Comprehensive Guide To AXIS ETRAX-100LX

ETRAX-100LX Overview

The ETRAX-100LX is a 32-bit SoC featuring an ARM7 core. It was designed specifically for embedded network applications, offering a high level of integration, a broad range of connectivity options, and low power consumption. It is highly suitable for applications such as networked devices, home automation, industrial applications, and networking equipment.

Key Features

CPU Architecture: 1.ARM7TDMI core, 32-bit RISC processor, providing an efficient balance of performance and power consumption. 2.Operating frequency: up to 100 MHz. 3.Hardware accelerators for networking and cryptographic operations.

Memory: 1.RAM: 16 MB of DRAM or SRAM (depending on the system configuration). 2.Flash: Can support flash memory for boot code and firmware storage. 3.Integrated Memory Management Unit (MMU).

Networking Features: 1.10/100 Ethernet interface for high-speed network connectivity (integrated MAC and PHY). 2.Support for TCP/IP networking protocols, which is ideal for embedded systems requiring Internet or local network connectivity. 3.Hardware support for Ethernet switching, packet filtering, and traffic management.

Peripheral Interfaces: 1.GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins for interfacing with other devices. 2.UART, SPI, I2C, CAN for serial communication. 3.USB 1.1 Host and Device support, enabling connection to a wide range of devices. 4.Integrated DMA (Direct Memory Access) for high-speed data transfer between peripherals and memory.

Power Management: 1.Very low power consumption in idle and active states, with typical operating current consumption of around 300 mA. 2.Supports various power-saving modes for embedded systems where battery life is critical.

Security:

1.Hardware accelerators for cryptographic functions (AES, DES, RSA), enabling secure communications for networked applications. 2.Can be used for secure boot and data encryption in Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Software Support:

1.Typically runs embedded Linux (or custom OS), offering a flexible and feature-rich development environment. 2.Offers support for a variety of development tools, including the GNU toolchain and IDE like Eclipse or Keil. 3.Can run a TCP/IP stack and support high-level protocols like HTTP, FTP, SNMP, etc. ETRAX-100LX Architecture The architecture of the ETRAX-100LX is based on the ARM7TDMI core. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

ARM7TDMI Core:

1.The ARM7TDMI processor is a 32-bit RISC processor capable of running at speeds up to 100 MHz. 2.The TDMI part of the core stands for Thumb (16-bit instructions for code density), Debug (for development), Multiplier (for fast arithmetic operations), and Integrator (for system integration). 3.The processor features a Harvard architecture, with separate instruction and data memory paths.

Integrated Ethernet Controller:

1.MAC (Media Access Control) and PHY (Physical Layer) integrated into the chip for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet. 2.Supports auto-negotiation for Ethernet speeds. 3.Includes features like CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) generation and checking, TCP/IP offloading, and packet filtering.

Memory Subsystem:

1.SRAM: Typically used for program and data storage. 2.Flash: Often used to store firmware and bootloader. Can support NAND and NOR flash types. 3.External Memory Interface: For additional memory expansion.

Peripherals and I/O:

1.The GPIO pins are flexible and can be configured for a variety of functions. 2.Serial interfaces: UART for communication with external devices, SPI for high-speed data transfer, and I2C for peripheral communication. 3.USB: Integrated USB controller that can operate in host or device mode.

DMA Controller:

1.DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows data to be transferred directly between peripherals and memory, bypassing the CPU to improve performance.

System Clocks:

1.The system uses a high-frequency clock generator to provide the necessary clocks for the ARM core and peripherals. Applications of ETRAX-100LX The ETRAX-100LX SoC is ideal for a wide range of networked and embedded applications, including but not limited to:

Embedded Networking Devices:

1.Network routers, gateways, and bridges. 2.Security cameras, home automation devices, and smart sensors.

IoT (Internet of Things):

1.Devices in smart homes, industrial IoT, and healthcare. 2.Edge devices that need connectivity to the cloud or local networks.

Industrial Applications:

1.PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers), industrial controllers, and automated systems. 2.Devices requiring communication protocols like Modbus, BACnet, or CAN bus.

Consumer Electronics:

1.Printers, scanners, and networked audio/video systems. 2.Digital signage systems and smart TVs.

Security and Access Control Systems:

1.Systems requiring networked security features, including video surveillance, access control, and data logging.

Automotive:

1.In-vehicle networks, telematics, and communication systems in automotive applications. Development and Programming

Software Development:

1.The ETRAX-100LX can run Linux, typically embedded Linux, but also custom real-time operating systems (RTOS) tailored to specific applications. 2.The platform is supported by development tools like GCC, Eclipse, or Keil MDK. 3.The system includes software libraries for networking protocols (like TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP), USB support, and driver development.

Bootloader and Firmware:

1.The chip typically supports network booting via the Ethernet port, enabling easy software updates or firmware installation over the network. 2.The system can be configured to use a custom bootloader or a generic one based on U-Boot or similar technologies.

Debugging and Emulation:

1.JTAG or SWD (Serial Wire Debug) can be used to debug the ARM core. 2.On-chip debugging support through the ARM ETM (Embedded Trace Macrocell) allows for real-time tracing of program execution. 3.Simulators and emulators are available for testing and debugging embedded applications. Power Consumption One of the ETRAX-100LX's key advantages is its low power consumption. The device is specifically designed for applications where energy efficiency is important, such as battery-powered systems. Typical power consumption can be as low as 300 mA in normal operation, with power-saving modes further reducing consumption during idle times.

Conclusion

The ETRAX-100LX offers an efficient and compact solution for networking and embedded applications. With its integrated Ethernet, low-power ARM7 core, extensive peripheral support, and versatile software ecosystem, it is a strong choice for embedded devices that need network connectivity. Whether you're developing IoT devices, industrial controllers, or consumer electronics, the ETRAX-100LX provides the necessary features for building reliable and efficient products.