Moxa W325A-LX [6/74] W315a 325a linux user s manual introduction

W315A/325A Linux User's Manual Introduction

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Overview

The W315A/325A wireless embedded computers come with a quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS

module built in for long-range communications.

The computers use a Moxa ART 192 Mhz RISC CPU. Unlike the X86 CPU, which uses a CISC design, the RISC

architecture and modern semiconductor technology provide these embedded computers with a powerful

computing engine and communication functions, but without generating a lot of heat. A 16 MB NOR Flash ROM

and on-board 32 MB SDRAM give you enough memory to install your application software directly on the

embedded computer. In addition, a LAN port is built right into the RISC CPU. This network capability, in

combination with the ability to control serial devices, makes the W300 Series ideal as communication platforms

for data acquisition and industrial control applications.

The pre-installed Linux operating system (OS) provides an open software operating system for your software

program development. Software written for desktop PCs can be easily ported to the computer with a GNU cross

compiler, without needing to modify the source code. The OS, device drivers (e.g., serial and buzzer control),

and your own applications, can all be stored in the NOR Flash.

Software Architecture

The Linux operating system that is pre-installed in the W315A/325A follows the standard Linux architecture,

making it easy to accept programs that follow the POSIX standard. Program porting is done with the GNU Tool

Chain provided by Moxa. In addition to Standard POSIX APIs, device drivers for USB storage, buzzer and

Network controls, and UART are also included with the Linux OS.

The W315A/325A’s built-in Flash ROM is partitioned into Boot Loader, Linux Kernel, Root File System, and

User directory partitions.

In order to prevent user applications from crashing the Root File System, the W315A/325A computers use a

specially designed Root File System with Protected Configuration for emergency use. This Root File

System comes with serial and Ethernet communication capability for users to load the Factory Default

Image file. The user directory saves the user’s settings and applications.

To improve system reliability, the W315A/325A has a built-in mechanism that prevents the system from

crashing. When the Linux kernel boots up, the kernel will mount the root file system for read only, and then

enable services and daemons. During this time, the kernel will start searching for system configuration

parameters with rc or inittab.