Low cost OTS embedded computer with Etherrnet and discrete I/O?

Question

I am looking for a low-cost computer platform with discrete I/O capabilitiy and an Ethernet interface.

I need something in a box / mechanical enclosure ready to use in an industrial setting. The application is simple, not very processor intensive, process some inputs and transmit an IP / Ethernet packet; receive a packet and drive some outputs. Unfortunately it is very custom application. I either need a powerful scripting interface or the ability to write my own application. I would prefer not design any custom hardware or mechanicals as the quantity does not justify it. If I could find a platform to both develop and ship it in, that would be great.

Does anyone know of a product that would fit this niche? Any help is appreciated.

--Chris

Gerard · Accepted Answer

Chriss,- How many inputs and outputs?- What kind of inputs and outputs?Gerard

steph · Answer

a écrit :Hi, I was searching the same thing myself, as my budget is very low :(I found the NSLU2 from linksys, which is an ideal platform.It is an embedded linux system, with two USB2 ports, at 480mbs,  and a 10/100 ethernet port, and a serial port (onboard 4 points connector). the processor is a IXP420 at 133MHz, which is basically an ARM Xscale compatible processor, with some extensions.. (can be overclocked to 266MHz , just by removing a resistor), and it runs LINUX. It as 32MB of sdram,  and 8MB of flash in standard.There are a lot of developpement around this little embedded system, search for "NSLU2 linux" on google ..see this page --->It is a network storage appliance basically, to share multiple USB2 hardrives via ethernet network.. it only cost around 80euros, (~ 90 USD)at this price, it is unbeatable :)The last linux kernel 2.6.11.2  and 2.6.12 are working on it, so every USB2 devices that kernel 2.6.12 supports, are working on it :)Webcams, usb drive, DVB receiver, wifi...

gooch · Answer

Check out  They have a good selection of microprocessorsranging from simple 8-bit to 32-bit. They also have many developmentplatforms that include the peripherals you are looking for.

Geir Frode Raanes Sørensen · Answer

: I am looking for a low-cost computer platform with discrete I/O: capabilitiy and an Ethernet interface.--   ******************************************************  Never ever underestimate the power of human stupidity.  -Robert Anson Heinlein		  ******************************************************

cs_posting · Answer

Yes, the MC9S12NE64 Demo Board would probably do what you need.  Noshame in shipping demo boards inside an enclosure - if you ever get upthe volume, you can make your own.

gooch · Answer

This demo board is pretty nice and a reasonable price. You can get it for under $100 including shipping and it comes in an enclosed box with an Ethernet port, Serial port and 40 pin I/O port. It also has a BDM for debugging but comes with software to debug and Flash over the Serial port. It also ships with a demo version of CodeWarrior and an open source TCP/IP stack. It is pretty simple to get some code up and running on this thing very quickly.

chrisaotto · Answer

12 TTL inputs, 4 TTL outputs

chrisaotto · Answer

Thank you for all the great suggestions.  I appreciate it.  -- Chris

Low cost OTS embedded computer with Etherrnet and discrete I/O?

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