1. Product Overview

Product Name: Matrix‑518
Model / Article Number: Matrix‑518
Series: Matrix ARM9 Industrial Embedded Computer Series
Manufacturer: Artila Electronics Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Linux‑ready ARM9 Industrial Box Computer

The Artila Matrix‑518 is a compact, fanless, ARM9‑based industrial embedded computer designed for automation, networking, and data acquisition applications. It integrates a 400 MHz Atmel AT91SAM9G20 processor, dual Ethernet interfaces, eight software‑configurable serial ports, USB connectivity, and 21 programmable digital I/O channels. The system is pre‑installed with a standard Linux 2.6.29 operating system and includes a comprehensive GNU toolchain for software development. It is engineered for reliability in industrial environments, supporting wide‑range DC power input (9–40 VDC), extended operating temperature (0 – 70 °C), and DIN‑rail or wall‑mount installation options.

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2. Key Features

- Processor: Atmel AT91SAM9G20 ARM926EJ‑S CPU, 400 MHz with MMU, 32 KB instruction and 32 KB data cache.
- Operating System: Pre‑installed Linux kernel 2.6.29 with U‑Boot 1.1.2 bootloader.
- Memory: 64 MB SDRAM, 256 MB NAND Flash, and 2 MB DataFlash® for system backup.
- Storage Expansion: Internal microSD socket supporting up to 32 GB (SD 1.0 compliant).
- Networking: Dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports (RJ‑45) with 1.5 kV magnetic isolation.
- Serial Communication: Eight 3‑in‑1 RS‑232/422/485 ports, software‑selectable, 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 lines, CMOS/TTL compatible, configurable as input or output.
- Audio Output: Supports MP3 and WAV playback via integrated audio interface.
- Power Input: 9 – 40 VDC, typical consumption 190 mA @ 12 VDC (~2.3 W).
- Form Factor: Compact fanless aluminum enclosure, 160 × 104 × 32 mm, approx. 440 g.
- Mounting Options: Wall‑mount bracket included; optional DIN‑rail kit (DK‑35A).
- Reliability: Watchdog timer, real‑time clock, buzzer, and fanless solid‑state design.
- Software Tools: GNU C/C++ cross‑compiler toolchain for Linux and Windows (Cygwin), ipkg package management, and webmin web‑based administration.
- Security: SSH 1.0/2.0, SSL, and user‑level access control.
- Backward Compatibility: Upward compatible with Matrix‑500 series.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Category | Specification |
|---------------|-------------------|
| CPU | Atmel AT91SAM9G20 ARM926EJ‑S, 400 MHz |
| Memory | 64 MB SDRAM, 256 MB NAND Flash, 2 MB DataFlash |
| Storage Expansion | 1 × microSD socket (up to 32 GB, SD 1.0) |
| Ethernet | 2 × 10/100 Base‑T (RJ‑45, 1.5 kV isolation) |
| Serial Ports | 8 × RS‑232/422/485 (RJ‑45 connectors) |
| Serial Parameters | Baud rate ≤ 921.6 kbps; parity None/Even/Odd/Mark/Space; data bits 5–8; stop bits 1/1.5/2; flow control RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF, None; RS‑485 auto direction control |
| USB | 2 × USB 2.0 Host (12 Mbps), 1 × USB Client (reserved) |
| Digital I/O | 21 × GPIO, CMOS/TTL compatible, programmable I/O |
| Audio | MP3/WAV output support |
| Power Input | 9 – 40 VDC (typ. 190 mA @ 12 VDC) |
| Power Consumption | < 3 W |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| RTC | Yes |
| Buzzer | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 70 °C (32 – 158 °F) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 160 × 104 × 32 mm |
| Weight | ~ 440 g |
| Enclosure | Fanless metal housing, DIN‑rail mountable |
| Compliance | CE, FCC (Class A) industrial standards (compliance implied) |

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4. Functionality

The Matrix‑518 functions as a compact embedded controller and communication gateway. It runs a full Linux operating system, enabling developers to deploy custom applications for data acquisition, protocol conversion, remote monitoring, and industrial automation.

Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial control and SCADA systems
- Serial‑to‑Ethernet or Modbus gateway
- Remote data logging and telemetry
- Embedded web server for equipment monitoring
- IoT edge computing node
- Networked serial device server

Operation:
Upon power‑up, the U‑Boot loader initializes hardware and loads the Linux kernel from NAND Flash. The system mounts the root file system and starts essential services (SSH, FTP, web server, syslog). Users can access the device via Ethernet (SSH, Telnet, or web interface) or through the serial console. The 21 GPIO lines can be programmed for digital input/output control, while the serial ports support RS‑232, RS‑422, or RS‑485 communication modes.

Compatibility:
- Supports USB flash drives, USB‑to‑serial adapters (Prolific PL‑2303), and Wi‑Fi dongles (Ralink RT73).
- Compatible with standard Linux utilities and cross‑compiled applications.
- Works with Artila’s Java Manager and webmin for remote configuration.

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5. Components & Accessories

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

Optional Accessories:
- CB‑RJ45F9‑150 (91‑R45F9‑150): RJ‑45 to DB‑9 Female Serial Cable (150 cm)
- CBL‑F10M9‑20 (91‑0P9M9‑001): Console Cable (10‑pin Header to DB‑9 Male, 20 cm)
- DK‑35A (36‑DK35A‑000): DIN‑Rail Mounting Kit

Connectors:
- 2 × RJ‑45 Ethernet ports
- 8 × RJ‑45 serial ports
- 2 × USB Host ports + 1 USB Client (reserved)
- 1 × DB‑25 female for GPIO
- Internal connectors for debug (JP2), JTAG (CN1), SPI (CN6), and microSD socket

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6. Installation & Setup

Power Requirements:
Supply 9 – 40 VDC regulated input. Typical consumption is 190 mA @ 12 VDC. Ensure proper polarity and grounding.

Mounting Options:
- Wall‑mount bracket (pre‑installed)
- Optional DIN‑rail mount kit (DK‑35A) for industrial cabinets

Network Configuration:
Default LAN 1 IP: 192.168.2.127
Default LAN 2 IP: 192.168.3.127
Default login: root / guest (telnet guest only)
Use SSH or Telnet to access the system. Network settings can be modified via `/etc/network/interfaces`.

Serial Console Access:
- Internal connector (CON1) near reset button.
- Use console cable CBL‑F10M9‑20.
- Terminal settings: 115200 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (N,8,1), VT100 terminal.

System Boot:
On power‑up, the bootloader (U‑Boot) loads the Linux kernel and mounts the root filesystem. The Ready LED turns green when boot is complete.

Loader Menu Access:
Press “@” repeatedly during boot to enter the loader menu. Functions include formatting user disk, upgrading loader/kernel/filesystem via serial or TFTP, and configuring Ethernet settings.

Software Development Setup:
- Linux Toolchain: GCC 4.3.3, glibc 2.9, binutils 2.18 (for Linux hosts).
- Windows Toolchain: Cygwin environment with ARM cross‑compiler (arm‑none‑linux‑gnueabi).
- Example programs and Makefiles included on Artila CD.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Processing Speed: 400 MHz ARM9 core with hardware MMU and Java acceleration.
- Memory Performance: 64 MB SDRAM supports multitasking Linux applications.
- Storage Capacity: 256 MB NAND Flash for system and user data; expandable via microSD (up to 32 GB).
- Networking: Dual Ethernet interfaces enable redundant or segmented networks.
- Serial Throughput: Up to 921.6 kbps per port with hardware flow control.
- Power Efficiency: < 3 W total consumption for continuous operation.
- Reliability: Watchdog timer prevents system hangs; DataFlash backup ensures boot recovery.
- Limitations: No VGA or HDMI output (video headless operation); limited RAM for large GUI applications.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Operating System Compliance: Linux 2.6.29 kernel with POSIX libraries (GLIBC).
- File System Support: UBI, JFFS2, EXT2/EXT3, VFAT/FAT, NFS.
- Network Protocols: TCP/IP, SSH, FTP, HTTP, Telnet, PPP, NTP.
- USB Compliance: USB 2.0 (full‑speed 12 Mbps).
- Ethernet Compliance: IEEE 802.3 10/100 Base‑T.
- Electrical Safety: 1.5 kV magnetic isolation on Ethernet ports.
- Environmental Compliance: Fanless design for industrial temperature range (0 – 70 °C).
- Software Licensing: Open‑source GNU toolchain and Linux utilities.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
Artila Electronics provides standard manufacturer warranty and technical support for Matrix series products. Support resources include user manuals, firmware updates, and software packages available via Artila’s website (www.artila.com).

