Industrial protocol translator/concentrator device migrates to Windows CE

Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:

Keywords: Match:

May 12, 2005

Applied Systems Engineering has kicked the traditional RTOS habit, migrating its industrial protocol translator and data concentrator device from Phar Lap ETS to Windows CE 5.0. The SPT4-NET targets industrial applications requiring highly reliable protocol communication, such as electric power plants and oil, gas, or water treatment facilities, according to the company.

The SPT4-NET provides one network channel, four serial channels, and a large software library of RTU/IED communication protocols. The device supports a range of protocol and data transport applications common in the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) industry, ASE says. These include operating as a data concentrator, protocol translation, adding dual-port capabilities to single-ported device, network-enabling serial-only equipment, and transporting legacy bit-protocols over frame relay (or similar) networks.

SPT4-NET Front and Back
Prior versions of the device were based on the Phar Lap ETS real-time operating system (RTOS), according to ASE. "The Windows CE 5.0 solution will allow ASE to broaden product capabilities beyond protocol translation to include many new features such as alarm annunciation and OPC server functionality," according to ASE vice president Jack Verson.

The company enlisted the services of Aton International to assist in the Windows CE 5.0 porting. Aton says its role included preliminary consulting on the decision to port to Windows CE 5.0, qualifying an authorized Microsoft distributor for OEM licensing, creating a custom Windows CE 5.0 Board Support Package and "no BIOS" boot loader for the M-Systems DiskOnChip, and creating a Windows CE 5.0 driver for the custom ASE serial I/O hardware

ASE lists the following key features and specifications for the SPT4-NET:

Processor -- AMD Elan SC520
Storage -- M-Systems DiskOnChip
Interfaces:
- Four RS-232 serial ports, one of which also supports RS-485
- 10Base-T Ethernet
- Separate configuration and maintenance port
Activity LEDs for RS-232 and Ethernet signals, plus one software-controlled communication status LED per channel
Software Configuration:
- Database -- Offline creation via Windows utility, loaded through network or configuration and maintenance port
- Protocol -- selectable by channel
- Master/Slave mode -- selectable by channel
- RTU/point counts -- capacity for over 50,000 points and a large number devices
Power -- 24 to 160 VDC or 110/120 VAC

The SPT4-NET is offered both as a packaged system (includes internally regulated power supply for 24-160 VDC or 110/120 VAC) and as a PC board assembly (requires regulated 5VDC power).

Further details are available on ASE's website.

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.

Got a HOT tip? please tell us!

Click here for a profile of each sponsor:

PLATINUM SPONSORS
<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=msembedded;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=msembedded;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=trolltech;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=trolltech;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Check out the latest Windows-powered...

mobile phones!

other cool
gadgets

HOT TOPICS
• Microsoft targets PNDs with new embedded OS
• Microsoft tips .NET MF 3.0 highlights
• Microsoft previews Windows Embedded Standard
• Microsoft offers free Windows CE 6.0 textbook
• Microsoft renames embedded operating systems
• Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1
• New Atom models target low-cost PCs

REFERENCE GUIDES
• Windows Device Showcase
• Intro to Windows Embedded
• Intro to Shared Source
• Real-time Windows Embedded
• Windows Embedded books

Join our Windows Embedded discussion forums:
• Windows XP Embedded
• Windows CE
• Windows Mobile

Windows Embedded developer newsgroups
• Windows CE
• XP Embedded
• PocketPC
• Smartphone

Microsoft's Windows Embedded resources
• Embedded dev center
• Mobile dev center
• Windows CE tutorials
• XP Embedded tutorials
• Windows Embedded seminars
• Windows Embedded application categories
• 3rd-party partners

BREAKING NEWS

• Upated JVM supports Windows CE
• Windows Mobile 6.1 phone has GPS
• Windows CE thin client hides in wall sockets
• Portable spectrum analyzer runs Windows CE
• VoIP client gains add-ons, API
• Windows Mobile phone has dual active SIMs
• Access gives away Windows Mobile utilities
• Intel's Atom powers mini-ITX board
• Microsoft revamps Windows Mobile website
• Low-cost phone bundles IM client
• Pico-ITX board bears twins
• Microsoft details finalists in student competition
• Intrinsyc revs Windows CE-based software platform
• $300 mini-laptop runs Windows CE
• Microsoft releases server virtualization technology

Also visit our sister sites:

Sign up for WindowsForDevices.com's...

news feed

Home \| News \| Articles \| Polls \| Forum \| Directory \| About \| Contact

	Ziff Davis Enterprise Home \| Contact Us \| Advertise \| Link to Us \| Reprints \| Magazine Subscriptions \| Newsletters Tech RSS Feeds \| White Papers \| ROI Calculators \| Tech Podcasts \| Tech Video \| VARs \| Channel News
	Baseline \| Careers \| Channel Insider \| CIO Insight \| DesktopLinux \| DeviceForge \| DevSource \| eSeminars \| eWEEK \| Enterprise Network Security \| LinuxDevices \| Linux Watch \| Microsoft Watch \| Mid-market \| Networking \| PDF Zone \| Publish \| Security IT Hub \| Strategic Partner \| Web Buyer's Guide \| Windows for Devices
	Developer Shed \| Dev Shed \| ASP Free \| Dev Articles \| Dev Hardware \| SEO Chat \| Tutorialized \| Scripts \| Code Walkers \| Web Hosters \| Dev Mechanic \| Dev Archives \| igrep
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and is used by WindowsForDevices under license from owner. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. WindowsForDevices is an independent publication not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.

Home \| News \| Articles \| Polls \| Forum \| Directory \| About \| Contact

	Ziff Davis Enterprise Home \| Contact Us \| Advertise \| Link to Us \| Reprints \| Magazine Subscriptions \| Newsletters Tech RSS Feeds \| White Papers \| ROI Calculators \| Tech Podcasts \| Tech Video \| VARs \| Channel News
	Baseline \| Careers \| Channel Insider \| CIO Insight \| DesktopLinux \| DeviceForge \| DevSource \| eSeminars \| eWEEK \| Enterprise Network Security \| LinuxDevices \| Linux Watch \| Microsoft Watch \| Mid-market \| Networking \| PDF Zone \| Publish \| Security IT Hub \| Strategic Partner \| Web Buyer's Guide \| Windows for Devices
	Developer Shed \| Dev Shed \| ASP Free \| Dev Articles \| Dev Hardware \| SEO Chat \| Tutorialized \| Scripts \| Code Walkers \| Web Hosters \| Dev Mechanic \| Dev Archives \| igrep
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and is used by WindowsForDevices under license from owner. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. WindowsForDevices is an independent publication not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.