Digi Connect ME Application guide

DigiConnectME®&
Digi Connect®Wi‐ME
DigiConnectME®9210
HardwareReference
90000897_F

© Digi International Inc. 2004 -2007. All Rights Reserved.
The Digi logo is a registered trademark of Digi International, Inc.
Connectware and Digi Connect ME and Digi Connect Wi-ME are trademarks of Digi International, Inc.
NetSilicon, NET+Works, NET+OS, and NET+ are trademarks of NetSilicon, Inc.
All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Digi
International.
Digi provides this document “as is,” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to,
the implied warranties of fitness or merchantability for a particular purpose. Digi may make improvements and/or changes
in this manual or in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this manual at any time.
This product could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information
herein; these changes may be incorporated in new editions of the publication.

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Contents
About This Document ................................................................................................................ 6
Related Documentation .................................................................................................... 6
Support Information ......................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 1: About the Digi Connect ME Family of Embedded Modules ......................... 8
Overview .......................................................................................................................... 8
Types of Modules............................................................................................................. 9
Connectors: Power and Device Interface ....................................................................... 11
Connectors: Ethernet Interface....................................................................................... 14
Connectors: Antenna ...................................................................................................... 15
Module LEDs ................................................................................................................. 16
Chapter 2: About the Development Board ....................................................................... 18
Overview ........................................................................................................................18
Basic Description ........................................................................................................... 19
Port Descriptions ............................................................................................................ 22
Connectors and Blocks................................................................................................... 25
Switches.......................................................................................................................... 31
Development Board LEDs ............................................................................................. 32
Power Jack......................................................................................................................35
Test Points ...................................................................................................................... 36
Chapter 3: Programming Considerations......................................................................... 38
Overview ........................................................................................................................38
Module Pinout ................................................................................................................ 39
LEDs............................................................................................................................... 41
Reset ............................................................................................................................... 41
Memory ..........................................................................................................................43

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Appendix A Module Specifications.................................................................................... 46
Network Interface .......................................................................................................... 46
Serial Interface ............................................................................................................... 47
Data Rates (bps) ............................................................................................................. 47
Flow Control Options..................................................................................................... 47
DC Characteristics ......................................................................................................... 47
Power Management (Connect ME-9210 only) .............................................................. 50
Thermal Specifications .................................................................................................. 51
Mechanical ..................................................................................................................... 53
Bar Code ........................................................................................................................53
Dimensions..................................................................................................................... 53
Recommended PCB Layout........................................................................................... 59
Antenna Information ...................................................................................................... 61
RF Exposure Statement.................................................................................................. 65
Safety Statements ........................................................................................................... 65
Appendix B Certifications .................................................................................................. 68
FCC Part 15 Class B ...................................................................................................... 68
Industry Canada ............................................................................................................. 69
Declaration of Conformity ............................................................................................. 70
International EMC Standards......................................................................................... 71
Appendix C Sample Application: PoE Power Supply ..................................................... 74
Appendix D Sample Application: TTL Signals to EIA-232 ............................................ 76
Appendix E Change Log .................................................................................................... 78
Revision F ......................................................................................................................78
Revision E ......................................................................................................................78
Revision D......................................................................................................................78
Revision C......................................................................................................................79
Revision B......................................................................................................................79
Revision 90000631_G>90000897_A ............................................................................ 79
Revision G......................................................................................................................79
Revision F ......................................................................................................................80
Revision E ......................................................................................................................80

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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
About This Document
Scope of the Reference Manual
The purpose of this document is to enable developers to integrate the Digi Connect ME,
Digi connect ME 9210, or Digi Connect Wi-ME embedded modules with other devices,
enabling these devices to make use of the module’s rich networking features.
Note: Unless mentioned specifically by name, the products will be referred to as the
embedded modules or modules. Individual naming is used to differentiate
product specific features. Unless noted otherwise, all Digi Connect ME
related technical information provided in this document also applies to
the Digi Connect ME 9210 module.
Related Documentation
See the NS7520 Hardware Reference for information on the NS7520 chip.
See the NS9210 Hardware Reference for information on the NS9210 chip.

