Good
simulation tools are essential in the process of embedded software
development. That's why Contemporary Controls designed the ARCNET
Evaluation System (ARC-EVS)—blending unique ARCNET features and functionality
into a learning tool for exploring embedded ARCNET. By employing the
hardware and software provided in the ARC-EVS, the user can have a
demonstration system "up and running" in less than 10 minutes.
The user supplies the PC with a Windows OS and everything else is
in the kit. The kit contains: one PCI20U-485X ARCNET interface adapter
(for installation in a PCI slot in the PC); one ARC-EVB ARCNET evaluation
board with 8 input switches and 8 LED outputs; power supply; RJ-11
cable to connect the PCI20U-485X to the ARC-EVB; two terminators to
terminate the ends of the network cable; software drivers for Windows
95, 98, 2000, NT and XP; sample application software to read and display
the input status and to control the LED outputs; and one null modem
cable to do a serial download and debugging of an application program. The product's key
element is the ARC-EVB designed with an Atmel T89C51 microcontroller.
The microcontroller contains 16 kB of FLASH memory to hold the test
application (Modbus over ARCNET)-or the user's firmware. This enables
the user to download their firmware into FLASH and execute it. The
FLASH memory can also hold the Keil monitor, permitting users to debug
their embedded ARCNET code on the board.
The board is also equipped with the SMSC COM20022 ARCNET controller
(backward compatible with the COM20020) which supports data rates
from 156 kbps to 10 Mbps using a 20 MHz crystal. The ARC-EVS functions
in three modes. The first mode is the Keil debug mode in which the
board will execute a Keil monitor program. The user will download
his application into the board's RAM and control its execution through
the Keil debugger. In the second mode the user can program the Atmel
microcontroller with the ARCNET firmware allowing communication with
a Windows PC using the provided PCI20U card and the sample Windows
application. The third mode lets the user download and execute his
own firmware in the FLASH memory of the board. The sample Windows
application lets the user view and set 8 bits of I/O on the ARC-EVB
via the special Modbus over ARCNET protocol. An 8-position DIP switch
acts as the input device and 8 associated LEDs report the state of
each input. An additional 8 LEDs indicate the status of the output
signals. The PCI20U-485X is a PCI-based ARCNET interface adapter containing
the same ARCNET controller (COM20022). When the card is inserted in
a computer and connected to the ARC-EVB via the RJ-11 cable, a fully
functional network is created.
Features
Outfitted with all the
components required to have an ARCNET network "up and running"
in less than 10 minutes
Uses the latest state-of-the-art
technology with a COM20022 ARCNET controller
Prototyping area for
customer components
Includes Keil compiler/debugger
and allows users to debug their ARCNET code on the board
Atmel T89C51 microcontroller
which allows for the uploading of firmware into FLASH and its
execution
16 kB of flash and 63 kB of RAM
Sample ARCNET firmware and sample
Windows application program
Supports data rates up to 10 Mbps
using transformer-coupled ARCNET transceiver
