Ethernet and Wi-Fi are currently widespread in the IoT world, and the demand for related network applications also increases every year. In addition to Ethernet and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and micro-wireless transmission interface have become more and more prevalent. When using connected devices such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi, we often need a corresponding operating system to operate the Ethernet and network equipment more efficiently and rapidly.

The network operation requires multiple TCP/IP protocols. These network transport protocols are complicated for general microcontroller users because most users are not familiar with these network control. Thus, Wi-Fi with Ethernet communication protocol or Ethernet module product is derived thereof. The module product can significantly decrease the networking device threshold for microcontroller users while enabling them to execute simple network operations and control if they are unfamiliar with the Internet communication protocol.

The rapid development of IoT resulted in the gradual increase of devices connecting to the cloud. The transfer protocol security matching the cloud-connected device is also more diversified. Sometimes the network transport products based on the module cannot respond to the changes in the times due to the constant changes in the cloud protocol mechanism caused by Internet security. Using the module, the transfer protocol within it cannot be replaced whenever necessary; therefore, the product cannot connect to the network during the process, causing the shortening of service life for the networking device.

Unlike the real-time operating system (RTOS) with all these problems, cloud connection technology is solved in the Linux operating system. Also, the connection agreement can be completed quickly via Linux. In Linux OS, most connection agreements with open source are heavily used by the community. Even more people begin to use these agreements in Linux due to the prosperous development of the community. This enables them to find more security issues together, which can be updated timely. Linux OS can achieve rapid development, security, and collaborative R&D to make the product more perfect.

Generally speaking, the microcontroller user is hard to access the Ethernet of Linux. The difficulties are specified in the following points:

1. Cross-compiling environment setup of Linux

For installing a cross-compiling environment, it wastes a lot of the developer's time because this often needs a day to construct a cross-compiling environment.

2. Hardware system planning

For the I/O in Linux, the microcontroller user must have an in-depth understanding of the product because it is relatively not easy to set the hardware in Linux.

3. Sample program usage for network connection in Linux

There are many Internet communication protocols available for selection in Linux. For the protocols that can be used appropriately by the user, this requires further research to utilize the protocols quickly.

To solve most problems encountered by users entering the Linux operating system's development process, Nuvoton Technology launched the Chili network module. Chili can solve most situations when the microcontroller user first accesses the Linux OS. The following are three significant problems solved. 

• Cross-compiling environment

Nuvoton Technology assists the customer by constructing a virtual cross-compiling environment of Linux in advance. The user can activate and use the virtual environment directly after downloading it without installing additional compiling tools. Also, the virtual environment includes the software development of Chili so that no further download is required for the user.

• Hardware system planning

Nuvoton Technology provides a small Chili module in which the price is relatively lower than other Linux development kits. The Chili module includes various hardware designs and I/O configuration for industrial use, while the memory planning is also completed. With this Chili module, the user can immediately execute the application development in the Linux operating system.

• Web application of Linux

Chili provides basic web applications in the network, including various Ethernet template programs such as web server (HTTP), CGI, USB host Wi-Fi, USB host camera, and USB host disk. The BuildRoot mechanism is also provided for users to utilize all web applications with open source on the web by checking without compiling dependent kits. The user can concentrate on developing the required peripheral control for connection.

Information related to Chili is available on the official website of Nuvoton. Chili has included a Linux operating system, which can be executed once the computer is turned on. The user can immediately use the hardware to develop their applications quickly upon reception. Nuvoton Technology expects to provide more convenient and practical tools for everyone to significantly improve R&D speed and efficiency while accelerating the market's launching pace.