1. Product Overview

Product Name: Matrix-500
Model: Matrix-500
Series: Matrix Embedded Linux Computer Series
Article Number: Matrix-500
Manufacturer: Artila Electronics Co., Ltd.

The Artila Matrix-500 is a compact, fanless, ARM9-based embedded Linux computer designed for industrial and automation applications. It integrates a 180 MHz Atmel AT91RM9200 ARM9 processor with 64 MB SDRAM and 16 MB NOR Flash memory, providing a robust and energy-efficient platform for headless, web-based, and remote control systems. The device includes four serial ports, one Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 host ports, and 16 general-purpose digital I/O channels, all housed in a rugged metal enclosure suitable for DIN-rail mounting. The Matrix-500 runs a Linux 2.6.x kernel and supports a full GNU C/C++ toolchain for both Linux and Windows development environments.

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2. Key Features

- ARM9 Processor Platform: Powered by the Atmel AT91RM9200 ARM920T CPU running at 180 MHz, delivering approximately 200 MIPS performance with integrated MMU and 16 KB instruction/data caches.
- Linux-Ready Architecture: Pre-installed Linux 2.6.x kernel with U-Boot 1.1.2 bootloader, supporting JFFS2, EXT2/EXT3, VFAT/FAT, and NFS file systems.
- Multiple Communication Interfaces:
- Four high-speed serial TTY ports (up to 921.6 Kbps).
- One 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port with 1.5 kV magnetic isolation.
- Two USB 2.0 full-speed host ports (12 Mbps) for peripheral expansion.
- One internal SD card slot (SD 1.0 compliant, up to 2 GB).
- Digital I/O: 16 programmable TTL-compatible GPIO channels via 20-pin header.
- Compact and Fanless Design: Dimensions 78 × 108 × 24 mm; fanless metal enclosure for industrial reliability.
- Wide Power Input Range: 9–48 V DC input, 300 mA at 12 V DC typical consumption (< 3 W).
- Industrial-Grade Operation: Operating temperature range 0 °C – 70 °C.
- Security and Networking: Built-in SSL, SSH 1.0/2.0, SNMP v1/v2, and firewall (iptables) support.
- Development Environment: Includes GNU cross-compilation toolchain (GCC, GLIBC) for Linux and Cygwin/Windows.
- Web Server and Remote Management: Integrated Boa web server, FTP/Telnet/SSH daemons, and SNMP agent for remote configuration and monitoring.
- Expandable Storage: Internal SD slot and USB mass storage support for data logging or web content hosting.
- Low Power Consumption: Less than 3 W typical, ideal for continuous operation in embedded systems.

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3. Technical Specifications

Processor and Memory
- CPU: Atmel AT91RM9200 (ARM920T core, 180 MHz, with MMU)
- Performance: ~200 MIPS
- Cache: 16 KB instruction + 16 KB data cache
- SDRAM: 64 MB
- Flash Memory: 16 MB NOR Flash

Networking
- Interface: 10/100 Base‑T Ethernet (RJ‑45)
- Isolation: 1.5 kV magnetic isolation
- Protocols: IPv4, TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, NTP, SNMP, SSL, SSH, PPP, PPPoE

Serial Communication (TTY Ports)
- Total Ports: 4
- Port 1: RS‑232/RS‑422/RS‑485 selectable
- Port 2: Full RS‑232 (modem control supported)
- Ports 3–4: RS‑232
- Connector Type: RJ‑45
- Baud Rate: Up to 921.6 Kbps
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, 8
- Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space
- Flow Control: RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF, None

USB Host Ports
- Quantity: 2
- Standard: USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps)
- Supported Devices: USB flash drives, Wi‑Fi dongles (IEEE 802.11b/g, Ralink RT2571), USB‑to‑Serial adapters (FTDI), USB modems (CDC), USB cameras

Storage
- Internal SD Slot: SD 1.0 compliant, up to 2 GB (non‑SDHC)
- File Systems: JFFS2, EXT2/EXT3, VFAT/FAT, NFS

Digital I/O (GPIO)
- Channels: 16 programmable I/O lines
- Signal Level: TTL/CMOS compatible
- Connector: 20‑pin, 2.54 mm pitch header (CN7)

Power and Environmental
- Input Voltage: 9 – 48 V DC
- Power Consumption: 300 mA @ 12 V DC (≈ 3 W)
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C – 70 °C (32 °F – 158 °F)
- Enclosure: Fanless metal case
- Dimensions: 78 × 108 × 24 mm
- Weight: Approx. 200 g (typical)

Regulatory Compliance
- CE Class A
- FCC Class A

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4. Functionality

The Matrix‑500 functions as a compact embedded web server and industrial controller. It boots from on‑board Flash using U‑Boot, loads the Linux kernel into SDRAM, and mounts a RAMDISK root file system. The remaining Flash space is formatted as a user disk (/disk) for persistent storage of applications, configuration files, and web content.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and data acquisition
- Remote monitoring and control systems
- Serial‑to‑Ethernet communication gateways
- Embedded web servers for equipment management
- IoT edge computing and protocol conversion
- Networked sensor or PLC interfacing

Compatibility:
- Supports Linux 2.6.x kernel and POSIX‑compliant applications
- Compatible with GNU toolchains for Linux and Windows (via Cygwin)
- Supports USB peripherals and SD storage for expansion

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. Matrix‑500 main unit
2. Artila CD containing:
- GNU cross‑compiler toolchain
- Installation guides and documentation
- Example programs and utilities

