1. Product Overview

Product Name: M-9G45A-EV Starter Kit
Model: M-9G45A-EV
Series: M-9G45-A Series
Article Number: M-9G45A-EV
Manufacturer: Artila Electronics Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Linux-ready ARM9 System-on-Module (SoM) with Carrier Board Starter Kit

The Artila M-9G45A-EV Starter Kit is a complete embedded development platform designed for engineers and system integrators developing industrial, automation, and embedded Linux applications. It combines the M-9G45A System-on-Module (SoM)—powered by the Atmel AT91SAM9G45 ARM9 processor—with a fully featured carrier board that provides extended connectivity, power management, and peripheral interfaces. The kit is optimized for rapid prototyping, software development, and deployment of embedded systems requiring low power consumption, compact form factor, and robust Linux support.

---

2. Key Features

- High-performance ARM9 Processor: Equipped with a 400 MHz Atmel AT91SAM9G45 CPU with integrated Memory Management Unit (MMU), enabling efficient multitasking and Linux kernel operation.
- Linux-ready Platform: Preloaded with Linux kernel 2.6.38, U-Boot bootloader, and a complete GNU C/C++ toolchain for immediate development.
- Integrated Memory: 128 MB DDR2 SDRAM and 256 MB NAND Flash, plus 2 MB DataFlash® for system backup.
- Compact and Efficient Design: Small 50 × 80 mm SoM footprint with typical power consumption under 2.5 W.
- Comprehensive I/O Interfaces: Includes Ethernet, multiple UARTs, USB host/client, I²C, SPI, I²S, SD card, GPIO, AC97, LCD, and touchscreen interfaces.
- Advanced Display Support: 24-bit TTL LCD interface supporting TFT panels up to 1280 × 860 pixels with dimming and backlight control.
- Networking Capability: Integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface with onboard PHY (DAVICOM DM9161) and 1.5 kV magnetic isolation.
- Rich Peripheral Support: Compatible with USB flash drives, Wi-Fi adapters, webcams, keyboards, mice, 3G modems, and Bluetooth devices.
- Software Ecosystem: Includes preinstalled utilities, daemons, and drivers for rapid deployment—SSH, FTP, web server (lighttpd), MySQL, PHP, Python, and more.
- Expandable and Customizable: Supports IPKG package management for software installation and updates; customizable USB device drivers.
- Industrial-grade Reliability: Features watchdog timers, RTC with battery backup, and robust GPIO control for embedded applications.

---

3. Technical Specifications

Processor and Memory
- CPU: Atmel AT91SAM9G45, ARM9 core, 400 MHz with MMU
- RAM: 128 MB DDR2 SDRAM
- Flash Storage: 256 MB NAND Flash
- Backup Storage: 2 MB DataFlash® for system recovery

Networking
- Ethernet: 1 × 10/100 Mbps interface
- PHY: DAVICOM DM9161 onboard
- Isolation: 1.5 kV magnetic isolation
- Signals: ETX+, ETX−, ERX+, ERX−

Serial Communication (UART)
- Ports: 4 UARTs
- UART1: TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DCD, DTR, DSR, GND
- UART2–4: TX, RX, RTS, CTS, GND
- Signal Level: CMOS / 3.3 V compatible
- 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

USB Interfaces
- Host Port: 1 × USB 2.0 (480 Mbps high-speed)
- Device Port: 1 × USB 2.0 client
- Signals: USBA+, USBA− (host); Uddata+, Uddata−, Udio (device)

I²C Bus
- Signals: TWD, TWCK
- Supported Devices: EEPROM, RTC

I²S Audio Interface
- Transmit Signals: TSCK, TWS, TSD
- Receive Signals: RSCK, RWS, RSD

SPI Interface
- Signals: MISO, MOSI, SPCK
- Chip Selects: CS1, CS2

SD Card Interface
- Signals: MCCDA, MCCK, MCDA0–MCDA3
- Auxiliary: CD (Card Detect), WP (Write Protect)
- Compatibility: SD 2.0 standard
- Capacity: Up to 32 GB

GPIO
- Pins: 15 (PIO0–PIO14)
- Voltage Level: CMOS / 3.3 V

AC97 Interface
- Signals: RX, TX, FS, CK (shared with GPIO PIO11–14)

Predefined I/O Pins
- Reset Button (CN1 pin 11)
- System Reset (CN1 pin 13)
- Buzzer (CN1 pin 22)
- System Ready LED (CN1 pin 1)
- LAN Activity LED (CN1 pin 3)

Real-Time Clock (RTC)
- Chip: ST M41T81
- Backup Battery: 48 mAh lithium cell onboard
- External Battery Input: CN1 pin 5

Debug Port
- Type: RS-232 serial console
- Signals: Tx, Rx, GND

Display and Touchscreen
- LCD Interface: 24-bit TTL RGB (8 bits per color)
- Resolution: Up to 1280 × 860 pixels
- Control Signals: Dot Clock, Data Enable, H.sync, V.sync, Dimming, Backlight
- Touchscreen: 4-wire resistive (Top, Bottom, Left, Right)

Power and Physical
- Input Voltage: 3.0 – 3.6 V DC (3.3 V nominal)
- Power Consumption: Typical 2 W
- Dimensions: 80 mm (W) × 50 mm (H)
- Connectors:
- CN1: 28 pins
- CN2: 50 pins
- CN3: 50 pins
- Total: 128 pins, 2.0 mm pitch
- Mounting Holes: 2 × M2 (2.0 mm diameter)

---

4. Functionality

The M-9G45A-EV Starter Kit functions as a complete embedded computing platform. The System-on-Module (SoM) integrates the CPU, memory, and essential interfaces, while the carrier board provides extended connectivity and power regulation. The system boots via U-Boot into a Linux 2.6.38 environment, supporting multiple file systems (UBI, JFFS2, EXT2/3, VFAT, NFS, NTFS).

