Lantronix announced a Linux software development kit (SDK) for its “MatchPort AR” embedded device server for Ethernet networks. Developed by Lantronix partner Nissin Systems, the SDK includes a board support package (BSP) for the MatchPort AR SSL/SSH networking module, which offers serial and Ethernet interfaces.

(Click for larger view of MatchPort AR)

The MatchPort AR is the first Lantronix networking product to support Linux, and the beginning of a company-wide switch to Linux as its “base platform,” says the company. Like many of its other products, the network server also runs the company's own “Evolution OS” device-server oriented operating system. Lantronix products include devices that remotely connect and control electronic equipment via the Internet, provide secure remote access to firewall-protected equipment, and enable remote management of IT equipment, says the company.

Japan-based Nissin Systems, a subsidiary of Nissin Electric, has been a long-time ASSP (authorized sales/support partner) for Linux subscription service company TimeSys, and a year ago partnered with Lantronix on a uItron-OS port to the Lantronix Xport networking module. The company also offers an embedded middleware stack called “EmbeddedWorks” (embedded TCP/IP protocol stack and embedded file systems).

The MatchPort AR SDK is said to simplify and accelerate the process of Linux development on the device, providing a BSP and turnkey development environment with “an industry-validated set of Linux software tools built around the Linux 2.6 kernel.” Developers can work with standard GNU toolchains to integrate applications using predefined configuration profiles and software assembly tools, says Lantronix. Sample applications are also said to be provided, as well as the company's own firmware upgrades and system recovery tools.

MatchPort AR

The MatchPort AR is billed as a secure SSL/SSH Ethernet networking coprocessor module for high-volume applications, designed to work any product with a serial interface on its host microcontroller. The embedded server offers a built-in CGI and AJAX (asynchronous JavaScript and XML) web server for remote data acquisition, device monitoring. and configuration, says the company. The device is also said to be pin-compatible with its 802.11 b/g wireless module, MatchPort b/g Pro.

The MatchPort AR is based on the company's own DSTni-FX 32-bit processor, clocked to 166Mhz, with a claimed 159 MIPS score on the Dhrystone 2.1 scale. The device also provides 8MB of SDRAM and 4MB of flash, with larger memory allotments available. Measuring 1.75 x 1.75 x 0.41 inches (44 x 44 x 10mm), it ships with an Ethernet MAC/PHY, dual serial ports, and seven GPIO interfaces. Its 0.67W (210mA) power supply runs at 3.3V, says Lantronix. The server is said to offer a variety of security features, support SNMP V2c and MIB II, and provide “Cisco-like” CLI, XML, serial, and Telnet management features.

Stated Daryl Miller, Lantronix VP of engineering, “The Linux development community is one of the fastest growing today, and we want to tailor our products to cater to their needs. Working with our partner Nissin Systems, we were able to take this first leap in penetrating the Linux space, and will continue to establish Linux as the base platform for our product development moving forward.”

Stated Yoshinori Koike, VP of sales at Nissin Systems, “Lantronix is an industry innovator and the next natural step was to make the company's solutions available to the increasing population of Linux developers.”

Availability

Linux SDKs for the MatchPort AR will be available in April, says Lantronix. More information on MatchPort AR may be found here. More on Nissin Systems may be found here.

 
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