A claimed first in the industry, Multi-Tech Systems, a manufacturer of M2M cellular modems, has announced the availability of its MultiConnect™ OCG-E, embedded version of the Open Communication Gateway. This solution combines an open Linux development environment, a fully certified 3G cellular modem and multiple interfaces in one embedded hardware platform, providing many companies the quickest and most cost effective path to enabling wireless M2M communications.
The MultiConnect OCG-E brings together cellular hardware and Multi-Tech’s CoreCDP™, a distribution version of the Linux operating system and complete Linux build environment. The open communications gateway enables core applications to be embedded in the modem rather than attaching a modem onto discrete hardware running the core application. Combining the applications engine and the modem into a single off-the-shelf hardware platform, the product is designed to enable companies to create custom applications in a very short period of time.
Developers are able to pre-order a dev kit, which includes all the accessories and cables required to begin developing and testing, on the Multi-Tech website for USD $299. Select models include a free 90 day data plan from AT&T, courtesy of CrossBridge Solutions. Multi-Tech offers support services, a developer community and deployment options.
“We are pleased to address a very common customer requirement for greater hardware, software and form factor design flexibility. The combination of an embedded hardware platform to host a customer’s application, combined with a certified cellular modem dramatically reduces their time to market and cost savings” said Rick Bailey, senior product manager, Multi-Tech Systems.
All MultiConnect OCG-E models are carrier and PTCRB or CDG approved, relieving customers the burden and expense of obtaining these approvals independently. All MultiConnect OCG-E models are based on Multi-Tech’s hardware design featuring their SocketModem® cellular communication devices and an ARM9™ 400MHz processor.
The hardware is optimised for application development utilising CoreCDP™ Linux distribution. The MultiConnect OCG-E interfaces to a design via an 80-pin board-to-board connector giving developers full access and control of the numerous interfaces and peripherals. Local connectivity options include serial, USB device and host, Ethernet, SPI, I2C. In addition, there are several user definable GPIOs, ADCs and LEDs that can be utilised to enhance your products overall design.
For additional information on the MultiConnect OCG-E, including a video and a whitepaper visit www.multitech.com/ocg.go. Developers are also invited to attend a webinar entitled “Open Communications Gateways: From Possibility to Production in Minutes, Not Months.”
