EM100 Ethernet Module

The EM100 is an Ethernet Module for onboard installation. Module hardware includes one 10BaseT Ethernet port (standard Ethernet magnetics are 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 RJ45 connector. Serial "side" interfaces directly to the serial port pins of most microcontrollers, microprocessors, UARTs, etc.

From the hardware standpoint, the EM100 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 EM100 most of its functionality.

The Application firmware EM100 is supplied with, currently in its 3rd generation ("Release3"), turns the EM100 into a Serial Device Server used to connect serial devices to the Ethernet (TCP/IP) networks.

The application firmware of the EM100 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 EM100. The Monitor itself cannot be upgraded. Network upgrades rely on the NetLoader firmware component that, like the application firmware itself, can be upgraded through the serial port of the EM100 (using the Monitor). The EM100 is supplied with the application firmware and the NetLoader already pre-loaded into the module.

Since most of the EM100's operation is defined by its firmware the major part of the EM100's functional description can be found in the Device Server Application Firmware Manual . This EM100 Ethernet Module Manual focuses on the hardware portion of the EM100.

* Network upgrades are only possible on the latest EM100-03 modification of the device (see specifications and EM100 modifications for details)