My research interests focus on the application of embedded systems to remote data acquisition and control. The term embedded system in this case is rather broad and should be taken to mean any microprocessor system designed to do a specific task. The remote nature of this work centers on controlling devices via the Internet.

As for realizing this interest, I have developed a lab where faculty and students can use 80x86-based processor boards to conduct research in the area of web-enabled embedded system design. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• embedded system hardware design;
• BIOS theory and design;
• device driver theory and design;
• control and automation theory;
• evaluation of different embedded processors including processors implementing Java Byte Code;
• user interface development for embedded systems;
• embedded O/S comparisons and evaluations; and
• distributed system design including function allocation.

This project is starting with few resources although I do have access to some simple tools. The hope is to achieve a level of infrastructure and knowledge where grants can be applied for to bring in higher-level tools and platforms. For now, the planned process stands at this:

• Solicite ideas for classroom or independent-study projects
• Acquire infrastructure including I/O devices, bus interfaces, and single-board computers to support projects
• Support the embedded Linux community with resources such as this web site
• Develop a number of configurations of the Linux kernel for use with embedded systems
• Develop Linux device drivers targeted toward interaction with several I/O devices
• Develop a system BIOS more closely designed for embedded Linux applications
• Market lab to interested students for use as independent study or thesis research

I currently have the following tools:

• A Technologic Systems 486 Single Board Computer (SBC) and development kit
• Numerous Pentium II and III motherboards scavenged from PCs for use with embedded development
• 64 MByte FlashRAMs to be used as a solid-state harddrives for 80x86 motherboards with at least one IDE bus interface
• A Grammar Engine in-circuit EPROM emulator for BIOS development