SPWF04SA

Introduction

The SPWF04SA WiFi module from STMicroelectronics is an inexpensive option to bring IoT to embedded devices. While discontinued and out of support, this page provides resources for existing products.

Using the SPWF04SA WiFi Module

On the this page, you will find examples on how to access the SPWF04SA WiFi module via the TinyCLR OS.

Updating the SPWF04SA WiFi Module Firmware

Warning

Before updating the WiFi firmware, erase all applications on the host board to prevent them from interfering with the upgrade process and to prevent possible damage to the host processor.

When the WiFi module starts, it sends a PowerOn message which tells you what firmware version is installed. For example, PowerOn 171117-0328fe3-SPWF04S. In this case the firmware is dated 17 November 2017.

Requirements

To upgrade the WiFi module's firmware, you must first download and install the following:

You will also need:

  • A USB to serial adapter. We were successful using the FTDI TTL-232R-3V3 Cable. Some older USB to serial adapters will not work.

  • Some jumper wires.

Tip

For the USB to serial adapter you can use the Gadgeteer USB-Serial Module with a Gadgeteer Breadboard. Connect the module socket to the breadboard socket using a ribbon cable. You must also power the breadboard by connecting GND and 3.3V from the FEZ to the corresponding breadboard connectors.

Erase the Host Firmware

Before updating the WiFi module firmware, you must erase the firmware on the host board or SoM. This is accomplished using terminal software while the board is in bootloader mode. The instructions are very similar to the instructions for manually loading firmware.

  1. Connect the board to your computer's USB port.
  2. Put your board in bootloader mode. Each product has a specific way to enter the boot loader.
  3. Open any terminal software, for example Tera Term.
  4. Select serial and pick the COM port associated with your board (if unsure, check Device Manager).
  5. Press E and then enter to start the erasing procedure.

  6. Press Y to confirm, then enter.

    Erase host firmware

Connect the WiFi Module

Before updating the WiFi firmware, you must first connect the following pins (Pictures show FEZ board. See table below for other devices):

FEZ WiFi module connections

  • Connect BOOT0 of the WiFi module to a 3.3 volt source.

    FEZ Boot0 wires

  • Connect the GND pin of the USB to serial adapter to a GND pin on the host board. Note: You don't need this connection if you will be powering the device from your computer's USB port.

  • Connect the RX pin of the USB to serial adapter to TXD of the WiFi module.

  • Connect the TX pin of USB to serial adapter to RXD of WiFi module.

    FEZ UART wires

  • Power up the board and connect the USB to serial adapter to your PC.

  • You are now ready to flash the WiFi module.

WiFi Pin Name FEZ UC2550/UC5550 UCM Dev Board UCM Breakout Board
BOOT0 Header H1 pin 1 SO-DIMM pin 108 HDR B MS2 MS2
TXD Header H1 pin 2 SO-DIMM pin 93 HDR A SPI B MISO SPI B MISO
RXD Header H1 pin 3 SO-DIMM pin 94 HDR A SPI B MOSI SPI B MOSI
GPIO 0 WGPIO pin 0 SO-DIMM pin 36 HDR B MS5 N/A

Flash the WiFi Module

  • Launch Flash Loader Demonstrator by selecting Demonstrator GUI in the Windows Start Menu. Make sure to select the port name for the USB to serial adapter you are using. Set the baud rate to 115200, parity to even, disable echo, and set timeout to 20. Then click the Next button. If you can't find the serial port for your USB to serial adapter, you might have to install its device driver. If its device driver is installed you should see it in Device Manager under Ports (COM & LPT).

    Flash loader settings

  • Click the Next button. If all steps were done correctly you should see:

    Flash loader settings

  • Click the Next button and then choose your device in the dropdown menu. After selecting your device click on the Next button.

    Flash loader choose device

  • Click the Download to device radio button and then select the WiFi firmware file you downloaded earlier. This file is a .hex file called SPWF04S-xxxxxx-xxxxxxx-Full.hex. If you are searching for the file, make sure to search for a .hex file. Click the Next button to copy this file to the WiFi module.

    Choose firmware

  • It will take a few minutes to erase the old firmware and copy the new firmware to the WiFi module.

    Update process

  • When update is done, remove all wires and load the firmware on the board.

  • Reset the board.

  • Next you need to reset the WiFi module to its factory settings.

Reset Factory WiFi Settings

After each update you must reset the WiFi module to its factory settings:

  • Unplug the board or SoM.

  • Connect a jumper wire from GPIO 0 of the WiFi module to a 3.3 volt source.

  • Power up the board.

  • Remove the jumper wire and reset the device.