LX-8000 Introduction

LX-8000 Introduction
Nowadays, Linux has been adopted widely by many users because of the properties of stability, open source, and free of charge. In the mean while, owing to the great supports from more and more companies and the mature development, Linux is now becoming one of the most popular OS on the market. Furthermore the hardware requirements of Linux OS in embedded system is not high, just only 386 CPU or better and 8 MB RAM. Therefore, besides Win CE of Microsoft, Linux has been already become another good choice in embedded OS.

The LX-8000 is new generation Linux-based PAC from ICP DAS and is equipped with a powerful CPU module running a Linux kernel 3.x operating system, various communication interfaces (VGA, USB, Ethernet and RS-232/485) and slots for both high performance parallel bus type (high profile I-9K series) and serial bus type (high profile I-87K series) I/O modules.

Compared with the first generation LX-8000, not only is the CPU performance improved have been added (1.0 GHz, quad core) and support Linux kernel 3.x, but many reliability features, such as dual LAN, redundant power input, and dual battery backup SRAM, etc., making the LX-8000 one of the most powerful systems available.
 

Software Features

 
  • Remote Maintenance via SFTP/FTP Server and SSH/Telnet Software

The SFTP/FTP server is used for uploading applications or downloading data. And SSH/Telnet is designed for managing the LX-8000. By using the FTP server and SSH/Telnet, you can update and manage the LX-8000 remotely via the Ethernet.
 
  • Rich Software Solutions

ICP DAS provides the library file - libi8k.a which includes all the functions of the I-7000/8000/87k series modules. Users just install LinPAC SDK and develop LX-8000 applications easily by GNU C Language. Apart from that, users can also use Java to develop LinPAC applications as well.
 

Hardware Features

 
  • Powerful CPU Module

LX-8000 is equipped with a x86 dual-core (1.0 GHz) CPU running a Linux operating system.
 
  • Built-in VGA Port

A built-in VGA port can be directly connected to a regular LCD display. Users can operate the HMI or SCADA software with display, keyboard and mouse just as how they usually did on regular PCs.
 
  • 64-bit Hardware Serial Number

The 64-bit hardware serial number is unique and individual. Every serial number of LX-8000 is different. Users can add a checking mechanism to their AP to prevent software from pirating.
 
  • Rich I/O Expansion Ability (RS-232/485, Ethernet, FRnet, CAN)

Beside the local I/O slots, LX-8000 also equips several RS-232/485 ports, two Ethernet ports to connect serial I/O and Ethernet I/O. And with FRnet and CAN communication module in local slot, FRnet I/O and CAN devices are easy to be integrated.
 
  • Dual Watchdog Timer

A system could be hanged up when the OS or the AP fails. There are two watchdogs (OS watchdog and AP watchdog) designed to automatically reset the CPU when the situations happen. The design will increase the reliability of the system.
 
  • Dual Ethernet Ports

LX-8000 provides two Ethernet ports. The two Ethernet ports can be used to implement redundant Ethernet communication and separate Ethernet communication (one for global Internet, one for private Ethernet).
 
  • Redundant Power Inputs

To prevent the LX-8000 from failing by the power loss, the power module is designed with two inputs. The LX-8000 can keep working even one power input fails, and mean while there is a relay output for informing the power failure.
 
  • Ventilated Housing Design Allows Operation Between -25°C ~ +75°C

Each LX-8000 is housed in a plastics-based box with a column-like ventilator that can help to cool the working environment inside the box and allow the LX-8000 operating between -25°C and +75°C.
Standard LX-8000 (Linux Kernel Inside)
The controller supports following software development tools:
► LinPAC SDK for Linux environment
Model OS CPU System Memory Non-Volatile Memory Storage VGA
Resolution
Ethernet
Port
USB Port RS-232/
RS-485
I/O Slot
LX-8031
 
Linux kernel 3.2 x86 CPU,
1.0 GHz,
dual-core
2 GB DDR3 SDRAM 512 KB MRAM,
16 KB EEPROM
32 GB Flash,
16 GB CF card 
1024 x 768
2 4 5 -
LX-8131
 
4 1
LX-8331
 
3
LX-8731
 
7
 

Local I/O Expansion for LX-8000

Go to here to get more information.

Remote I/O Selection