1. Introduction

Chapter 1 introduces the RabbitLink network programming gateway and describes the RabbitLink's features. The tool kit containing the hardware essentials to begin using the RabbitLink is described, and the software highlights are presented.

Rabbit-based embedded systems are normally programmed via a direct connection between a PC and the programming port that is a part of any standard Rabbit-based embedded control system. The RabbitLink network programming gateway provides a connection between an Ethernet-based network and the programming port to allow you to program and debug remotely over the Ethernet or the Internet via TCP/IP.

Figure 1 illustrates the concept of remote network access via the RabbitLink.

Figure 1. Remote Network Access via RabbitLink Network Gateway

The RabbitLink gateway allows you to program, monitor, and debug your Rabbit-based system from your desk or from anywhere in the world via an Ethernet-based connection. You use Dynamic C (version 7.03 or later) on your PC to communicate with the RabbitLink card via the network. Alternatively, the Rabbit Field Utility (version 2.0 or later) allows you or a customer to download new software via the RabbitLink to a remote system without using Dynamic C.

The RabbitLink gateway can also be used to provide a portal to the Internet for any Rabbit-based embedded system or any other device with a serial port. Firmware resident on the RabbitLink allows your embedded system to send E-mail or generate Web pages via simplified versions of standard network protocols.

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--one to configure or update RabbitLink, one for networking target systems.
• 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).
• Password protection--password prompt each time a new Dynamic C session is initiated with the RabbitLink.
• 128K static RAM and 512K flash memory.
• Firmware already installed ready to run, easy setup with simple console commands.
• Remote program downloading, debugging, onboard Web server, and SMTP E-mail client.

1.2 Development and Evaluation Tools

1.2.1 Tool Kit

A program download cable included with each RabbitLink is used to connect a target controller to the RabbitLink board. A tool kit is contains the hardware essentials you will need to create and use your own RabbitLink remote programming gateway.

The items in the tool kit and their use are as follows:

• RabbitLink (EG2100) User's Manual with schematics (this document).
• Programming cable, used to connect your PC serial port to the RabbitLink to set up the serial communication parameters.
• AC adapter, used to power 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 V at 120 mA is recommended.
• Plastic enclosure with four customer-installable light pipes.
• Screwdriver.
• CD with RabbitLink firmware and firmware source code.

Figure 2. RabbitLink Development Tools
(only the program download cable is supplied with each RabbitLink board)

1.2.2 Software

The RabbitLink gateway is shipped with firmware already installed in the flash memory, and can be used without modification once some basic network parameters are set. In addition, the firmware source code is provided on the companion CD supplied with the tool kit along with binary images of the software and a utility to load the image to the board. The utility allows users to modify the software using Dynamic C (version 7.03 or later), or simply receive firmware updates in the form of binary images.

The programming cable used to configure the RabbitLink's network parameters has a level converter board in the middle of the cable since the PROG IN port on the RabbitLink supports CMOS logic levels, and not the higher voltage RS-232 levels that are used by PC serial ports. The network parameters are configured with the PC running a terminal program such as Hyperterminal or TeraTerm.

Attaching the RabbitLink gateway to the Ethernet and a Rabbit-based board 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.

Every time Dynamic C initiates a new RabbitLink session, the RabbitLink requests an encrypted password from the user to ensure the security of the programs and data on the remote boards. This password is stored by Dynamic C during that session so it only needs to be entered the first time Dynamic C contacts the RabbitLink gateway.

In addition, the RabbitLink can be used as an Ethernet interface for any board with an available serial port or Rabbit programming port. Simple versions of a Web server and an SMTP E-mail client are built in and can be controlled by any embedded system via the RabbitLink's serial port, allowing the target board to provide information to the network through easily updated static HTML pages and E-mail. The simple serial protocol used by the RabbitLink serial console makes this interface compatible with an existing board's programming.

1.3 Manual Conventions

Pin Number 1

A black square indicates pin 1 of all headers.

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