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PARTICLE Wi-Fi Router

WIP

This page (and its associated project) is still a Work-In-Progress. Expect breaking changes until the Workcell API reaches stable release (v1.0.0).

Every workcell is equipped with a PARTICLE Wi-Fi Access Point that is capable of routing Internet traffic into, out of, and within the Workcell. The PARTICLE provides Internet access to wireless-enabled molecules in the Workcell, which accelerates the development of wirelessly connected and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

All necessary software and EDA files for the PARTICLE may be found on the Adom GitHub at adom-inc/particle.

What's in a Name?​

PARTICLE stands for "Point of Access for Routing and Transmission of Information via Close-range Low-power Electromagnetism". This name provides a simple, easy-to-remember, and descriptive way to refer to the device. "PARTICLE" also evokes subatomic particles and nuclear physics, relating to the company name Adom.

Hardware​

The PARTICLE consists of a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4002008) and Intel AX210NGW Wi-Fi Card, providing the necessary wireless network interface, mounted on a custom carrier PCB.

Electrical​

The PARTICLE carrier PCB requires 5 volts DC from a 2-pin screw terminal. The power supply to the PARTICLE should be rated for at least 2000 mA.

Software​

The PARTICLE runs Raspberry Pi OS Lite with a custom Linux kernel configuration and additional wireless card drivers to support the AX210NGW Wi-Fi card.

Thermal​

The PARTICLE requires an extremely stable 3.3 V DC supply for the integrated AX210NGW Wi-Fi card. Currently, voltage regulation and ripple rejection is performed by an AMS1117 low dropout voltage regulator IC.

Untested

As of this writing, the AMS1117 heat rejection is untested and may approach or exceed 1700 mW. It is unknown whether or not this heat rejection will damage the PCB, CM4, or AX210NGW Wi-Fi Card.

Design Document​

More information on the PARTICLE, including explanation of design decisions as well as implementation details, may be found in the PARTICLE Design Document on the Adom GitHub at adom-inc/particle.