Dimension of WIFI232................................................................................................ 14
3.3 ANTENNA ....................................................................................................................................15
3.3.1 On-board Chip Antenna............................................................................................15
3.4 EVALUATION KIT ........................................................................................................................16
3.5 HARDWARE REFERENCE DESIGN .............................................................................................17
3.5.1 Hardware Typical Application.................................................................................17
3.5.2 10/100M Ethernet Interface.....................................................................................18
3.5.3 UART Interface...............................................................................................................20
3.5.4 Power Interface .............................................................................................................20
4MODULES FUNCTION DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................20
4.1 USER CONFIGURATION PROCESS ............................................................................................. 20
4.2 WORKING MODE .......................................................................................................................21
4.2.1 Transparent Mode........................................................................................................21
4.2.2 Serial Command Mode ..............................................................................................22
4.2.3 GPIO Mode......................................................................................................................24
4.2.4 HTTPD Client Mode.....................................................................................................24
4.2.5 AT Command Mode ....................................................................................................25
4.3 WIRELESS NETWORKING ..........................................................................................................25
4.3.1 STA...................................................................................................................................... 26

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
3/ 102
4.3.2 AP ........................................................................................................................................26
4.3.3 AP+STA............................................................................................................................. 27
4.4 ETHERNET INTERFACE COMMUNICATION..............................................................................28
4.4.1 WIFI232 Ethernet Interface Networking (AP)................................................... 28
4.4.2 WIFI232 Ethernet Interface Networking (STA N-Ver) ..................................29
4.4.3 WIFI232 Ethernet Interface Networking (STA, Z-Ver)..................................29
4.5 WI-FI PARAMETER SETTING.....................................................................................................30
4.5.1 Auto-Frequency Function......................................................................................... 30
4.5.2 Security .............................................................................................................................30
4.5.3 Search Function for STA ............................................................................................31
4.5.4 Address Binding............................................................................................................32
4.6 UART FRAME SCHEME .............................................................................................................32
4.6.1 UAER Free-Frame .........................................................................................................32
4.6.2 UART Auto-Frame........................................................................................................ 33
4.7 NETWORK SETTING....................................................................................................................33
4.7.1 Socket A............................................................................................................................34
4.7.2 Socket B ............................................................................................................................34
4.8 NEW FUNCTION .........................................................................................................................35
4.8.1 TCP password authentication..................................................................................35
4.8.2 Upload ID .........................................................................................................................35
4.8.3 WEB-IO .............................................................................................................................35
4.8.4 Keepalive..........................................................................................................................35
4.8.5 Multiple STA Parameters...........................................................................................36
4.8.6 Websocket Function....................................................................................................36
4.8.7 Fast access Wi-Fi (usr-link) ......................................................................................37
4.8.8 Ready Pin Signal Indication .....................................................................................39
4.8.9 Similar RFC2217 Auto-adapt Baud Rate Function.........................................39
4.8.10 Parameters Configuration ....................................................................................40
4.8.11 Firmware Upgrade ...................................................................................................40
4.9 PARAMETER SETTING ................................................................................................................41
4.9.1 Web Management Page............................................................................................ 41
4.9.2 Open Web Management Page ...............................................................................41
4.9.3 Quick Configure ............................................................................................................42
4.9.4 Mode Selection Page..................................................................................................43
4.9.5 AP Interface Setting Page......................................................................................... 43
4.9.6 STA Interface Setting Page.......................................................................................44
4.9.7 Application Setting Page...........................................................................................45
4.9.8 Ethernet Setting ............................................................................................................47
4.9.9 HTTD Client Mode........................................................................................................47
4.9.10 WEB IO Page............................................................................................................... 48
4.9.11 Advanced Setting Page..........................................................................................48

