Optimizing WLAN and WiFi Access Point Systems With Logic and Voltage Translation

1

Functional Block Diagram

For the purpose of this report, a simplified WLAN and Wi-Fi AP block diagram is used to illustrate the logic and translation use cases, see Simplified Block Diagram for WLAN and Wi-Fi access points. Each red block has an associated use-case document. Links are provided in Table 1-1 and Table 1-2. For a more complete block diagram, see the interactive online end equipment reference diagram for WLAN/Wi-Fi access point.

Figure 1-1 Simplified Block Diagram for WLAN and Wi-Fi Access Points

Logic and Translation Use Cases

Each use case is linked to a separate short document that provides additional details including a block diagram, design tips, and part recommendations. The nearest block and use-case identifiers are listed to match up exactly to the use cases shown in the provided simplified block diagram.

Table 1-1 Logic Use Cases

Nearest Block	Use-Case Identifier	Use Case
LED Driver	I/O Expansion	Driving Indicator LEDs with Shift Registers
LED Driver	LED Driver	Drive Indicator LEDs
Non-Isolated POL Power	Power Good	Combine Power Good Signals

Table 1-2 Translation Use Cases

Nearest Block	Use-Case Identifier	Use Case
Processing	I2C	Translate Voltages for I2C
Processing	UART	Translate Voltages for UART

Driving Indicator LEDs with Shift Registers

Most, if not all, WLAN and Wi-Fi access points have multiple LED indicators on the front panel to help users see the current status of the device. These usually include power, internet connectivity, and physical ethernet port usage among other indicators.

Using shift registers with output registers like the SN74HCS595 it is easy to control any number of indicator LEDs while only using three outputs from the system controller. Two of the pins can even be shared with an existing SPI mode 0 bus if it is available in the system.

If using SPI bus, replace GPIO1 with SCLK and GPIO2 with SDO. The shift registers will always be loading data from the SPI clock to their internal registers, however the outputs will only change when GPIO 3 transition from low to high, so it is easy to control the 595 devices even with other devices on the SPI bus. Just sent 1 byte (8 bits) of data per shift register on the SPI bus to configure them, then pulse RCLK to save those values to the output registers and drive the indicator LEDs. This process can be done very quickly with the SN74HCS595, supporting clock speeds up to 110 MHz (typical) with a 5-V supply and 74 MHz (typical) with a 3.3-V supply. At 10 MHz (0.1 μs period), it only takes 1.6 μs to load 16 bits to the shift registers shown in Figure 1-2, and another 0.1 μs to pulse RCLK to move those values to the output registers.

Figure 1-2 Example Schematic of Driving 16 Indicator LEDs with Shift Registers Using Only 3 Control Pins

For more details, please see the application report .

See more about similar use cases in the application report Designing with Shift Registers and the Logic Minute video Increase the Number of Outputs on a Microcontroller.

Shift registers can be daisy chained to provide any number of additional outputs
The supply voltage must be larger than the required forward voltage on the selected LEDs
Choose resistor values based on the supply (V_CC), forward voltage (V_F) and operating current (I_D) of the LEDs per the following equation: $R = \frac{V_{C C} - V_{F}}{I_{D}}$ $R = \frac{V_{C C} - V_{F}}{I_{D}}$
Limit total current consumption to the data sheet specification for maximum current through V_CC or GND
For additional current drive capability, external buffers can be added
Need additional assistance? Ask our engineers a question on the TI E2E™ Logic Support Forum

Table 1-3 Recommended Parts

Part Number	Automotive Qualified	Operating Voltage Range	Features
SN74HCS595-Q1	✓	2 V to 6 V	8-Bit shift register with output registers HCS family logic has integrated Schmitt-trigger inputs allowing for slow input signals Up to eight LEDs per device Up to 70 mA total (35 mA max per channel)
SN74HCS595		2 V to 6 V
SN74HCT595-Q1	✓	4.5 V to 5.5 V	8-Bit shift register with output registers HCT family logic includes TTL-compatible inputs to support 2.5-V or 3.3-V input signals Up to eight LEDs per device Up to 70 mA total (35 mA max per channel)
SN74HCT595		4.5 V to 5.5 V
SN74LVC244A-Q1	✓	1.65 V to 3.6 V	Octal buffer/driver with 3-state outputs Up to eight LEDs per device Up to 100 mA total (50 mA max per channel)
SN74LVC244A		1.65 V to 3.6 V
SN74AC244		2 V to 6 V	Octal buffer/driver with 3-state outputs Up to eight LEDs per device Up to 200 mA total (50 mA max per channel)

For more devices, browse through the online parametric tool where you can sort by desired voltage, output current, and other features.

IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

TI PROVIDES TECHNICAL AND RELIABILITY DATA (INCLUDING DATASHEETS), DESIGN RESOURCES (INCLUDING REFERENCE DESIGNS), APPLICATION OR OTHER DESIGN ADVICE, WEB TOOLS, SAFETY INFORMATION, AND OTHER RESOURCES “AS IS” AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.

These resources are intended for skilled developers designing with TI products. You are solely responsible for (1) selecting the appropriate TI products for your application, (2) designing, validating and testing your application, and (3) ensuring your application meets applicable standards, and any other safety, security, or other requirements. These resources are subject to change without notice. TI grants you permission to use these resources only for development of an application that uses the TI products described in the resource. Other reproduction and display of these resources is prohibited. No license is granted to any other TI intellectual property right or to any third party intellectual property right. TI disclaims responsibility for, and you will fully indemnify TI and its representatives against, any claims, damages, costs, losses, and liabilities arising out of your use of these resources.

TI’s products are provided subject to TI’s Terms of Sale (www.ti.com/legal/termsofsale.html) or other applicable terms available either on ti.com or provided in conjunction with such TI products. TI’s provision of these resources does not expand or otherwise alter TI’s applicable warranties or warranty disclaimers for TI products.

Mailing Address: Texas Instruments, Post Office Box 655303, Dallas, Texas 75265