RabbitCore Connects Embedded Devices Quickly

By Bernard Cole
iApplianceWeb
(07/26/02, 12:07:12 AM EDT)

Davis, Calif. - As Internet-ready as an embedded 6/16 bit microcontroller can be, Rabbit Semiconductor Corp.'s RCM3000 RabbitCore has been designed for developers who want to rapidly design and embedded systems with fully integrated Ethernet connectivity.

Measuring only 2.73" × 1.85" (69 × 47 mm), the RCM3000 operates at 3.3 V (with 5 V-tolerant I/O) and features 6 serial ports. Built-in low-EMI features, including a clock spectrum spreader, help designers eliminate the kind of emissions-related problems that frequently derail tight development schedules.

Available in two models, it is equipped with 10Base-T Ethernet, up to 512K each of Flash and SRAM, quadrature encoder inputs, PWM outputs, and pulse capture and measurement capabilities. Two 34-pin connection headers provide 52 digital I/O shared with the 6 serial ports and alternate I/O features. The integrated Ethernet port allows instant local or worldwide connectivity. (The RCM3000 is pin compatible with the non-Ethernet RCM3100, facilitating cost-effective implementation of both Ethernet and non-Ethernet systems).

The RCM3000 features a battery-backable real-time clock, glueless memory and I/O interfacing, and ultra-low "sleepy" power modes. A fully enabled slave port permits easy master-slave interfacing with another processor-based system, and an alternate I/O bus can be configured for 8 data lines and 6 address lines (shared with parallel I/O).

User programs can be compiled, executed, and debugged using the company's Dynamic C and a programming cable; no in-circuit emulator is required. An extensive library of drivers and sample programs is provided, along with royalty-free TCP/IP stack with source.

RCM3000 models are priced from $39 (qty. 1000). A complete RCM3000 Development Kit is priced at only $299 and includes RabbitCore module (RCM3010 with 256K Flash/128K SRAM), prototyping board, AC adapter, serial cable for programming and debugging, Getting Started manual, and complete Dynamic C SE software development system (not a trial version) with royalty-free TCP/IP and documentation on CD-ROM.

For more information, go to www.rabbitsemiconductor.com.