IGEP module

[dvresearch]

Hello,

I might be posting out of context, but it would be great if
someone could help me.

we are looking for a development board that can be powered using USB and that has WiFi capabilities. We initially looked at Gumstix but it seems
like it needs a battery pack or an external power source
which is not what we want. On googling, I was led to some
posts in this forum which talks about the IGEP module that is
powered via USB while having WiFi capabilities in a small
form factor.

Does the IGEP module need an external antenna? or does it have
an internal one. The website says it has an internal antenna but I was
wondering if the Wifi works without the external antenna. We want
a prototype that is slim and having the external antenna might be
a problem.

Also any other recommendation on a stick/module that has
USB power/connectivity and WiFi capabilities is greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance!

[Bullit]

The gumstix overo with the Thumbo board can be power by USB.
The gumstrix overo requires an external antenna

The IGEP board has an internal antenna and an option for an external antenna.

[dvresearch]

hi bullit,

thanks a lot for the response on the IGEP. Also, I thought that the
overo AIR (which is the one with Wifi) cannot be powered reliably
by the Thumbo as the wifi can draw more than 500mA which is the
max output of the USB port?

[Bullit]

I often run my overo fire on USB, I think at 5V it peaks at about 420mA with full bandwidth wifi connection at max power and on average its under 300mA. so yes its close to the limit. I imagine the IGEP is also.

[dvresearch]

Hi,

We will probably go for the IGEP as it appears to have all our
requirements. One final questions: is there a way to add GPIO
peripherals to the board (e.g., a push button and few leds)?
or is there some existing expansion card that is available.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks a lot!