1. Product Overview

Product Name: Matrix-518
Model: Matrix-518
Series: Matrix Industrial Embedded Computer Series
Article Number: Matrix-518
Manufacturer: Artila Electronics Co., Ltd.

The Artila Matrix-518 is a compact, fanless, Linux-ready industrial box computer built around the ARM9 architecture. Designed for embedded control, data acquisition, and industrial automation applications, it integrates a 400 MHz Atmel AT91SAM9G20 processor, dual Ethernet ports, multiple serial interfaces, and extensive digital I/O capabilities. The Matrix-518 provides a robust, low-power platform for developers seeking a reliable embedded Linux system with flexible connectivity and open-source software support.

---

2. Key Features

- ARM9 Processor Core: Powered by the Atmel AT91SAM9G20 ARM926EJ-S CPU running at 400 MHz with integrated MMU, 32 KB instruction cache, and 32 KB data cache.
- Linux-Ready Platform: Pre-installed Linux kernel 2.6.29 with U-Boot 1.1.2 bootloader and full file system support (UBI, JFFS2, EXT2/3, VFAT, NFS).
- Memory Architecture: 64 MB SDRAM, 256 MB NAND Flash, and 2 MB DataFlash® for system backup.
- Expandable Storage: Internal microSD socket supporting up to 32 GB SD memory (SD spec 1.0).
- Networking: Dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports (RJ45) with 1.5 kV magnetic isolation for reliable industrial networking.
- Serial Communication: Eight software-selectable RS-232/422/485 ports with RJ45 connectors, supporting baud rates up to 921.6 kbps.
- USB Connectivity: Two USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps) host ports and one reserved USB client port.
- Digital I/O: 21 programmable GPIO channels (TTL/CMOS compatible), configurable as input or output.
- Audio Output: Supports MP3 and WAV playback with integrated audio output interface.
- Low Power Design: Typical consumption under 3 W (190 mA @ 12 VDC).
- Wide Power Input Range: 9 – 40 VDC input for flexible industrial power environments.
- Fanless Metal Enclosure: Compact, rugged metal housing suitable for DIN-rail or wall mounting.
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C – 70 °C for industrial environments.
- Software Ecosystem: Includes GNU C/C++ toolchain, ipkg package management, SSH, FTP, web server (lighttpd), and Artila utilities.
- Upward Compatibility: Fully compatible with Matrix-500 series software and accessories.

---

3. Technical Specifications

Processor & Memory
- CPU: Atmel AT91SAM9G20 ARM926EJ-S, 400 MHz
- Memory: 64 MB SDRAM
- Flash Storage: 256 MB NAND Flash
- DataFlash: 2 MB (system backup)
- Internal microSD socket: up to 32 GB

Networking
- 2 × 10/100 Base‑T Ethernet (RJ45)
- Isolation: 1.5 kV magnetic isolation

Serial Interfaces
- 8 × RS‑232/422/485 (software selectable)
- Connector: RJ45
- Baud Rate: up to 921.6 kbps
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, 8
- Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, 2
- Flow Control: RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF, None
- RS‑485 Direction Control: Automatic (hardware)

USB Interfaces
- 2 × USB 2.0 Host (12 Mbps full‑speed)
- 1 × USB 2.0 Client (reserved)

Digital I/O (GPIO)
- 21 programmable I/O pins
- Signal Level: TTL/CMOS compatible
- Connector: DB‑25 female
- Output Voltage: 3.3 V and 5 V available (VCC3, VCC5)

Audio Output
- Supported formats: MP3, WAV

Power & Environmental
- Input Voltage: 9 – 40 VDC
- Power Consumption: 190 mA @ 12 VDC (~2.3 W)
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C – 70 °C (32 °F – 158 °F)
- Dimensions: 160 × 104 × 32 mm
- Weight: ~440 g

Indicators & Controls
- Power LED (green)
- Ready LED (system boot indicator)
- Link/Activity LEDs for Ethernet
- Dual‑color LEDs for serial port TX/RX activity
- Reset button (hardware reset)

---

4. Functionality

The Matrix‑518 operates as a standalone embedded Linux computer for industrial control, data logging, and communication gateway applications. Upon power‑up, the U‑Boot loader initializes the system and boots the Linux kernel from NAND Flash. The root file system is mounted automatically, and essential daemons (SSH, FTP, web server, syslog) start by default.

Use Cases & Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Remote data acquisition and monitoring
- Serial‑to‑Ethernet communication gateway
- Embedded web server for equipment management
- IoT edge computing and protocol conversion
- Machine‑to‑machine (M2M) communication node

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with Artila’s Matrix‑500 series accessories and software.
- Supports USB flash drives, USB‑to‑RS232 adapters (Prolific PL‑2303), and Wi‑Fi dongles (Ralink RT73).
- Works with standard Linux utilities and cross‑compilers for both Linux and Windows (via Cygwin).

