Lantronix's DSTni chip allows Internet, network embedding

To help developers build devices with embedded networking and Internet connectivity, Lantronix Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) unveiled April 9 what it reports is the first fully integrated semiconductor with the hardware components needed to enable those capabilities. The Device Server Technology Network Interface (DSTni) chip is scheduled to be available in fall 2001.

Jim Montague, news editor, jmontague@cahners.com

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To help developers build devices with embedded networking and Internet connectivity, Lantronix Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) unveiled April 9 what it reports is the first fully integrated semiconductor with the hardware components needed to enable those capabilities. The Device Server Technology Network Interface (DSTni) chip is scheduled to be available in fall 2001.

Lantronix states that DSTni gives manufacturers the one-chip solution they can use to embed connectivity in controls, alarm systems, home entertainment equipment, and other electronic devices. DSTni's small footprint-12 x 12-mm ball-supports high-level integration required to enable small devices.

DSTni also allows devices to be remotely monitored and controlled over the Internet or shared networks. Lantronix plans to base the next generation of its well-known Device Servers on its DSTni foundation.

'DSTni sets the standard for single-chip solutions by incorporating all the peripheral hardware capabilities onto one piece of silicon,' says Fred Thiel, Lantronix' s ceo.

DSTni's suite of on-chip peripheral hardware includes an integrated physical layer to minimize integration risk and a 96-MHz processor to support advanced applications. The chip has four parallel I/O ports, and four high-speed serial ports are augmented with CANbus, USB, SPI, and I2C serial interfaces. Paul Wacker, Lantronix automation marketing manager, reports that DSTni's capabilities also allow the chip to function as an independent controller.

To further support DSTni, Lantronix offers an OEM developer's kit than contains DSTni's reference design board and a complete set of network-enabling software. The kit includes a real-time operating system, which aids rapid information gathering, data processing, and communications with external devices. It also includes a TCP/IP protocol stack to ease Ethernet connectivity; a web server-enabling, standards-based graphical presentation; access and control via any web browser; and a complete set of 'C' libraries and sample source code to speed up users' development cycles.

Lantronix's DSTni chip is reported to be an ideal core for devices seeking to leverage HPNA, PLC, 10/100, copper, fiber, and wireless topologies.

For more information, Circle 368 or visit www.deviceserver.com or www.controleng.com.