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation controllers
- Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) with LCD and touchscreen
- Networked data acquisition systems
- Embedded gateways and protocol converters
- IoT edge computing nodes
- Educational and research platforms for embedded Linux

Compatibility:
The SoM supports a wide range of USB peripherals (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, serial adapters, webcams, keyboards, mice, modems, Bluetooth) and standard communication protocols (UART, SPI, I²C, I²S). It is compatible with SD 2.0 storage cards and standard TFT LCD panels.

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included in the Starter Kit:
- M-9G45A System-on-Module (AT91SAM9G45 CPU, 128 MB DDR2, 256 MB NAND)
- Carrier Board with:
- Power circuitry
- 1 × RS-485 port
- 3 × RS-232 ports
- 1 × Ethernet port
- 4 × USB 2.0 host ports
- 1 × USB 2.0 client port
- 1 × microSD socket
- Real-Time Clock (RTC)
- EEPROM
- Local bus connector

Optional Accessories:
- TFT LCD panel (up to 1280 × 860 pixels)
- 4-wire resistive touchscreen
- External RTC battery
- USB peripherals (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G modem, etc.)

Connectors:
- CN1 (28 pins): System control and I/O
- CN2 (50 pins): Peripheral and expansion interface
- CN3 (50 pins): Display and communication interface

---

6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- DC power supply (3.3 V nominal)
- Serial console connection for initial configuration
- Ethernet or USB connection for network setup

Mounting Options:
- Two M2 mounting holes for secure attachment to carrier or chassis
- 2.0 mm pitch connectors for reliable SoM-to-carrier connection

Configuration Steps:
1. Mount the M-9G45A SoM onto the carrier board via CN1–CN3 connectors.
2. Connect power and serial console for boot monitoring.
3. Configure network settings via SSH, Telnet, or Webmin.
4. Install additional packages using IPKG or cross-compilation toolchain.
5. Connect peripherals (LCD, touchscreen, USB devices) as required.

Software Setup:
- Bootloader: U-Boot initializes hardware and loads Linux kernel.
- Linux kernel 2.6.38 supports all onboard peripherals.
- Webmin provides browser-based system administration.
- IPKG enables package installation, upgrade, and removal.

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

Processing Performance:
- 400 MHz ARM9 core optimized for embedded Linux multitasking.
- Efficient MMU for memory protection and virtual memory management.

Memory and Storage:
- 128 MB DDR2 ensures smooth operation of GUI and network services.
- 256 MB NAND Flash provides ample space for OS and applications.
- SD card expansion up to 32 GB for data logging or extended storage.

Networking:
- Stable 10/100 Mbps Ethernet with hardware isolation for industrial environments.
- Supports TCP/IP, SSH, FTP, HTTP, and SNMP protocols.

Power Efficiency:
- Typical consumption under 2 W, suitable for battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.

Display and Multimedia:
- 24-bit color depth for vivid TFT display output.
- Integrated I²S and AC97 interfaces for audio input/output.

Limitations:
- Single-core ARM9 architecture limits high-end multimedia or heavy computation tasks.
- Maximum SD card capacity limited to 32 GB (SD 2.0 standard).

---

8. Standards & Compliance

Hardware Standards:
- Compliant with ARM9 architecture and Atmel AT91SAM9G45 specifications.
- Ethernet PHY meets IEEE 802.3 10/100 Mbps standards.
- USB 2.0 compliant host and device interfaces.
- SD 2.0 card interface compatibility.

Software Standards:
- Linux kernel 2.6.38 compliant with POSIX standards.
- GCC and GLIBC toolchain for ANSI C/C++ development.
- File system support: UBI, JFFS2, EXT2/3, VFAT, NFS, NTFS.

Regulatory and Safety:
- 1.5 kV magnetic isolation on Ethernet interface for electrical safety.
- Designed for industrial-grade reliability and continuous operation.

Certifications:
- (Manufacturer documentation indicates compliance with CE and RoHS standards; typical for Artila embedded modules.)

---

9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically one year; refer to Artila policy).

Technical Support:
- Documentation, software updates, and technical resources available at [www.artila.com](http://www.artila.com).
- Developer support includes sample code, cross-compilation tools, and configuration guides.

Maintenance:
- Linux-based system allows remote updates via SSH or Webmin.
- Watchdog timers ensure system recovery from software faults.
- RTC battery replacement recommended every few years for timekeeping accuracy.

Software Updates:
- Kernel and package updates available through IPKG or manual installation.
- Customization supported for USB drivers, kernel modules, and user-space applications.

Ordering Information:
- M-9G45A: SoM only (AT91SAM9G45, 128 MB DDR2, 256 MB NAND).
- M-9G45A-EV Starter Kit: Includes SoM and carrier board with full I/O and power circuitry.

---

Summary

The Artila M-9G45A-EV Starter Kit delivers a robust, Linux-ready embedded computing solution built around the Atmel AT91SAM9G45 ARM9 processor. With its compact 80 × 50 mm SoM, low power consumption, and comprehensive I/O support, it is ideal for industrial automation, HMI, and networked embedded applications. The preinstalled Linux environment, extensive peripheral compatibility, and integrated development tools enable rapid prototyping and deployment. Designed for reliability, scalability, and flexibility, the M-9G45A-EV provides a complete foundation for modern embedded system development.