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
4/ 102
4.9.12 Device Management Page.................................................................................... 49
4.9.13 Module Working Mode .........................................................................................50
4.9.14 Switch to Configuration Mode ...........................................................................51
5AT+ INSTRUCTION SET OVERVIEW ......................................................................................52
5.1 AT+ INSTRUCTION SET OVERVIEW ........................................................................................52
5.1.1 AT+ Instruction Set and WIFI232-Setup............................................................52
5.1.2 Instruction Syntax Format ........................................................................................54
5.1.3 AT+ Instruction Set......................................................................................................55
5.2 AT+ INSTRUCTION SET DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................58
5.2.1 Description of AT+ Instruction...............................................................................58
6MODULE DEBUG AND USE CASES......................................................................................... 88
6.1 MODE DEBUG.............................................................................................................................88
6.1.1 Software Debug Tools................................................................................................88
6.1.2 Network Connection ...................................................................................................88
6.2 DEBUGGING ................................................................................................................................89
6.3.1 Wireless Control Application...................................................................................92
6.3.2 Remote Management Application........................................................................92
6.3.3 Transparent Serial Port Application .....................................................................93
6.3.4 Wireless Data Acquisition Card Application .....................................................94
7APPENDIX A: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS........................................................................94
8APPENDIX B: EXTERNAL POWER SHUTDOWN MODE REFERENCE DESIGN.....102
9APPENDIX C: DISCLAIMER ......................................................................................................102

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
5/ 102
1Quick Start
WIFI232 series product is used to transmit data between RS232 and WIFI TCPIP
transparently, user can update the product to WIFI control without knowing the WIFI
and TCPIP detail. All the convert work is done by the module. For users, the RS232 side
is only as a serial device, the WIFI side is TCPIP Socket data. User can setup the work
detail by sample settings which can setup via inside web pages or RS232 port. The
setup work only need do once, then it will save the setting forever.
This chapter is a user guide for WIFI232 series products. We suggest users follow
the guide to test module at first, and will have a good understanding of the modules.
Users can also choose the chapter which you are interested in to read. For specific
details and instructions, please refer to the following chapters
1.1 Hardware connection
In order to test the communication between serial and WIFI network, we need to
connect the serial port to PC, and also connect WIFI network to PC. Due to the special
need both WIFI and serial, we connect and USB WIFI network Card as below, or you
could use laptop which has WIFI.
About the serial connection, because the module is 3.3V TTL level, the computer
cannot connect to it directly. Users need to use a TTL to RS232 adapter cable and then
connect to PC. In order to facilitate the test, we provide WIFI232 evaluation board for
users to choose.
1.2 Network Connection
Figure 1 hardware connection diagram

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
6/ 102
The following is the WIFI232 module example. Open Wi-Fi, search network, as
shown in below, WIFI232 is the default network name (SSID) of the module.
Join the network, choose to automatically obtain IP, WIFI module supports DHCP
server and it is enabled by default.
Now, the Link led of WIFI232 Evaluation board is lighting.
1.3 Communication test
Default setting of module:
•SSID: WIFI232;
Figure 2 WIFI search
Figure 3 inquiry the address via DHCP
Server

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
7/ 102
•Encryption mode: open, none;
•UART: 57600, 8, 1, None;
•Network parameters: TCP, Sever, 8899, 10.10.100.254;
•IP: 10.10.100.254
We just need to follow the corresponding parameters to set the network
communication parameters. With the setting, we could make serial <-->WIFI
communication. The steps are as below:
1. Open the test software TCP232-test;
2. COM Setting area (left):
Choose COM port which has been used to connect the module, there is COM 10,
choose baud rate to 57600, it is the default baud rate of WIFI module. Then click Open.
3. Net Settings area (right);
Choose TCP client mode, Server IP write 10.10.100.2554. It is the WIFI default IP
address, Server port set 8899, it is the default listen Port of the WIFI module. Click
Connect to link to the module.
Now we could test send data between RS232 and WIFI.
COM port to WIFI: PC RS232->Module RS232->Module WIFI->PC WIFI.

