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Tiny Linux SBC gains add-on WiFi radio

Sep 28, 2007 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 20 views

Germany-based industrial computing specialist SSV has started shipping an add-on WiFi module for its miniature ARM-based SBC (single-board computer) targeting WSNs (wireless sensor networks). The E2W/ESL1 module works with SSV's DIL/NetPC ADNP/9200, a tiny SBC that plugs into a dual-in-line IC socket.

(Click for larger view of the E2W ES1 module)

SSV first shipped the ADNP/9200 in November of 2006, positioning it as a flexible WSN platform capable of bridging various wireless networks with wired Ethernet networks. Several months later, the board's real-time Ethernet capabilities were touted. Now, SSV suggests its new WiFi add-on module could be used to add a wireless interface to automation systems, for example to facilitate the monitoring of factory equipment by WiFi-enabled laptops, phones, and other devices.


ADNP/9200 and ESL adapter card

The ADNP/9200 integrates an 32-bit, ARM9-based Atmel AT91RM9200 microcontroller clocked at 180MHz, and is equipped with 64MB of SDRAM and 32MB of flash memory. It also provides dual 10/100 Ethernet ports, dual UARTs, SPI, SSI/I2C, dual USB Host ports, and a USB Device port. For additional expansion, there are 20 lines of GPIO (general purpose I/O).

The ADNP/9200 is designed to accommodate add-on radio modules of various kinds, via the 16-bit top-side “expansion sandwich layer” (ESL) interface illustrated in the above photo. Available or planned ESL radio cards include IEEE 802.15.4 (low-rate wireless personal area networks), ZigBee, Bluetooth, and now, IEEE 802.11b/g WLAN.

The E2W/ESL1 expansion card is said to work in a “transparent bridge mode,” and to support either the “infrastructure” or “ad-hoc” modes of 802.11. It also supports 64/128-bit WEP or WPA-PSK. Setup is handled via a serial interface to the ADNP/9200's second serial port. The card has an external antenna connector (SMA male type) with 100 mm cable.

The ADNP/9200 comes preinstalled with Linux, drivers, a TCP/IP stack, and various servers, according to the company. Additionally, users can add their own software components.

The ADNP/9200 and E2W/ESL1 expansion card appear to be available now. Pricing was not disclosed.


 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.



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