How to Use Adafruit CC3000 WiFi Breakout: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit CC3000 WiFi Breakout is a versatile and compact wireless networking module designed to provide Wi-Fi connectivity to microcontroller-based projects. It is based on the CC3000 module from Texas Instruments and is capable of connecting to 802.11b/g networks. This breakout is particularly useful for projects that require internet access or network connectivity, such as home automation systems, IoT devices, and remote data logging.

• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Home automation systems
• Remote sensor monitoring
• Wireless data logging
• Robotics with remote control or telemetry

• Wi-Fi Standards: IEEE 802.11 b/g
• Security: WEP, WPA2 (personal)
• Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
• Antenna: Integrated PCB antenna and u.FL connector for external antenna
• Interface: SPI
• Input Voltage: 3.3V to 5V DC
• Current Consumption: ~100 mA during active data transmission

1. Power Supply: Connect the VIN pin to a 3.3V to 5V DC power source and the GND pin to the ground.
2. SPI Interface: Connect the SCK, MISO, MOSI, and CS pins to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller.
3. Interrupt Request: Connect the IRQ pin to an interrupt-capable GPIO pin on your microcontroller.
4. Optional Power Control: If used, connect the VBEN pin to a GPIO pin to control the power state of the module.

• Ensure that the power supply is stable and within the specified voltage range.
• Use a level shifter if your microcontroller operates at a voltage higher than 3.3V.
• Place the module away from metal objects and interference sources for optimal signal strength.
• Update the CC3000 firmware to the latest version for improved performance and compatibility.

#include <Adafruit_CC3000.h>
#include <ccspi.h>
#include <SPI.h>

// Define the pins for the CC3000 module
#define ADAFRUIT_CC3000_IRQ   3  // Must be an interrupt pin
#define ADAFRUIT_CC3000_VBAT  5
#define ADAFRUIT_CC3000_CS    10

// Create an instance of the Adafruit_CC3000 class
Adafruit_CC3000 cc3000 = Adafruit_CC3000(ADAFRUIT_CC3000_CS, ADAFRUIT_CC3000_IRQ,
                                         ADAFRUIT_CC3000_VBAT, SPI_CLOCK_DIVIDER);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println(F("Initializing the CC3000..."));

  // Initialize the CC3000 (SPI clock speed must be set to 16 MHz)
  if (!cc3000.begin()) {
    Serial.println(F("Unable to initialize the CC3000! Check your wiring?"));
    while (1);
  }
  
  // Connect to the Wi-Fi network (replace 'ssid' and 'password')
  if (!cc3000.connectToAP("ssid", "password", WLAN_SEC_WPA2)) {
    Serial.println(F("Failed to connect to WiFi. Please verify credentials"));
    while (1);
  }
  
  Serial.println(F("Connected!"));
  
  // ... Additional code to use the network ...
}

void loop() {
  // Your main code here
}

• The #include directives at the beginning include the necessary libraries for the CC3000.
• The #define statements set the pins used for the IRQ, VBEN, and CS connections.
• The Adafruit_CC3000 object is initialized with the pins defined earlier.
• In the setup() function, the CC3000 is initialized and an attempt is made to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
• Replace 'ssid' and 'password' with your actual Wi-Fi credentials.
• The loop() function is where you would place the code that runs continuously.

• Module not responding: Ensure that the wiring is correct and that the power supply is within the specified range.
• Unable to connect to Wi-Fi: Verify that the SSID and password are correct. Ensure that the Wi-Fi network is 2.4 GHz as the CC3000 does not support 5 GHz networks.
• Intermittent connectivity: Check for sources of interference and consider using an external antenna if the signal strength is weak.

• Always use the latest library and firmware for the CC3000 module.
• Use serial output to debug and track the status of Wi-Fi connections.
• Reset the module and microcontroller if changes to the network settings are made.

Q: Can the CC3000 connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks? A: No, the CC3000 only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.

Q: Does the CC3000 support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)? A: No, the CC3000 does not support WPS. Network credentials must be entered manually.

Q: Can I use the CC3000 with a battery? A: Yes, as long as the battery can provide a stable voltage within the 3.3V to 5V range and can supply sufficient current for operation.