User`s manual

ThinkCore IA241/240 Linux User’s Manual Introduction
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Overview
The ThinkCore IA241/IA240 embedded computers, which are designed for industrial automation
applications, feature 4 RS-232/422/485 serial ports, dual Ethernet ports, 4 digital input channels, 4
digital output channels, and a PCMCIA cardbus and SD socket. The computers come in a compact,
IP30 protected, industrial-strength rugged chassis. The DIN-Rail vertical form factor makes it easy
to install the IA241/240 embedded computers in small cabinets. This space-saving feature also
facilitates easy wiring, and makes the IA241/240 the best choice as front-end embedded
controllers for industrial applications.
In addition to the standard models, the ThinkCore IA241/IA240 also come in wide temperature
models. The IA241-T and IA240-T have an operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C, and are
appropriate for harsh industrial automation environments. The industrial mechanism of the
ThinkCore IA241/IA240 design provides robust, reliable computing. Due to the RISC-based
architecture, the ThinkCore IA241/IA240 will not generate a lot of heat when in use. The high
communication performance and fanless design make the IA241/IA240 ideal for industrial
automation environments.
The ThinkCore IA241/240 computers use a MOXA ART 192 Mhz RISC CPU. Unlike the X86
CPU, which uses a CISC design, the RISC architecture and modern semiconductor technology
provide these embedded computers with a powerful computing engine and communication
functions, but without generating a lot of heat. A 16 MB NOR Flash ROM and a 64 MB SDRAM
give you enough memory to install your application software directly on the embedded computer.
In addition, dual LAN ports are built right into the RISC CPU. This network capability, in
combination with the ability to control serial devices, makes the ThinkCore IA241/240 ideal
communication platforms for data acquisition and industrial control applications.
The IA241/240’s pre-installed Linux operating system (OS) provides an open software operating
system for your software program development. Software written for desktop PCs can be easily
ported to the computer with a GNU cross compiler, without needing to modify the source code.
The OS, device drivers (e.g., serial and buzzer control), and your own applications, can all be
stored in the NOR Flash memory.
The ThinkCore IA241/240 Linux Series (referred to here as IA241/240, or as the target computer)
consists of two models: ThinkCore IA241-LX with CardBus, and ThinkCore IA240-LX (which
doesn’t support CardBus). Both models have exactly the same hardware and software features,
except for the PCMCIA CardBus provided by the ThinkCore IA241-LX.
Software Architecture
The Linux operating system that is pre-installed in the IA241/240 follows the standard Linux
architecture, making it easy to accept programs that follow the POSIX standard. Program porting
is done with the GNU Tool Chain provided by Moxa. In addition to Standard POSIX APIs, device
drivers for the USB storage, buzzer and Network controls, and UART are also included in the
Linux OS.