Functional Description
iChip Plus CO561AD-D Datasheet
3-1
3 Functional Description
3.1 Overview
Connect One’s iChip Plus Internet Controller is an integrated, firmware-driven, self-
contained Internet engine that is available in a 68-pin PLCC package. iChip Plus accepts
simple ASCII commands from a host CPU via a serial communication bus and manages
an Internet communication session to send and receive Email and web pages, and to
manipulate sockets through a linked modem or Ethernet communications platform.
For 10BaseT Ethernet and modem applications, iChip Plus includes the firmware and
pin-out necessary to drive an external Crystal LAN CS8900A 10BaseT Ethernet
controller, a serial dial up modem or a wireless cellular modem.
iChip Plus contain non-volatile FLASH memory to store its firmware and Internet-
related operational parameters. Remote firmware and parameter updates are supported
through the host link, by Email or directly through the communications platform.
3.2 Technical Specifications
3.2.1 General
iChip Plus constitutes a complete Internet messaging solution for non-PC embedded
devices. It acts as a mediator device to completely offload the host processor of Internet-
related software and activities. An industry-standard asynchronous serial link connects
iChip Plus to the host processor. Programming, monitoring and control are fully
supported using Connect One’s AT+i extension to the standard AT command set.
iChip Plus connects to serial modems and to an Ethernet controller for Internet access.
An AT+i command is provided to switch between the serial modem and Ethernet.
3.2.2 Data Rates
iChip Plus supports standard baud rate configurations from 2,400 bps up to 115,200 bps
on the host asynchronous serial communications bus. iChip Plus is shipped in a default
auto baud rate mode. This default may be changed by using the AT+iBDR command.
3.2.3 Operation
iChip Plus parameters operations are controlled by AT+i commands.
3.2.3.1 Transparent Mode
In modem communications mode, iChip Plus defaults to transparent mode, allowing the
host to control the modem device directly. Control is implemented by issuing standard
AT commands to iChip Plus. In this mode, iChip Plus transparently echoes the AT
commands to the modem, as well as echoing the modem responses back to the host. iChip
Plus supports interlacing AT+i and AT commands, while the modem is in command
mode.