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Support Information
To get help with a question or technical problem or make comments and recommendations
about Digi products and documentation, use the following contact information.
General Customer Service and Support
Digi International
11001 Bren Road East
Minnetonka, MN 55343
U.S.A.
United States: 1 877-912-3444
Other Locations: 1 952-912-3444
www.digi.com/support/eservice/
eservicelogin.jsp

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About the Digi Connect ME
Family of Embedded
Modules
CHAPTER 1
Overview
The embedded modules provide fully transparent device connectivity over industry-
standard Ethernet connections and allows both equipment manufacturers and systems
integrators to network-enable products at a fraction of the time and cost required to develop
a custom solution. It is a highly flexible and compact single component solution with a
serial port, GPIO, and a robust on-board TCP/IP stack and 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet
support or wireless interface.
Built on Digi's leading 32-bit NET+ARM processor technology, the Digi Connect ME
family of embedded modules offer serial-to-Ethernet functionality through Digi’s Plug-
and-Play Firmware firmware, or the freedom and flexibility of professional embedded
software development provided by the easy-to-use, cost-effective and complete Digi
JumpStart Kits™ for NET+OS and Microsoft .NET Micro Framework.
The Digi Connect ME and Digi Connect Wi-ME modules are utilizing the powerful Digi
NS7520 processor with an ARM7TDMI core running at 55 MHz. They provide integrated
wired or wireless networking and serial device connectivity in a compact connector-style
form factor. The Digi Connect ME 9210 module is the latest, fully form factor and pin
compatible, member of the Digi Connect ME family providing 75 MHz ARM9 core
performance based on the Digi NS9210 processor. In addition to higher performance with
integrated Ethernet connectivity, the Digi Connect ME 9210 offers higher serial data rates,

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SPI functionality, as well as the unique option of application specific interfaces using the
programmable FIMs on the NS9210.
From medical systems to building control and industrial automation, in virtually any
application where embedded device connectivity over Ethernet or wireless connectivity is
needed, embedded modules are the ideal choice, delivering high-performance functionality.
Note: Unless mentioned specifically by name, the products will be referred to as the
embedded modules or modules. Individual naming is used to differentiate product
specific features. Similarily, information about the Connect ME applies to the
Connect ME 9210 as well unless stated otherwise.
This chapter provides information about the modules hardware and contains the following
topics:
"Types of Modules" on page 9
"Connectors: Antenna" on page 15
"Connectors: Ethernet Interface" on page 14
"Module LEDs" on page 16
Types of Modules
There are two types of modules. One module utilizes Digi Plug-and-Play Firmware, while
the second is customizable with the option to develop a firmware applicaton in .NET MF or
NET+OS. If you are developing your firmware application in NET+OS, you will be using a
module with a JTAG interface.
Note: JTAG is a commonly used term that is also referred to as IEEE 1149.1, an industry
standard test protocol. JTAG is an abbreviation for the European Joint Test Action
Group, which invented the first versions of the IEEE 1149.1 interface. The JTAG
interface, along with the other development tools, enables you to download, run
and debug programs on the module.
The following figures show the two types of modules.

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Digi Connect ME Modules
Model Description Figure
Digi Connect ME
DC-ME-01T-JT
DC-ME4-01T-JT
Digi Connect ME 9210
DC-ME-Y401-JT
DC-ME-Y402-JT
Used for development
purposes only
JTAG interface
Digi Connect ME
DC-ME-01T-S
DC-ME4-01T-S
DC-ME-01T-C
DC-ME4-01T-C
DC-ME-01T-MF
Digi Connect ME 9210
DC-ME-Y401-C
DC-ME-Y402-C
No JTAG interface
Ordered
independently for use
in your
implementation

11 
Note: -S: No JTAG for use with Digi Plug-and-Play Firmware
-C: No JTAG for use with custom NET+OS applications
-JT: With JTAG for use with custom firmware development-
-MF: No JTAG for use with Microsoft .NET Micro Framework
Connectors: Power and Device Interface
The module has a 20-pin male connector that supports a serial interface with data rates up
to 230,400 (Digi Connect ME)/ 921,600 bps (Digi Connect ME 9210) and full-modem
Digi Connect Wi-ME Modules
Model Description Figure
DC-WME-01T-JT
Used for development
purposes only
JTAG interface
DC-WME-01T-S
DC-WME-01T-C
No JTAG interface
Ordered
independently for use
in your
implementation.

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control, and GPIO ports. See the following figure for pin orientation and the table for pin
assignments.
Difference in pin assignments/availability
Pin assignments/availability for pins 1 and 2 depend on which module you are using. Pins 1
and 2 are available for Digi Connect ME; these pins are removed for Digi Connect Wi-ME.
The pin assignment table shows the appropriate values.
Power and Device Interface Connector
Power and Device Interface Connector Pin Assignments
Pin
Signal
Description
ME Wi-ME
1 VETH+ — ME: Power Pass-Thru+
Wi-ME: Position Removed
2 VETH- — ME: Power Pass-Thru-
Wi-ME: Position removed
3-6 — — Position removed
00000019
Pi n 2
Pi n 19
Pi n 1
Pi n 20
Module
front
Bo t t o m vi ew

13 
Note: The development board provides connectors for an optional PoE application kit.
Note: Any pins not used can be left floating.
Note: See "Module Pinout" on page 39 for detailed IO configuration information.
7 RXD RXD Receive Data (Input)
8 TXD TXD Transmit Data (Output)
9 RTS RTS Request to Send (Output)
10 DTR DTR
Data Terminal Ready (Output)
11 CTS CTS Clear to Send (Input)
12 DSR DSR Data Set Ready (Input)
13 DCD DCD
Data Carrier Detect (Input)
14 /RESET /RESET Reset
15 +3.3V +3.3V Power
16 GND GND Ground
17, 18
Not accessible with Digi Plug-and-Play
Firmware. If using a development kit, see
"Module Pinout" on page 39 for detailed IO
configuration information.
19 Reserved. Do not connect.
20 /INIT /INIT Software Reset
Power and Device Interface Connector Pin Assignments
Pin
Signal
Description
ME Wi-ME

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Connectors: Ethernet Interface
The Ethernet connector is an 8-wire RJ-45 jack that meets the ISO 8877 requirements for
10/100BASE-T. See the following figure and table for pin orientation and pin assignments.
Note: Pin orientation and assignments are the same for modules with or without a JTAG
connector.
Ethernet Interface Pin Orientation
Ethernet Interface Pin Assignments
Pin
1
Pin
2
Pin
3
Pin
4
Pin
5
Pin
6
Pin
7
Pin
8
TXD+ TXD- RXD+ EPWR+ EPWR+ RXD- EPWR- EPWR-
Transmit
Data +
Transmit
Data -
Receive
Data +
Power
from
Switch +
Power
from
Switch +
Receive
Data -
Power
from
Switch -
Power
from
Switch -

15 
Hard Reset
The embedded modules support a hardware reset on pin 14 of the 20-pin header. Pulling
pin 14 low with an open drain driver will force the module into a hard reset state. The
module will remain in the reset state as long and pin 14 is held low and will leave this reset
state ~250mS after pin 14 goes high. Do not actively drive pin 14 high and do not allow the
rise time of the pin 14 to be longer than 100uS. When used with the development board,
this pin is wired to reset button SW4, which means it acts as a hard reset button.
Connectors: Antenna
The Digi Connect Wi-ME is available with 1 RP-SMA connector. The antenna is
connected to the module with a reverse polarity SMA connector (sub-miniature size A).
The antenna only fits on the module one way to ensure a proper connection. Another option
for both signal reception and design flexibility is to use an antenna extension cord to
separate the antenna from the module. This allows the module to fit inside your product but
the antenna to be placed outside the device.
Antenna Specifications
Type Desktop Dipole 30 cm
Antenna Extension Cord
Part number DC-ANT-24DT DG-ANT-20DP-BG DG-EXT-300-RR
Gain 1.8 dBi 2 dBi -.5dB
Caution: This Part 15 radio device operates on a non-interference basis
with other devices operating at this frequency when using the antennae
listed in the Antenna Specification table. Any changes or modification to
user’s authority to operate the device.
the product not expressly approved by Digi International could void the

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Module LEDs
The module has two LEDs that are located near the upper corners of the Ethernet port (see
the following figure). The following table describes the LEDs.
Note: The LEDs are the same for a module with or without a JTAG connector.
LED Locations

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LED Behaviors
LED Pin
Header
EM
Digi Plug-and Play Firmware
Digi Connect ME
Digi Plug-and Play Firmware
Digi Connect Wi-ME
Customizable
Modules
Top left
(yellow)
5 (+)
7 (-)
Network link status:
Off - no link has been detected.
On - a link has been detected.
Network link status:
On - unit is associated with an access
point.
Blinking slowly - unit is in ad hoc
mode.
Blinking quickly - unit is scanning
for a network.
Same as Digi Plug-
and Play Firmware
(Network link
status).
Top
right
(green)
1 (+)
3 (-)
Network activity:
Blinking -network data is transmitted or received.
This LED is
software
programmable.

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About the Development
Board
CHAPTER 2
Overview
The development board is a hardware platform from which you can determine how to
integrate the embedded modules into your design. The board consists of the following main
features:
Socket for connecting the embedded modules
JTAG connection (for use with the development kit only)
GPIO switches
Serial and GPIO ports
Power input
This chapter provides information on development board components and contains the
topics listed below. For more detailed information on the development board, see the
schematic and mechanical drawings on the CD that accompanies your kit. Once you’ve
installed the software that comes with your kit, you can access the schematic from the Start
menu.
"Basic Description" on page 19
"Placement of Module" on page 22
"Connectors and Blocks" on page 25
"Switches" on page 31
"Development Board LEDs" on page 32
"Power Jack" on page 35
"Test Points" on page 36

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TP7TP7 TP8TP8 TP4TP4 TP5TP5 TP10TP10 TP9TP9
TP6TP6
TP3TP3
TP2TP2
L2
P2
U7
P1
C21
R15
D10
C8
C1
R6
U4
CR23
SW4
U5
C12
U3
U6
CR24
D5
P10
R4
C4
R2
P13
RN2
P15
P14
C22
CR18
R13
CR22
CR17
P4
C10
CR12
L1
C15
D9
CR11
C31
R12
U2
CR16
D6
CR21
CR3 CR15
R10
P9
CR6
CR19
U1
R18
CR5
D4
D1
R11
CR8
C29
C24
C19
CR7
VR1
P7
CR10
C14
CR9
C25
CR14
P3
CR13
P12
C9
R7
P8
C27
P5
CR20
P11
D7
C20
C16
SW2
C6
C30
CR25
R17
R16
CR1
C5
R8
C13
CR2
C11
SW5
R1
C7
SW1
C18
D8
R14
RN3
R19
R5
SW3
C2
CR4
C17
C23
D3
R9
D2
RN1
C3
C28
C26
TP11TP11
TP1TP1
TP12TP12
TP13TP13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
17
16
14 13
19
20
18
21
Basic Description
The development board contains connectors, switches, and LEDs for use while integrating
the embedded module into your design. See the following figure for the location of the
connectors, switches, and LEDs. Additionally, the board provides test points (not shown on
the figure). For more information about test points, see "Test Points" on page 36.
Board Layout and Connector Locations:

 20
Connectors, Switches and LEDs
Board Description Markers 1-5
12345
Secondary
Serial Port, P2
Primary Port
LEDs, CR5 -
CR18
GPIO Switch
Bank, SW3
Prototyping
Area, P4
JTAG
Header, P12
Connectors, Switches and LEDs
Board Description (continued) Markers 6-10
678910
232 Enable
Jumper
Block, P5
Embedded
Module
Connector,
P10
ME JTAG
Connector,
P11
Primary
Serial Port, P1 GPIO Port, P7
Connectors, Switches and LEDs
Board Description (continued) Markers 11-15
11 12 13 14 15
Digital I/O
LEDs, CR19 -
CR23
Logic
Analyzer
header, P3
POE Source
LED, CR24
Reset Switch,
SW4
User
Pushbuttons,
SW1 & SW2
Connectors, Switches and LEDs
Board Description (continued) Markers 16-21
16 17 18 19 20 21
Power Jack,
P15
On/Off
switch, SW5
Secondary
Port LEDs
CR1-CR4
-48V DC
output from
ME module
P13
12V output
from PoE
module P14
Current
Measurement
Option P8