Chapter 2. Product Overview
2.1. Product Features
2.1.1. What is Armadillo
"Armadillo" is an embedded system platform brand with ARM core processors and Linux support. Armadillo brand
products have the following features.
• ARM processors with power-saving design
ARM based processor boards with power saving designs that operate between one to several watts, they generate
little heat and don't require a fan.
• Small Size
The CPU boards are mostly the size of a business card. A lineup of ultra-small modules including a CPU module
about one third the size of a business card and also a wireless LAN module are also available.
• Linux Preinstalled as the Standard Operating System
Linux as the default operating system provides access to rich software resources and proven stability. Source code
is provided as open source.
• Development Environment
"Atmark Techno Development Environment" (ATDE) is provided free of charge as the development environment
for Armadillo. ATDE is a virtual machine image for VMware. The image is based on a Linux desktop environment
and has GNU cross development tools and other necessary tools preinstalled. Using ATDE reduces the work in-
volved with setting up a development environment like preparing a development PC and installing required tools.
2.1.2. What is Armadillo-IoT Gateway
The Armadillo-IoT Gateway is a platform for easily and quickly developing gateways for IoT / M2M and is based on the
proven Armadillo embedded platform. It combines a high degree of flexibility, ease of development and robustness as an
embedded device in a well-balanced manner, and is suitable for those who want to develop original commercial IoT gateways
in a timely manner according to market needs.
Expansion with Add-on Modules
Two expansion interfaces are available allowing optional add-on modules to be connected. Add-on modules for
wired connections such as RS232C / RS422 / RS485, digital input/output and analog input, and also those supporting
energy-saving wireless communication standards such as EnOcean and Wi-SUN are available.
Also, as the interface standards for add-on modules are published, original modules can be developed. As various
requirements can be met by developing just an add-on module, it is possible to reduce the overall development time
and cost compared to when developing a full CPU board from scratch.
Mobile Communication (3G) Support
3G communication modules can be equipped for mobile communication. Various mobile carriers offer dedicated
line plans for Armadillo-IoT, so 3G support capability can be introduced immediately.
Armadillo-IoT Gateway G3Product Manual - INTL
Product Overview
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