Tiny Linux box targets solar, vehicle, control apps

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Nov. 08, 2004

Techsol is offering a compact, low-powered, Linux computer based on a CPU module available from 50 to 600MHz. Techsol's Gateway 38-000010-210 uses the company's 32-bit ARM-based Medallion CPU modules preinstalled with a full embedded Linux OS. It targets industrial control and monitoring, in-vehicle and solar-powered systems, communications concentrators, translators, and data loggers.

(Click for larger view of Techsol Gateway 38-000010-210)

Techsol first shipped its Medallion line of credit-card sized embedded processor modules in Q1 of 2002. They incorporate an ARM-based RISC CPU, along with RAM and Flash memory, and DiskOnChip storage. A standard pin-out makes them interchangeable and upgradeable, the company says.

In addition to a Medallion CPU module, the Gateway includes:

3 RS-232 ports
2 Ethernet (10-BaseT) ports with indicator LEDs
2 USB 1.1 Host ports supporting high-speed transfers
Centronics Parallel port for digital I/O (or logging to a printer)
RS-485 port with fused power options (5v or V-in)
USB Device port supporting Linux Gadget and Windows RNDIS protocols
User push-button with software-defined function
VGA/SVGA connector for displaying status/information
5 software-controlled LEDs on the front (4 yellow, 1 red)
4 additional software-controlled LEDs on the PCB to help with software development
Reset, wakeup, and test buttons on PCB, as well as case

Additionally, the Gateway incorporates multiple switching power supplies, enabling a vehicle-friendly power input range of 8 to 30VDC, Techsol says. The computer is housed in a sturdy all-aluminum case.

Techsol Gateway front and back panels
(Click either image to enlarge)
On the software side, the Gateway comes with a Linux environment that includes drivers for all on-board peripherals. Optional modules are also included for items such as USB Bluetooth dongles. The Linux environment also includes:

busybox utilities, including a simple browser
Apache and PHP
Power management features enabling programmers to:
- Controll CPU speed
- Configure low-power idle mode
- Put Ethernet controllers into low-power mode
- Disable RS-232 converters
- Disable RS-485 tranceiver
- Turn off software-controlled LEDs with a single GPIO bit

Maximum power consumption is claimed to be under two watts, making the Gateway suitable for use with solar panels, Techsol says.

Availability

Techsol hopes to find distributors and integrators for the Gateway, and is willing to change colors, labeling, or ports to meet requirements. The device is priced at $495 US, with 32MB of DiskOnChip storage and 32MB of SDRAM, in 1K quantities. The company also offers contract ARM/Linux engineering services.

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