14 DAY TRIAL // The Kleinhenz German company achieved a more unusual performance: a Linux system connected to a local area network which is not bigger than RJ-45 Ethernet jack. "Picotux" is based on the DigiConnect ME module produced by NetSilicon and includes a 2.4.27 uClinux port produced by the FS Forth Systeme company specialized in integrated systems.
The dimensions of the DigiConnect ME module are only 9 x 19 x 36mm, and the weight is smaller than 18 grams, the metallic cover of the system having a little more than a RJ-45 jack. The module is based on SoC (system-on-chip) solution from NetSilicon NS7520 which includes a 32 bit ARM7TDMI core and operates at 36, 46, and 55 MHz frequencies. According to the list of technical specifications supplied by Kleinhenz, Picotux operates at a frequency of 55 MHz. The NS7520 model includes a 10/100 Ethernet port and ENDEC MAC, but also a serial port, an external memory controller, JTAG and a 13 channel DMA solution (digital media adapters).
The NetSilicon NS7520 system includes a 20 pin male-connector which supports serial interface and transfer rates of up to 230,400 bps, a modem solution and GPIO ports. The miniature system includes a series of LEDs that show the activity level of the NS7520.
The DigiConnect ME connector is available with a 2 MB or 4 MB Flash memory support and Kleinhenz allotted the Picotux model a 2 MB Flash memory support and an 8 MB RAM memory support. The device operates at 3,3V and the operating temperature varies between -40 and 85 Celsius degrees.
Even if DigiConnect ME has a wide range of uses, Kleinhenz talks about a restrained area of applications. There is also an improved version of this system called DigiConnect ME-WI, which supports wireless 802.11b connections and includes a port for the RP-SMA antenna instead of the RJ-45 jack. The dimensions are 18 x 18 x 46mm without the antenna port and the product is available with or without JTAG interface support. The German producer hasn't finalized yet a version of the system based on the ME-WI.
The price of the system is 99 euros and another innovation of the producing company is the integration of a web server for the RJ-45 model.