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
8/ 102
WIFI to COM port: PC WIFI -> Module WIFI -> Module RS232->PC RS232.
2Overview
2.1 Description
WIFI232 module is an integration of 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi module, which provide a
wireless interface to any equipment with a Serial interface for data transfer. With this
module, traditional serial devices or MCU control device could connect to Wi-Fi
network easily,
The module used to MAC, baseband chip, RF transceiver unit, as well as the
power amplifier; Embedded firmware support wi-fi protocols and configuration, as well
as the network TCP/IP protocol stack.
WIFI232 uses the industry's highest performance embedded industrial structure,
and for the application of smart furniture, smart grid, handheld devices, personal
medical, industrial control, etc. These data fields, do a professional optimization.
WIFI232 as a hot spot can accommodate 32 clients simultaneously wi-fi access, but also
can accommodate 32 TCP client.
2.2 Device Features
Figure 4 Serial/Network transmission test

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
9/ 102
Support IEEE802.11b/g/n Wireless Standards
Support TCP/IP/UDP Network Protocols
Support UART/GPIO/Ethernet Data Interface
Support Router/Bridge Mode Networking
Support Internal/External Antenna Option
Support Transparent Transmission Mode
Support Transparent Transmission Mode
Support AT+ Instruction Set for Configuration
Support Friendly Web Configuration Page
Support Heartbeat Signal, WIFI connected prompting
Support UART auto-Frame Function
Single +3.3V Power Supply
FCC/CE Certificated
2.3 Device Parameters
Item
Parameters
Wireless
Parameters
Certification
FCC/CE
Wireless
standard
802.11 b/g/n
Frequency
range
2.412GHz-2.484GHz
Transmit
Power
802.11b：+19dBm(Max.@11Mbps)
802.11g：+18dBm(Max.@54Mbps)
802.11n：+17dBm(Max.@HT20,MCS7)
802.11n：
+17dBm(Max.@HT50,MCS7)
Configurable
Hardware
Parameters
Receiver
Sensitivity
802.11b: -89dBm
802.11g: -81dBm
802.11n: -73dBm
Antenna
Option
External: 1-PEX Connector
Internal: On-Board chip antenna
Data
Interface
UART: 300bps –460800bps
Ethernet: 100Mpbs
GPIOs

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
10 / 102
Operating
Voltage
3.3V~3.6V
Operating
Current
165mA~305mA
Operating
Temperature
-25°C~85°C
Storage
Temperature
-40°C~125°C
Dimensions
25x40x8 mm
Software
Parameters
Wireless
Network Type
Station/AP mode
Security
Mechanisms
WEP/WAP-PSK/WPA2-PSK/WAPI
Encryption
WEP64/WEP128/TKIP/AES
Work Mode
Transparent Mode/Serial
command/HTTPD Client Mode/GPIO
Mode
AT Command
AT+ Instruction Set
Network
Protocol
TCP/UDP/ARP/ICMP/DHCP/DBS/HTTP
Max. TCP
Connection
32
User
Configuration
Web Server + AT command config.
Customized
application
Supports users customize App
Table 1 WIFI232 Module Technical Specifications
2.4 Key Application
Smart lighting
Smart plug
Industrial controls
Remote equipment monitoring
IOT applications
2.5 Package Information
2.5.1 Recommended Reflow Profile

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
11 / 102
NO.
Item
Temperature
Time (Sec)
1
Reflow Time
above 220°C
35~55 sec
2
Peak-Temp
260 max
Note:
1. Recommend to supply N2 for reflow oven
2. N2 atmosphere during reflow (O2 < 300ppm)
2.5.2 Device Handing Instruction
➢ Shelf life in sealed bag: 12 months, at <30°C and <60%relative humidity (RH)
➢ After bag is opened, devices that will be re-baked required after last baked
with window time 169 hours.
➢ Recommend to oven bake with N2 supplied
➢ Baked required with 24 hours at 125±5°C before rework process for two
modules, one is new module and two is board with module.
➢ Recommend to store at ≤10% RH with vacuum packing
➢ If SMT process needs twice reflow
(1) Top side (2) Bottom side
Case 1: Wi-Fi module mounted on top side. Need to bake when bottom side process
over 168 hours window time, no need to bake within 168 hours.
Case 2: Wi-Fi module mounted on bottom side, follow normal bake rule before process.
Note:
Window time means from last bake end to next reflow start that has 168 hours space
Table 2 Reflow Soldering Parameter
Figure 5 Reflow Soldering Profile

