Extended Network Communications and Bridging
The Echo Development Kit is a JAUS based package that provides repeater/translator hardware and software to enable network communications extension and bridging capabilities for your prototype. The Echo Development Kit includes components for communications and sensing and is designed to expedite the maturation of your ideas from conception to prototype.
COMMUNICATIONS: The repeater/translator capability is offered by the included wireless Ethernet (802.11b/g) and 902-928 MHz data link (76 Kbps). The modularity of the design allows for seamless integration of various radio frequency (RF) devices to meet your specific needs. Echo Development Kit is designed for prototyping deployable stand-alone devices with built-in repeater functionality or as on-board robot protocol translators. The intelligent routing built into the Echo devices can provide a bandwidth optimizing bridge between disparate RF links.
The Echo Development Kit offers a number of connectivity options, including wired 100Mbps Ethernet (TCP/IP or UDP), wired RS-232 (up to 115kbps), wireless 802.11b/g Ethernet (TCP/IP or UDP), and an on-board 902-928 MHz radio. The proprietary radio uses frequency hopping, spread spectrum technology to improve performance in challenging RF environments. The included radio can be quickly and easily replaced with an application-specific solution on an as-needed basis.
SENSING: The Echo Development Kit comes equipped with a GPS, Video Frame Grabber, and a 3-axis Accelerometer. The interface software for these sensing devices is included as is a prototype graphical user interface (GUI). Additional features of the development kit allow for rapid integration of additional technologies via the available input/output options including digital, analog, serial, parallel, Ethernet, and PC/104 interfaces.
SOFTWARE: The Jr Middleware software environment included with the development kit is an open source product offered by DeVivo AST, Inc. We also offer commercial licensing options for Jr to protect Intellectual Property concerns for your proprietary products. ‘Jr’ JAUS Router Middleware is included with the Echo Development Kit to provide a digital interface that is compliant to the SAE Aerospace Standard 5669A, otherwise known as the JAUS Transport Standard. The protocol allows for UDP, TCP, and serial communications while enabling priority queuing, guaranteed delivery, and transport-independent addressing. Furthermore, Echo Development Kit software provides a bridge between disparate communication types, allowing for protocol translation between the different networks such as an IP-based platform to seamlessly communicate with an RS-232 based device.
The Echo Development Kit allows application engineers to focus on their domain expertise rather than the infrastructure and middleware. Applications may include:
- use as a communications component on board robots or in control stations,
- use as a stand-alone node in a distributed sensor network,
- or use as a multi-protocol repeater for communications challenged environments
With integrated support as a repeater/translator, the reach and reliability of the network are extended in both indoor and outdoor environments. The embedded high- speed, low-power processor, numerous connectivity options and a modular software development environment, supports rapid prototyping and concept validation.
POWER: The development kit ships a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack for long run times and short recharge times. Additionally, an AC-DC wall adapter power option is included.
Specifications
PLATFORM
- Windows XP
- Linux
LANGUAGES
- C, C++, C#
- Java
CONNECTIONS
- Ethernet (TCP & UDP)
- Serial (RS-232)
- Internal Sockets
COMMUNICATIONS
- Ethernet (802.11b/g)
- 902-928 MHz Data Link
SENSING
- GPS
- Frame Grabber
- 3-axix Accelerometer
SOFTWARE
- Jr Middleware w/1 commercial license
POWER
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- AC-DC Power Adapter
Echo Dev Kit Brochure
If you would like more information about Echo Development Kit please download the following brochure. Please contact us for pricing information.