RabbitLink User's Manual

1. Introduction

This chapter introduces the RabbitLink Network Programming Gateway and describes its features.

Rabbit-based embedded systems are normally programmed using a direct connection between a PC and the programming port of a Rabbit-based embedded system. The RabbitLink provides an indirect connection between the two for remote downloading and debugging.

Figure 1. Remote Network Access via RabbitLink Network Gateway

1.1 RabbitLink Features

• Rabbit 2000^TM microprocessor operating at 22.1 MHz.
• One RJ-45 Ethernet port compliant with IEEE 802.3 standard for 10Base-T Ethernet protocol.
• Two serial ports.
• Three status LEDs--download, link, and active.
• Optional plastic enclosure and LED light pipes (enclosure and light pipes are included with the tool kit, and are also sold separately).
• 128K static RAM and 512K flash memory (two 256K flash chips).
• Firmware already installed ready to run, easy setup with DHCP or simple console commands.
• Password protection--password prompt each time a new Dynamic C session is initiated with the RabbitLink.
• Remote program downloading and debugging.

1.2 Development and Evaluation Tools

The RabbitLink board comes with a program download cable. This cable connects a Rabbit-based controller to the RabbitLink board. The RabbitLink tool kit (sold separately from the RabbitLink board) contains other hardware that may be used with the RabbitLink.

The tool kit contents are:

• RabbitLink (EG2100) User's Manual with schematics (this document).
• The programming cable connects a PC serial port to the RabbitLink to set up the network parameters and to download firmware.
• AC adapter, supplies power to the RabbitLink. An AC adapter is supplied with tool kits sold in the North American market. If you are using another power supply, a minimum of 9-24 V at 120 mA is recommended.
• Plastic enclosure with four customer-installable light pipes.
• Screwdriver.
• The Companion CD contains RabbitLink firmware and the RFU.

Figure 2. RabbitLink Development Tools

1.2.1 Manual Conventions

A black square indicates pin 1 of all headers.

1.3 Software

The RabbitLink board is shipped with firmware already installed in the flash memory. The rows in the following table show which versions of Dynamic C and the RFU are compatible with which versions of the RabbitLink firmware. The firmware version is the same as its serial console; the version number is displayed in the console's startup message.

Table 1. Compatibility Between Dynamic C and the RabbitLink Firmware

RabbitLink Firmware	Dynamic C	Rabbit Field Utility
Version 1.00	Versions 7.03 thru 7.06	Version 2.0
Version 2.00	Versions 7.20 and later	Version 2.20

1.3.1 Upgrading to Dynamic C 7.20

Z-World recommends upgrading to Dynamic C 7.20 as soon as possible. This requires upgrading the firmware for older RabbitLink boards (boards shipped in the 2nd quarter of 2002 have version 2.00 firmware). The simplified structure of the new RabbitLink firmware is more flexible and is also more stable and robust.

Please see Section 3.2.1, "Downloading Firmware to the RabbitLink," on page 13 for complete instructions for downloading the firmware.

1.3.2 Remote Downloading and Debugging

Attaching the RabbitLink to the Ethernet and a Rabbit-based target allows a user to compile, run, and debug programs on the remote board from a network-connected PC running Dynamic C 7.03 or later. All the standard features of Dynamic C are available over the remote interface, including the Dynamic C STDIO window, watch expressions, and the ability to step through C and assembly code. Dynamic C can be used exactly the same way as it is for a board connected to the PC's serial port.

1.3.3 Passphrase Protection

Every time Dynamic C initiates a new RabbitLink session, the RabbitLink requests a passphrase from the user to ensure the security of the programs and data on the remote boards. This passphrase is stored by Dynamic C during that session so it only needs to be entered the first time Dynamic C contacts the RabbitLink gateway. For security reasons, Dynamic C does not store the passphrase on the hard disk of the PC.