Introduction

The EM203A is a member of our X20X family of modules. The module is a dual-use device: depending on the loaded firmware it can work as a fixed-function, ready-to-run serial-to-Ethernet converter or as a BASIC-programmable controller*.

As a serial-to-Ethernet converter, the EM203A allows you to quickly network-enable practically any serial device.

As a BASIC-programmable controller, the EM203A offers a low-cost, rapid development alternative to expensive and complex computing platforms, such as Linux-based boards.

The EM203A works with any suitable magnetics front-end, such as the YCL-PTC1111-01G RJ45 connector with integrated magnetics.

The EM203A can also be used with Tibbo's own RJ203A jack/magnetics module. The EM203A tucks right under the RJ203A, effectively occupying no extra space on the host board. The EM203A's status LEDs remain visible through the translucent face of the RJ203A's housing.

The EM203A can be ordered standalone or in combination with the RJ203A module. Click here for detailed ordering information.

Hardware Features

• Compact dimensions: 30.1x18.1x12.5mm.
• Power consumption: 220mA@5VDC.
• 100BaseT Ethernet port (no magnetics).
• TTL serial port (TX,RX,RTS,CTS,DTR,DSR).
• Four onboard status LEDs.
• Firmware is upgradebale through the serial port or network.
• EM203A_RJ203A-SK Starter Kit available.
• CE- and FCC-approved.

Serial-to-Ethernet Converter Features

• Full/half-duplex serial port modes**.
• 8KB data buffers (one in each direction).
• All serial port lines can be used as remotely controlled I/O.
• Onboard EEPROM stores user-configurable parameters (settings).
• Setup through the serial port or network (UDP commands or Telnet session).
• Over-the-network IP address configuration.
• "On-the-fly" serial port control commands.
• Serial-side commands to control network connections.
• Direct control of ADSL modems.
• Supported network protocols include UDP, TCP, ARP, ICMP (PING), DHCP, PPPoE, and LCP.
• Supplied with the Device Server Toolkit (DST) for Windows. The DST includes Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD) , a.k.a. "COM redirector". A Linux version of the VSPD is also available.

BASIC-programmable Controller Features

• Executes your Tibbo BASIC application.
• Absolute flexibility - think of your device as a miniature computing platform.
• Supplied with TIDE (Tibbo IDE) featuring built-in debugger.
• Integrated web server supports dunamic content generation.
• Numerous high-level objects speed up and simplify coding. Available objects include:
• Sock- up to 16 simultaneous TCP or UDP connections;
• Ser- UART communications;
• Io- control serial port lines;
• Stor- read to and write from the EEPROM;
• Romfile- add static (ROM) data to your project;
• And more...