$49 controller hops into low-priced lead

-- EDN, 2/17/2000

Measuring just 2.5x3.5 in., the Jackrabbit BL1820 single-board computer from Z-World includes all of the processing power, I/O, memory, and communications ports for machine control and similar embedded-controller applications (Picture). Features include the 14.7-MHz Rabbit 2000 microprocessor from Rabbit Semiconductor (www.rabbitsemiconductor.com), 24 general-purpose I/O lines, four high-power outputs, two D/A outputs, one A/D input, two serial ports, 128 kbytes of flash memory, and 32 kbytes of SRAM. Software for the Jackrabbit uses Dynamic C, an integrated C-development package that includes an interactive compiler, an editor, and a debugger.

You can purchase the BL1820 controller from stock for $49. Higher priced controllers are also available with faster clock rates and more memory. Alternatively, you can get a complete development kit for $139 that includes a Jackrabbit controller, Dynamic C, a prototyping board, a power supply, cables, and documentation.

Z-World, www.zworld.com.

-by Warren Webb