Optional Accessories:
- CB‑RJ45F9‑150: RJ‑45 to DB‑9 F serial cable
- CB‑RJ2CON‑100: Serial console cable (for enabling ttyS0 console)
- DK‑35A: DIN‑rail mounting kit
- PWR‑12V‑1A: 110–240 V AC to 12 V DC 1 A power adapter

Internal Connectors (for advanced users):
- CN7: 16‑bit GPIO header (2.54 mm pitch)
- CN6: SPI header (5‑pin, 2.0 mm pitch)
- CN1: JTAG connector for debugging
- JP2: Serial debug port (TTL level, 4‑pin)
- JP1: Boot manager selection jumper (factory set to 2‑3)

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6. Installation & Setup

Power Connection:
Connect a regulated 9–48 V DC supply to the power terminal. The Power LED glows solid green when voltage is correctly applied.

Mounting Options:
- Desktop or panel installation
- Optional DIN‑rail mounting using DK‑35A kit

Network Configuration:
Default IP: 192.168.2.127
Default login: guest / guest
Root (SSH): root / root

To modify network settings, edit `/disk/etc/rc` or use `ifconfig` and `dhcpcd` commands. Wireless connectivity can be added via a supported USB Wi‑Fi adapter (Ralink RT2571 chipset).

Serial Console Activation:
The serial console (ttyS0) shares pins with Port 3 (ttyS3). To enable:
1. Connect CB‑RJ2CON‑100 cable to Port 3.
2. Use terminal software (115200 bps, 8N1, no flow control, VT100).
3. Power on and press “@” repeatedly to enter loader mode.
4. Select “A” to toggle console enable, then reboot.

SD Card Installation:
Open the metal enclosure and insert an SD 1.0 card (≤ 2 GB) into the internal socket. Reassemble before powering on.

LED Indicators:
- Power LED: Solid green when powered.
- Ready LED: Solid green after system boot; off after halt.
- Ethernet LED: Solid green link, flashing on activity.
- Serial LEDs: Dual‑color indicators for TX (yellow) and RX (green).

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Processing Speed: 180 MHz ARM9 core (~200 MIPS).
- Serial Throughput: Up to 921.6 Kbps per port.
- Network Bandwidth: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet.
- Storage Capacity:
- 16 MB Flash (≈ 12 MB user space after system allocation).
- 64 MB SDRAM (≈ 16 MB available for user applications).
- SD card expansion up to 2 GB.
- Power Efficiency: < 3 W typical consumption.
- Reliability: Watchdog timer and real‑time clock integrated.
- Limitations:
- SDHC cards not supported (SD 1.0 only).
- Serial console disabled by default (requires manual activation).
- Operating temperature limited to 70 °C maximum.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Operating System: Linux 2.6.x kernel
- Bootloader: U‑Boot 1.1.2
- Networking Protocols: IPv4, ICMP, ARP, DHCP, NTP, TCP, UDP, FTP, Telnet, HTTP, PPP, PPPoE, CHAP, PAP, SMTP, SNMP v1/v2, SSL, SSH 1.0/2.0
- Software Utilities: bash, busybox, tinylogin, ftp, telnet, iptables, boa web server, sshd, ftpd, snmpd, inetd, pppd, armd (Artila manager daemon)
- Device Drivers: UART, Ethernet, SD/MMC, RTC, GPIO, Watchdog, Buzzer, USB host (customizable)
- Compliance: CE Class A, FCC Class A
- Development Standards: POSIX C/C++ libraries (GLIBC), GNU GCC toolchain

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
Artila Electronics provides standard warranty coverage for manufacturing defects and offers technical support via documentation, online resources, and firmware updates. The included CD contains user guides, quick installation manuals, and example source code.

Maintenance:
- Use the `update` utility to upgrade loader, kernel, or filesystem images.
- Format user disk with `update --FORMAT` when restoring factory defaults.
- Backup user data to USB storage before formatting.
- Regularly synchronize system time using NTP or manually via `date` and `hwclock` commands.

Software Updates:
Firmware and loader updates can be performed via serial (Kermit/Xmodem) or Ethernet (TFTP). The loader menu provides options for kernel, filesystem, and environment upgrades.

Development Environment:
- Linux Toolchain: GCC C/C++ cross‑compiler, GLIBC POSIX library.
- Windows (Cygwin) Toolchain: Pre‑packaged Cygwin environment with ARM‑Linux cross‑compiler.
- Debugging: Supports remote debugging via `gdbserver` and DDD graphical debugger.
- Example Applications: Provided on Artila CD for quick start (e.g., Hello World, network utilities).

Factory Defaults:
- IP: 192.168.2.127
- Login: guest / guest
- Root (SSH): root / root
- Serial console: disabled

Recovery and Reset:
If configuration is lost or password forgotten, users can restore defaults by formatting the user disk or copying default files from `/default` to `/etc` and `/home`.

Safety and Handling:
Operate within specified voltage and temperature ranges. Avoid electrostatic discharge when handling internal components such as SD or GPIO connectors.

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Summary

The Artila Matrix‑500 is a highly integrated, Linux‑ready embedded computer optimized for industrial automation, remote monitoring, and networked control applications. Combining a 180 MHz ARM9 processor, multiple serial and USB interfaces, Ethernet connectivity, and flexible I/O in a compact, fanless enclosure, it delivers reliable performance under demanding conditions. Its open Linux environment, comprehensive toolchain, and extensive protocol support make it ideal for developers seeking a customizable, low‑power embedded platform for headless or web‑based systems.