RabbitLink EG2110 User Manual - 1. I
User’s Manual
1
1. I
NTRODUCTION
This chapter introduces the RabbitLink Network Programming Gateway and describes its features.
Rabbit-based embedded systems are normally programmed using a direct connection between a
PC and the programming port of the Rabbit-based system. The RabbitLink provides an indirect
connection between the two for remote downloading and debugging.
Figure 1.0.0-1 Remote Network Access via RabbitLink Network Gateway
1.1 Overview
Microprocessor boards with a Rabbit microprocessor use a standardized programming connector.
Using this connector it is possible to load new software as well as perform the various testing and
debugging operations that are part of normal software development. The target can be initialized
completely via the programming port without the need for preexisting code stored on the flash
memory of the target board. The programming port is a 10 pin 2 millimeter header (Rabbit 2000-
based boards) or a 10 pin 1.27 millimeter header (Rabbit 3000-based boards). It is connected to a
serial port that is a part of the Rabbit processor chip. High speed data transmission is possible via
this port. The programming port is described in detail in both the Rabbit 2000 and the Rabbit 3000
user manuals. If you develop your own Rabbit-based microprocessor board be sure to include this
standardized programming port.
Before the RabbitLink board was introduced the only way to program a Rabbit-based system was
via a special serial cable that connects a PC serial port to the Rabbit programming port. This cable,
called the programming cable, includes a level translator to convert the RS-232 signal levels on
the PC serial port to CMOS logic levels accepted by the Rabbit programming port.
The RabbitLink makes it possible to load and debug programs on a Rabbit-based target via a net-
work, including the Internet. The RabbitLink has an Ethernet port that can be connected to a net-
work or directly to an Ethernet adapter on your PC (using a crossover cable). A programming port
out connector on the RabbitLink is connected to the programming port on the Rabbit-based target
using the program download cable provided. This connection is shown in Figure 2.3.0-1.