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
12 / 102
2.5.3 Shipping information
Figure 6 Shipping Information
TRAY Size: 420x245x34mm
Note:
1 tray = 5x20 pcs = 100 pcs
1 box = 2 trays = 2x100 pcs = 200 pcs
1 carton = 4 boxes = 4x200 pcs = 800 pcs
3. Hardware Introduction
3.1 Pins Definition
3.1.1 WIFI232 Pins Definition

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
13 / 102
Figure 7 WIFI232
Figure 8 WIFI232 Pins Map
Pin
Description
Name
Direction
Note
1
GND
GDN
Power
Ground
2
Vcc 3.3V@350mA
3.3V
Power
External Power: 3.3V@mA
3
UART Data Transmit
UART_TXD
O
If not use UART function,
this 4 pins can be
configured as GPIO pins,
and can change GPIO pin
GPIO
GPIO3
I/O
4
UART Data Receive
UART_RXD
I
GPIO
GPIO4
I/O

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
14 / 102
5
UART send request of
data transmission
UART_RTS
O
status through AT
command
GPIO
GPIO5
I/O
6
UART receives data
transmission
permission
UART_CTS
I
GPIOGPIO6
I/O
7
Module reset signal
RESET
I
“Low (0)” effective reset
input
The reset duration should
be kept more than 300ms
8
WiFi status Indication
nLink
O
“0”-WIFI connection
available
“1”-Module boot up not
finish
Can be configured as
GPIO
GPIO
GPIO8
I/O
9
Indicate the module
status of power on
process
nReady
O
“0” or “ Plmodic Signal”-
Finish module boot up
process.
“1”- Module boot up not
finish.
Can be configured as
GPIO
GPIO
GPIO9
I/O
10
Restore configuration
nReload
I
Module will Restore
configuration after set this
pin “o” more than 1s, then
set “1”
GPIO
GPIO10
I/O
11
Ethernet Input+
PHY_RX+
I
+1.8V Ethernet Data
Interface
Support transformer and
direct connection (AC
couple) mode.
12
Ethernet Input-
PHY_RX-
I
13
Ethernet Output+
PHY_TX+
O
14
Ethernet Output-
PHY_TX-
O
Table 3 WIFI232 Pins Definition
3.2 Mechanical Size
Physical size of WIFI232 modules is 25x40mm as below:
3.2.1 Dimension of WIFI232

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
15 / 102
Figure 9 WIFI232 Mechanical Size
3.3 Antenna
3.3.1 On-board Chip Antenna
WIFI232 supports a built-in antenna options, when customers choose a built-in
antenna, must comply with the following built-in antenna module placement of notes
and general rules:
➢Antennal must away from the metal, at least to the distance around the higher
components above 10MM
➢Antenna cannot be shielded by any meal enclosure; All cover, include plastic,
shall away from antenna at least 10MM;
➢Make sure the antenna mounted on the edge of user’s PCB. The
corresponding area cannot have any component placed and cannot have any wires
routed
➢If it has plastic case, make sure the antenna is on open area or edge to receive
signals.
We suggest that the WIFI232 module be placed in the following areas of user
board, in order to reduce the antenna and a wireless signal influence.

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
16 / 102
Figure 10 Suggested Module Placement Region
3.4 Evaluation Kit
Waveshare provides the evaluation kit to promote user to familiar the products and
develop the detailed application. The evaluation kit shown s below, user can connect to
WIFI232 module with the UAER poet, 100M Eth port or Wireless port to configure the
parameters, manage the module or do some functional tests.
Figure 11 WIFI501 Evaluation board

