| Ethernet module runs .NET MF |
Oct. 01, 2008
 Digi International has announced .NET Micro Framework (.NET MF) support and an associated "jump start" kit for its ARM9-based Ethernet networking core module. The ConnectCore 9P 9215 expands .NET MF's capabilities into new applications such as networked sensor monitoring, data acquisition, and machine control, Digi says.
(Click here for a larger view of Digi's ConnectCore 9P 9215)
The ConnectCore 9P 9215, first announced last year, is a module that employs Digi's own NS9215 processor (see block diagram, here), said to be based on an ARM926EJ-S core clocked at 150MHz. To this, the module adds a 256-bit AES (advanced encryption standard), a 10/100 Ethernet MAC, plus two "unique" FIMs (flexible interface modules), says Digi.
A block diagram of Digi's ConnectCore 9P 9215
(Click to enlarge)
The FIMs employ two independent 300MHz DRPIC165X processor cores, touted as allowing customers to dynamically select application-specific interfaces via software. Supported interfaces include UART, SD/SDIO, CAN bus, I2C, CompactFlash, parallel bus interface, and others, the company says.
The ConnectCore 9P 9215, which measures 1.97 x 1.96 inches (50 x 50mm), comes with from 8MB to 32MB of RAM, and from 2MB to 16MB of onboard flash. Featuring a variety of power management modes and claimed power consumption of 1.4 Watts in normal operation, the module has a software watchdog timer, a real-time clock, and 64 bytes of nonvolatile RAM, according to Digi.
Features and specifications listed by Digi for the ConnectCore 9P 9215 include the following:- Processor -- Digi NS9215 (ARM926EJ-S core) clocked at 150MHz, plus two interface modules with 300MHz DRPIC165X processors
- Memory -- From 8MB to 32MB of soldered-on RAM, plus from 2MB to 16MB of NOR flash memory
- Display -- Two general-purpose LEDs
- Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet, with optional RJ45 connector
- Other I/O:
- Up to 4 high-speed UARTS with maximum 1.8Mbit/sec. data rate
- SPI
- I2C
- 12-bit 8-channel ADC (analog to digital converter)
- Up to 64 shared GPIOs
- JTAG interface
- Operating temperature -- -40 to 85 deg. C (-40 to 185 deg. F)
- Power requirements:
- Maximum -- 3.3VDC, 554mA, 1.88 Watts
- Normal -- 3.3VDC, 443mA, 1.46 Watts (UART and Ethernet activated)
- Low-speed idle -- 3.3VDC, 208mA, 686mW (Ethernet activated)
- Sleep mode -- 3.3VDC, 46mA, 151mW (Wakeup via IRQ; Ethernet off)
- Dimensions -- 1.97 x 1.97 inches (50 x 50mm)
.NET connection
According to Digi, the ConnectCore 9P 9215 module now supports Microsoft's .NET MF, version 2.5. Released in February, .NET MF 2.5 is Microsoft's development environment for small, deeply embedded devices with constrained processor and memory resources. With a memory footprint of only about 300KB, it now includes a native TCP/IP stack and support for WSD (web services on devices), allowing networked devices to discover and connect to one another without user intervention, says Microsoft.
Digi says it is offering the ConnectCore 9P 9215 module in its new "Digi Jumpstart Kit for .NET MF," which includes a support CD, a 90-day trial version of Visual Studio 2005, and a supporting development board. The company did not release dimensions of the development board, but said it has an Ethernet connector, four serial ports, I2C/SPI headers, user pushbuttons and LEDs, a 9VDC to 30VDC power supply, and other features. When shipped in the jumpstart kit, the module sports 8MB of RAM and 4MB of flash storage, says Digi.
Colin Miller, a product unit manager for Microsoft, said, "Digi was our first partner to offer Ethernet networking for the .NET Micro Framework." Digi's ConnectMe, an embedded .NET MF computer not much larger than an ordinary RJ45 connector, was released in April 2007. For more information on the device, see our earlier coverage, here.
Further information
Digi's ConnectCore 9P 9215 and Digi Jumpstart Kit for .NET MF are available now, according to the company. The 9P 9215 costs $59 apiece in quantities of 1,000, while the Jumpstart Kit for .NET MF, including a single module, is priced at approximately $500.
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