| Industrial power monitoring device runs Linux |
Jan. 30, 2007
 An Italian electric power system manufacturer used embedded Linux as a key component of a system that performs remote sensing, data acquisition, and routing functions. RGM's AT91UL94 system runs Koan's KaeilOS on an ARM-based Atmel processor, and took six months to develop, according to Koan.
(Click for larger view of AT91UL94)
The AT91UL94 was designed to collect and transfer data from the various components of backup power generation systems, such as generating stations at hospitals and public transportation facilities. Data are collected via serial ports (RS232 and RS485) and digital I/O, and backed up to 512KB of battery-backed SRAM to safeguard against power loss, according to Koan founder Marco Cavallini.
The AT91UL94 is based on an Atmel AT91RM9200 processor clocked at 180MHz, and features an unusually broad operating temperature range of -72 to 153 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 85 degrees Celsius). Additional touted hardware features include:- 8MB Atmel SPI DataFlash
- 64MB 8 bit NAND Flash
- 64MB SDRAM
- 512KB SRAM (battery backed)
- RTC (battery backed)
- Onboard thermometer
- Power fail input
- 8 x LVTTL digital inputs; 4 outputs
- 1 x 10/100 Ethernet controller
- RS232 console
- 5 x RS232/RS485 serial ports
- 1 x RS485 serial port
- 2 x USB hosts
On the software side, the AT91UL94 runs a KaeilOS distribution based on a Linux 2.6.17 kernel. Other open-source software used in the device includes the U-Boot 1.1.4 bootloader and the JFFS2 file system, along with:- Drivers:
- USB host (mass storage, USB to serial)
- internal and external UARTs
- internal and external RTC
- thermometer
- static RAM
- NAND flash
- Ethernet
- Power fail
- GPIOs
- Utilities: busybox, bash, logrotate, zoneinfo
- Protocols: Ipv4, ICMP, ARP, DHCP, NTP, FTP, Telnet, THTTP, PPP, CHAP, PAP, SSH 1.0/2.0
- Deamons: pppd, utelnetd, ftpd, sshd, iptables, thttpd, syslogd, crond, ntpd
Koan says RGM chose Linux due to its small footprint and low cost. RGM developed the AT91UL94 in less than six months, and has since deployed hundreds of units that are currently operating in the field, according to Koan.
Koan CEO Marco Cavallini stated, "The device can safely save critical information to 512KB SRAM (battery backed) in case of power loss, thank to suspend device management."
Availability
The AT91UL94 appears to be available only as a component of RGM's power generation and condition systems.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed