PicoServ Web Server Module
PicoServ is a low cost, miniature web
server module featuring a fully integrated Ethernet interface, a
variety of interfaces to the 'real world' and EEPROM storage for
web pages and other files. PicoServ provides a compact "No PC"
web access solution.
The PicoServ miniature embedded web server
module is an 'Internet engine' designed to be able to provide a
browser based interface over a LAN, the internet or GPRS network
in a small space, at low power, at low cost and with little or
no design effort.
PicoServ supports dynamic web pages which means that real time
data can be both displayed and/or updated from a standard web
browser
System designers or integrators need only be familiar with their
own products or systems. The PicoServ module takes care of all
the required network interfacing, network and internet
communications protocols, web page and other file storage.
Dynamic web pages are supported using an innovative and simple
to use method which allows 'real world' variables and
information from the host system, for example temperatures,
speeds, levels, voltages, switch positions etc. to be displayed
or changed using only simple HTML techniques. Virtually any
number and type of host variables and parameters can be handled
without any need to specify or pre-define fields on the PicoServ
server.
A simple RS232 serial interface is provided to allow data to be
exchanged between the PicoServ server module and the host
system. A second serial interface conforming to the I2C bus
standard is also provided. In addition a number of standard
intelligent interface modules are available which provide 'no
development' parallel, serial, analogue, and digital I/O
interfaces between the server module and the outside world.
The relatively large file storage area of 260K bytes for an
embedded web server system, which can support almost any type of
file including HTML, GIF, JPEG, and JAVA, means that only
standard web authoring techniques are required to be able to
provide an eloquent and professional browser based interface for
almost any system.
In addition to HTTP, the Simple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP) is also supported.
SNMP is an Internet-standard protocol for managing devices on IP
networks.
Any PicoServ parameter can be read or updated using the SNMP
protocol, including parameters from I/O modules and external
systems. In this way the PicoServ system can be used as an "SNMP
Proxy Agent" to enable the remote monitoring and control of
devices not capable of supporting the SNMP protocol directly,
using a network management system such as HP Open View.
Applications
The applications areas where PicoServ could be used to provide a
LAN or Internet browser based interface are probably only
limited by the imagination, a few of the more obvious
applications are listed below.
• Security systems
• Heating, cooling and refrigeration equipment
• IT systems monitoring
• Process monitoring & control
• Power generation plants
• Factory machinery and processes
• Vending Machines
• Municipal water & waste water treatment plants
• Medical & pathological equipment
• Environmental monitoring
• Remote on/off switching of electric motors, pumps, lighting
etc.
Dynamic Web Pages Display Real-time Data
Expansion Modules
As standard the PicoServ module can interface to a host system
via a built-in RS232 serial or I2C bus interface, allowing
static and variable data to be exchanged between the host system
and the user's browser interface. This is accomplished using a
very simple serial protocol which is implemented on the host
system. Almost any number of data parameters can be exchanged
between the host and the user in this way.
In addition, or as an alternative to the serial interface, a
number of standard interface modules are available which simply
plug into the PicoServ web server module and provide a range of
analogue and digital inputs and outputs. This method provides a
'no development', real world interface to the PicoServ system
with the input and output variables available to the user's
browser interface.
The PicoServ expansion modules have their own processor system
and have additional built-in functions such as programmable
alarms, time qualification and programmable measurement offsets.
An
GSM GPRS and SMS module is also available. With this
gateway, any state or variable monitored by the PicoServ system
can be read or updated from a GSM mobile phone using text
messaging. In addition the gateway can be configured to send an
alert message based on some user defined criteria, for instance
the closure of an alarm contact or a temperature threshold
exceeded.
When used with the PicoServ GSM GPRS and SMS module the GPRS
version of the PicoServ Web Server module can be installed in
places inaccessible to wired networks such as vehicles or
vessels, creating a truly remote web based access system.
The range of standard interface modules will be increased to
include further application specific and specialist interfaces.
Compulogic are also able to undertake the design and supply of
PicoServ interface modules to suit individual customer
requirements for specific applications.
Features & Benefits
• Little or no development required to get products 'on the net'
• Web pages created using standard authoring tools
• Supports dynamic web pages
• Small size
• Low power
• Low cost
• Large 256K byte EEPROM file system
• Supports RS232 and I2C bus host interfaces
• Range of I/O expansion modules available
• Can support up to 8 expansion modules
• Flash based firmware up-loadable via network
• Web pages & files up-loadable via network
• Built-in security features
• Direct connection to 10baseT Ethernet network
• Connect via GPRS when used with PicoServ GSM Module
• Server configuration via browser interface
This product supersedes the PP1001-V01 - PicoServ