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. Matrix‑518 Industrial Box Computer
2. Wall‑mount bracket
3. Artila CD (includes toolchain, utilities, documentation)

Optional Accessories:
- CB‑RJ45F9‑150 (91‑R45F9‑150): RJ45‑to‑DB9 Female serial cable (150 cm)
- CBL‑F10M9‑20 (91‑0P9M9‑001): Console cable (10‑pin header to DB9 Male, 20 cm)
- DK‑35A (36‑DK35A‑000): DIN‑rail mounting kit

Internal Connectors (for advanced users):
- CN7: 20‑pin GPIO header (TTL compatible)
- CN6: SPI header (5‑pin, 2.0 mm pitch)
- JP2: Serial debug port (TTL level, 4‑pin)
- CN1: JTAG connector
- JP1: Boot manager selection jumper

---

6. Installation & Setup

Mounting Options:
- Wall‑mount (bracket included)
- DIN‑rail mount (optional DK‑35A kit)

Power Requirements:
- 9 – 40 VDC input via terminal block
- Ensure stable DC supply; reverse polarity protection recommended

Network Configuration:
- Default LAN1 IP: 192.168.2.127
- Default LAN2 IP: 192.168.3.127
- Default login: root / root or guest / guest (telnet guest only)

Serial Console Access:
- Internal CON1 connector (requires CBL‑F10M9‑20 cable)
- Terminal settings: 115200 bps, 8N1, no flow control, VT100 terminal type

Software Setup:
- System boots automatically into Linux 2.6.29
- Configuration files located under `/etc` (e.g., `/etc/network/interfaces`, `/etc/inittab`)
- Modify `/etc/modules` to load additional kernel modules (e.g., rt73usb for Wi‑Fi)
- Use `ipkg` for software installation and updates

Loader Menu Access:
- Press “@” repeatedly during boot to enter loader menu
- Options include formatting user disk, upgrading loader/kernel/filesystem, and toggling console

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

- Processing Speed: 400 MHz ARM9 core with hardware multiplier and Java accelerator
- Memory Throughput: 64 MB SDRAM optimized for embedded Linux multitasking
- Storage Capacity: 256 MB NAND Flash + microSD expansion up to 32 GB
- Serial Performance: Up to 921.6 kbps per port; simultaneous multi‑port operation supported
- Network Throughput: Dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interfaces for redundant or segmented networking
- Power Efficiency: < 3 W typical consumption, ideal for continuous operation
- Reliability: Fanless design, solid‑state storage, watchdog timer, and RTC for autonomous operation
- Limitations: No built‑in VGA or HDMI output; designed for headless operation via network or serial console

---

8. Standards & Compliance

- Operating System: Linux 2.6.29 (open‑source, POSIX compliant)
- Bootloader: U‑Boot 1.1.2
- File Systems Supported: UBI, JFFS2, EXT2/EXT3, VFAT/FAT, NFS
- USB Compliance: USB 2.0 full‑speed (12 Mbps)
- Ethernet Compliance: IEEE 802.3 10/100 Base‑T
- Serial Standards: RS‑232, RS‑422, RS‑485 (EIA/TIA compliant)
- EMC & Safety: Designed for industrial environments with 1.5 kV Ethernet isolation and wide‑range DC input
- Software Licensing: GNU GPL for Linux kernel and utilities; open‑source toolchain support

---

9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (contact Artila for regional terms)
- Technical support via Artila website (www.artila.com) and documentation CD
- Firmware and software updates available through Artila FTP and ipkg repositories

Maintenance:
- Solid‑state design requires minimal maintenance
- Periodic firmware updates recommended for security and performance
- System recovery supported via DataFlash backup and USB image restoration

Software Updates & Package Management:
- Use `ipkg update` to refresh package lists
- Install new utilities with `ipkg install <package>`
- Remove software with `ipkg remove <package>`
- Webmin (optional) provides web‑based system administration on port 10000

Development Environment:
- Linux Toolchain: GCC 4.3.3, GLIBC 2.9, binutils 2.18
- Windows Toolchain (Cygwin): GCC 4.3.3, GLIBC 2.8, binutils 2.19
- Cross‑Compilation: Supports arm‑linux‑gnueabi‑gcc and arm‑none‑linux‑gnueabi‑gcc
- Debugging: gdbserver supported for remote debugging via TCP port

System Recovery:
- Automatic fallback to DataFlash boot if NAND filesystem fails
- Recovery menu allows loader, kernel, and filesystem restoration from USB disk
- Default recovery image paths:
- Loader: `/m518/m518.alf`
- Kernel: `/m518/m518K`
- Filesystem: `/m518/m518R`

Utility Software Collection (pre‑installed):
- busybox v1.14.2 (core utilities)
- sysvinit v2.86 (system initialization)
- util‑linux v2.12r (mount/umount)
- ssh v4.6p1 (secure shell, sftp)
- lighttpd v1.7 (web server)
- vsftpd v2.0.5 (FTP server)
- iptables v1.3.8 (firewall/routing)
- ipkg v0.99.163 (package management)
- wireless_tools v29 (Wi‑Fi configuration)
- ppp v2.4.3 (dial‑up networking)
- wget v1.9.1 (HTTP/FTP client)
- procps v3.2.7 (process management)
- bash v3.2 (GNU shell)
- Artila utilities (update, setuart, gpioctl, setconsole, audio control)

Example Development Workflow:
1. Compile application using cross‑compiler (`arm-linux-gcc -g example.c -o example`).
2. Transfer binary via FTP to `/home/guest` on Matrix‑518.
3. Set execution permission (`chmod +x example`).
4. Run program (`./example`).
5. For auto‑start, add command to `/etc/rc.local`.

Security & Remote Access:
- SSH and SFTP enabled by default
- Telnet available (root login disabled for security)
- FTP and HTTP servers pre‑configured
- SSL and SSH 1.0/2.0 supported

Summary

The Artila Matrix‑518 is a versatile, low‑power industrial embedded computer optimized for Linux‑based control and communication tasks. Its combination of dual Ethernet, eight configurable serial ports, and 21 GPIO lines makes it ideal for protocol conversion, data acquisition, and automation gateway applications. With open‑source software, cross‑platform development tools, and robust hardware design, the Matrix‑518 provides a stable foundation for long‑term industrial deployments and custom embedded solutions.