The EM200 is an Ethernet Module for onboard installation. Module hardware includes one 100BaseT Ethernet port (standard Ethernet magnetics are NOT integrated into the Module), one serial port (CMOS-level) with a number of additional general-purpose I/O lines, and an internal processor, whose firmware acts as a bridge between the Ethernet and serial ports. Ethernet "side" of the Module connects directly to a standard Ethernet magnetics circuit (such as YCL-PH163112) or RJ45 connector with integrated magnetics. Serial "side" interfaces directly to the serial port pins of most microcontrollers, microprocessors, UARTs, etc.
From the hardware standpoint, the EM200 can be viewed as a universal platform suitable for running a variety of network and serial communications-related applications. It is the application firmware, not hardware that gives the EM200 most of its functionality.
The EM200 can run two distinctively different kinds of application firmware:
| • | The "serial device server" firmware, currently in its 3rd generation ("Release3"), turns the EM200 into a ready-to-work Serial Device Server that can connect almost any kind of serial device to the Ethernet (TCP/IP) network. This firmware has fixed functionality; you adjust the way the EM200 behaves by specifying the values of programmable parameters (settings) defined in this firmware. Functional description of the EM200 under the "serial device server" firmware can be found in the Device Server Application Firmware Manual. Also see Software Manuals for the information on PC software that works with devices running serial device server firmware. |
| • | TiOS (Tibbo Operating System) firmware turns the EM200 into a BASIC-programmable controller. This controller can be used to create any kind of network and/or serial port-related application. When running TiOS, the EM200 has no pre-defined functionality -- it simply executes your BASIC application. For more information see the following manuals: "Programmable Hardware Manual" and "TAIKO Manual". |
The application firmware of the EM200 can be upgraded through the module's serial port or Ethernet port. Serial upgrades are facilitated by a so-called Monitor- a fixed "service" firmware inside the EM200. The Monitor cannot be upgraded. Network upgrades rely on the application firmware itself- there is a self upgrade algorithm that will be detailed later.
By default, the EM200 is supplied with "serial device server" firmware pre-loaded. If you wish to make the module run your BASIC application you need to upload TiOS firmware onto the Module. Visit Tibbo website to get the latest TiOS firmware.