Hi, everyone.
I'm new to this area and I could do with some help. I'm desiging a device which I've decided to base on embedded Linux. I'm trying to choose a suitable low cost off-the-shelf SBC for this device, but I'm confused by the zillions of such boards that seem to be available. I'm hoping to find a board that has all the necessary hardware, and that comes with or will fit into a (preferably off-the-shelf) case (since the device has to be shipped as a finished product). I'm planning to use the SBC both for development and prototyping and for low volume production (up to 100 devices total) to avoid the need to port the application to a different production platform. Here's what the board needs to offer:
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks - Paul
I'm new to this area and I could do with some help. I'm desiging a device which I've decided to base on embedded Linux. I'm trying to choose a suitable low cost off-the-shelf SBC for this device, but I'm confused by the zillions of such boards that seem to be available. I'm hoping to find a board that has all the necessary hardware, and that comes with or will fit into a (preferably off-the-shelf) case (since the device has to be shipped as a finished product). I'm planning to use the SBC both for development and prototyping and for low volume production (up to 100 devices total) to avoid the need to port the application to a different production platform. Here's what the board needs to offer:
- Processor. I was thinking of a 500-1000MHz processor, but the performance required will be mainly determined by Linux, since the application is not CPU intensive.
- Linux ready installed/configured, with a cross development tool chain (preferably free) available. This will save me lots of learning curve.
- 4 serial ports, one RS232 for the console, two half-duplex RS485 capable of operating at 62.5 kbaud, one Midi (31.25 kbaud). I can add some external level shifting hardware if necessary.
- Ethernet 10/100Mbps.
- SRAM. The amount required will principally be determined by Linux and Apache, since the application is not very memory hungry. Uneducated guess 512Mb total RAM required. Apache is for a little web site for configuring the device, uploading log files, upgrading the firmware etc. - very low traffic.
- Flash memory. The amount and type will be principally determined by Linux and Apache. The application will need some for log files, config files, web pages etc. Uneducated guess 512Mb total flash required.
- USB host slot. Used principally for USB memory sticks for importing and exporting data. Could also be used for WiFi, wireless broadband or other devices.
- Possibly a USB slave slot for connecting a PC. May not be required.
- GPIO sufficient for some push buttons and switches, some LEDs and/or 7-segment displays, enabling and disabling the RS485 drivers etc.
- Real time clock
- Display
- Graphic processor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Touch screen
- Hard Disk
- Audio
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks - Paul