Maintenance:
- Periodically check power connections and mounting stability.
- Use `update` utility to upgrade loader, kernel, or filesystem images.
- Backup user data to USB or microSD before firmware updates.
- Use `ipkg` to install or remove software packages.

System Recovery:
If the NAND filesystem fails, the Matrix‑518 automatically boots from DataFlash and presents a console menu for recovery. Options include updating images from USB disk, rebuilding filesystem, and restoring environment files to factory defaults.

Software Utilities and Services:
- Default Services: SSH (sftp), syslog/klogd, telnet (disabled root), FTP (vsftpd), web server (lighttpd or apache2), amgrd (Artila broadcast search daemon).
- Utility Collection: busybox v1.14.2, sysvinit v2.86, util‑linux, ssh v4.6p1, usbutils v0.7, lighttpd v1.7, wget v1.9.1, iptables v1.3.8, ipkg v0.99.163, procps v3.2.7, vsftpd v2.0.5, bash v3.2, wireless_tools v29, ppp v2.4.3, psmics v22.2, artila utility v1.1.
- Artila Utilities: `update`, `setuart`, `setconsole`, `gpioctl`, `version`, `audio` commands (madplay, aplay, amixer, alsamixer).

Software Development and Debugging:
- Cross‑Compilation: Use GNU toolchain (arm‑linux‑gnueabi‑gcc/g++).
- Debugging: Supports gdbserver for remote debug via TCP port; compatible with DDD and arm‑linux‑gdb.
- Example Applications: Provided on Artila CD with Makefiles and source code.

System Administration:
- ipkg Package Management: Install, upgrade, and remove software from Artila FTP or local USB repository.
- webmin: Web‑based administration interface (port 10000) for system, network, and hardware configuration.
- Logging: System and kernel logs via syslog/klogd.
- Time Synchronization: RTC adjustment via `date` and `hwclock` commands or NTP client.

Recovery and Customization:
- DataFlash Boot: Force boot from DataFlash by pressing “!” during startup.
- Custom Filesystem: Use mkimage504 utility to create and duplicate user filesystem images.
- Environment Recovery: Restore default settings via console menu.

Physical Indicators and Controls:
- Reset Button: Hardware reset for system reboot.
- Power LED: Solid green when power is applied.
- Ready LED: Solid green after successful boot.
- Link/Act LEDs: Ethernet link and activity indicators.
- Serial Port LEDs: Dual‑color RX/TX status indicators (Green = RXD, Yellow = TXD).

Digital I/O (DB‑25 Pin Assignment):
Pins 1–21 = DIO0–DIO20; Pins 22–23 = GND; Pin 24 = VCC3 (3.3 V); Pin 25 = VCC5 (5 V).

Factory Default Settings:
- LAN 1 IP: 192.168.2.127
- LAN 2 IP: 192.168.3.127
- Login: root / guest
- Serial Console: 115200 bps, N,8,1, no flow control

Summary:
The Artila Matrix‑518 is a robust, low‑power industrial embedded computer optimized for networked automation and data communication tasks. Its combination of dual Ethernet interfaces, multiple serial ports, programmable GPIO, and Linux software environment makes it ideal for industrial control, IoT edge applications, and embedded gateway solutions. With its open architecture, comprehensive toolchain, and solid‑state design, the Matrix‑518 delivers long‑term reliability and flexibility for industrial developers and system integrators.