Calao Systems Introduces Linux based DIN Rail Home and Building Automation Systems

Calao Systems is an embedded systems company that I came to know thanks to their Snowball development boards based on the now defunct ST Ericsson Nova A9500 processor. The company has now launched new products for building and home automation powered by Atmel AT91SAM9G20 ARM9 processor clocked at 400 MHz housed in a DIN Rail enclosure.

Two products are now available HABA-KNX-EXPLORER and HABA-KNX-LITE that share the following specifications:

• Processor – Atmel ARM926EJ-S @ 400MHz
• System Memory – 128MB SDRAM
• Storage – 256MB NAND Flash, 16 Mbit serial flash, 2Kbit EEPROM with MAC address, and Micro SD slot
• Connectivity
  • Lite – 1x Ethernet 10/100Mbits
  • Explorer – 2x Ethernet 10/100Mbits
• USB –  2x USB Host FS (12Mbits), 1x USB Device FS (12Mbits)
• Serial (Explorer only) – 1x RS-232 (isolated), 2x RS-485 (isolated)
• Automation I/F – 1x KNX/TP1 (isolated)
• Expansion – 1x RF Expansion Connector
• Debugging – JTAG and DBGU interfaces
• Misc – RTC battery backup
• Power Supply – 9-36V DC
• Power Consumption  – Lite: < 5W; Explorer: < 10W
• Mounting
  • Lite – DIN Rail 6 units
  • Explorer – DIN Rail 9 units
• Temperature Range – -20°C to +70°C

The systems run open source bootloader (Barebox/U-boot), kernel / operating system (Linux), and software packages such as Eibd, LinKnx, or KnxWeb, and it also supports buildroot development tool. Documentation, such as quick reference guides, and software can be downloaded via HABA Wiki.

Target applications include KNXpc (EIB/KNX Controller), smart grid controller, energy meters management, datalogger, time server, web server, IP/KNX router, GSM/GPRS, WiFi, BT Gateways,Wired to Wireless Bridges (MBUS, ZigBee, KNX/RF, 6LowPan, LoRa,…), repeaters, and so on. To achieve all these features, the company can also provide various expansion boards. Two other systems dubbed “Entry” and “Explorer 2” are also currently being designed, but no details have been released.

HABA-KNX-LITE and HABA-KNX-EXPLORER can be purchased on Calao Systems’ online store for respectively 338.77 Euros and 470.16 Euros before VAT and shipping. Further details may be found on the company’s Home and Building Automation page.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.

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