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
17 / 102
3.5 Hardware Reference Design
3.5.1 Hardware Typical Application
Figure 12 WIFI232 Hardware Typical Application
Note:
nRST-Module hardware reset signal. Input. Logics “0” effective
There is 100K Ohm pull-up resister internal up to 3.3V. When module power up or
some issue happened, MCU need assert nRST signal “0” at least 300ms, then set “1” to
keep module fully reset
nReadt- Module boot up ready signal. Output. Logics “0” effective.
There is 4.7K Ohm pull-up resister internal up to 3.3V. Then module will output “0” or
“Heartbeat Signal” after normal boot up. This signal used to judge if module finish boot
up and ready for application or working at normal mode
nLink- Module WIFI connection indication. Output
There is 4.7K Ohm pull-up resister internal up to 3.3V. When module connect to AP or
some WIFI STA connect to module (AP mode), the module will output “0”. This signal
used to judge if module already at WIFI connection status.
nReload- Module restore to factory default configuration. Input. Logics “0” effective
User can assert nReload signal “0” more than 3’s through button or MCU pin, then

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
18 / 102
release, module will restore to factory default configuration and re-start boot up
process. User need add 4.7K~10K Ohm pull-up resister external the module
UART_TXD/RXD- UART port data transmit and receive signal
3.5.2 10/100M Ethernet Interface
WIFI232 modules provide one 10/100M Ethernet PHY layer interface for data
transition. This Ethernet support with transformer and without transformer (PHY-to-
PHY) 2 kinds of connection
3.5.2.1 Ethernet Connection with Transformer
User board put Ether transformer and RH-45 connector. This is a general 10/100M
Ethernet PHY layer connection. The reference design as following:
Figure 13 PHY Layer Connection Reference Design
3.5.2.2 Ethernet Connection without Transformer
For this application, Ethernet will work as internal data transmission interface and
save one transformer and RJ45 connector. Ethernet PHY-to-PHY connection will use AC
coupled connection. This is a space and cost optimized solution. Hardware reference
design as followingL
Note: VCC signal at reference design shall base on user board PHY chipset voltage
level, such as 2.5V power supply for general Ethernet PHY chipset.

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
19 / 102
Figure 14 Reference Design for Module Without Transformer
This module Ethernet interface default is for the application with transformer
connection. If you need PHY-PHY directly connection, please refer to the Ethernet
connection with transformer design and take AT+FEPTP command as reference.
The commands required:
AT+VEW=enable<CR> to open ethernet WAN port function (reset to default
configuration by Reload)
AT+FVEW=enable<CR> to open ethernet WAN port function (Reload is unavailable)
Remark:
1. Only when ethernet as WAN, this command is needed. Module default LAN port.
2. After this command, make sure module WAN IP and LAN IP in different segment.
(Modify the LAN IP in AP Settings, modify the WAN IP in STA Settings)
AT+FEPTP=om<CR> Quey/set default ethernet PHY-PHY on/off
AT+FEPGT=on<CR> Open ethernet function permanently
AT+RELD<CR> Command with “F” need to be affective after AT+RELD
After module reset, command effect, and will not impact by Reload.
For user’s design, please note:
1. Cable connection should be AC coupling, your cable need be pulled up to VCC (fit
with PHY chip level)
2. Cable TX connected to RX. In PHY-PHY direct connection, PHY chip does not support
direct/cross self-adaption
3. Your PHY chip on board should better to be forced into 100M work mode
4. You could configure the AT command of module by UART port or WIFI. The detailed
setting please refer to the AT command of reference manual of chip.

WIFI232-B2 User Manual
20 / 102
3.5.3 UART Interface
UART interface is the serial data transmission interface mainly used for WIFI232
module. User can add RS-232 chipset on user board and convert the signal to RS-232
voltage to communicate with outside equipment or sensors. WIFI232 modules UART
interface include 4 general signals: TXD/RXXD/RTS/CTS. The hardware reference design
with RS-232 chipset as following:
Figure 15 UART Interface Reference Design
Note:
TXD pin is also the hardware configuration pin internal module. So this pin must
pull-down during module power up. WIFI232 modules provide internal pull-down
resister, user cannot add pull-up/pull-down resister on user board, which may cause
module cannot work.
3.5.4 Power Interface
WIFI232 module support single 3.3V power supply. The peak current shall about
350mA and normal WiFi working current shall about 200mA. The power saves (WiFi
OFF) mode will about 100mA
Decoupling at power pin suggested, at least one 100uF and one 10uF capacitor
required at user board and put near module power input pin will increase the reliability
and performance.
4Modules Function Description
4.1 User configuration process