Industrial computer puts ARM9 in a box

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 20, 2006

The Matrix-500 is a lightweight but rock-solid 32bit programmable controller for unmanned industrial applications requiring 24/7 round-the-clock continuous operation.

Artila Electronics has developed what it claims to be the world's smallest ARM9-based, Linux-ready industrial box computer.

The Matrix-500 is positioned as a lightweight but rock-solid 32bit programmable controller for unmanned industrial applications requiring 24/7 round-the-clock continuous operation.

"In most cases, it doesn't make sense to use bulky, complicated, and expensive all-in-one x86 box computers as front-end controllers, especially since many of them are way over spec".

"As a rule of thumb, the more complex a system is, the less reliable it becomes".

"Why pay for unused features?", comments Mike Kao, VP of Artila Electronics.

By combining state-of-the-art 32bit RISC technology and the open-source Linux OS, Artila has developed the Matrix-500 into a lean and mean industrial computer with comprehensive network and communication support, making it a 100% robust front-end controller ideal for distributed or web-based industrial applications.

The Matrix-500, powered by a 180MHz Atmel ARM9 RISC CPU, comes with onboard 32Mbyte of SDRAM and 64Mbyte of Flash memory to ensure smooth operation of the Linux OS and user programs.

A reliable web server is pre-installed allowing users to implement web-based control and monitoring systems in a snap.

Moreover, the Matrix-500 provides plenty of I/O interfaces, including one 10/100Mbit/s Ethernet port, three RS232 ports, one RS232/422/485 port, two USB 2.0 hosts, and one USB 2.0 client - all in a 78 x 108 x 25mm package.

An internally mounted SD socket is also available for mass storage expansion.