Delivering a fun platform for learning and evaluating real-time software and Stellaris microcontrollers (MCUs), Texas Instruments Incorporated announced the availability of its new Robotic Evaluation Board (EVALBOT) for use with Micrium's uC/OS-III. The evaluation kit is a mini robot that allows developers to experience the Stellaris ARM Cortex-M3-based LM3S9B92 MCU in real-world applications that leverage the processor's integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC/PHY, USB On-The-Go, CAN, and motion control capabilities. Based on a complete analog and embedded processing signal chain from TI, the kit includes all of the hardware and software required for quick assembly so that developers can begin evaluation in 10 minutes or less. The EVALBOT is available with a Stellaris-specific version of uC/OS-III: The Real-Time Kernel by Jean J. Labrosse, which reveals how a real-time kernel works using Micrium's uC/OS-III and the Stellaris EVALBOT as references.
Stellaris EVALBOT and book bundle features and benefits (EKB-UCOS3-BNDL)
- 80 MHz Stellaris LM3S9B92 MCU with 256K flash, 96K SRAM, StellarisWare software in ROM, as well as integrated Ethernet, USB On-the-Go (OTG)/Host/Device and CAN
- Two DC gear-motors that provide drive and steering, opto-sensors that detect wheel rotation with 45 degree resolution, and sensors for "bump" detection
- TI motor drivers, voltage regulators, audio codec, interface and logic devices for easy evaluation of the complete signal chain
- Bright 96 × 6 blue OLED display and on-board speaker
- Integrated In-Circuit Debug Interface (ICDI) requires only a single (included) USB cable for software debugging, flash programming and serial port connectivity
- Two 20-pin headers enable future wireless communications using standardized TI low-power embedded radio modules
- Stellaris-specific version of uC/OS-III: The Real-Time Kernel includes example display, audio and motor control projects for EVALBOT, putting concepts into practice to expedite a user's proficiency
- EVALBOT robot operates on 3-AA batteries, included in kit
"The ability to perform pre-determined implementation exercises contained in the book on the amazing EVALBOT board will go a long way to demonstrate features and ease-of-use," said Jean Labrosse, the book's author and Micrium's president and CEO. "Placing 80 MHz Stellaris LM3S9B92 microcontrollers in the hands of engineers in the form of a mini robot is sheer genius."
TI's broad portfolio of MCUs and software
From general purpose, ultra-low power MSP430 MCUs, to Stellaris ARM Cortex-M3-based 32-bit MCUs and high performance, real-time control TMS320C2000 MCUs, TI offers the broadest range of microcontroller solutions. Designers can accelerate time to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third-party offerings and technical support.
Pricing and availability
The Stellaris Robotic Evaluation Board plus Micrium's uC/OS-III book package is priced at $199 US and can be purchased at www.ti.com/evalbot-pr-es. The Stellaris Robotic Evaluation Board is priced at $149 US.
