The Zippy2 provides a standard 10/100BaseT (10/100Mbit) Ethernet interface and uses Micrel's KSZ8851SNL SPI-to-Ethernet controller.

Thief River Falls, MN— Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation has announced it has stock on Micrel's Zippy2 Ethernet Combo Board, the KSZ8851SNL-BBE-EVAL evaluation board for the KSZ8851SNL Ethernet controller.

Jointly developed by Micrel and TinCanTools, the Zippy2 Ethernet Combo Board is a low-cost Ethernet expansion board for the BeagleBoard. It is available for purchase on Digi-Key's global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

The Zippy2 provides a standard 10/100BaseT (10/100Mbit) Ethernet interface and uses Micrel's KSZ8851SNL SPI-to-Ethernet controller. It also provides a second SD/MMC interface that supports 3.3 and 1.8 V SD memory cards as well as a second RS232 serial interface with two serial connectors.

Support for the Zippy2 is also available on Digi-Key's website where users can access information such as schematics, gerbers, and a BOM specifically for the Zippy2. On the Zippy2 support website, users also have access to software links for the Linux driver, as well as links for additional support.

Additionally, the Zippy2 provides a Real Time Clock (RTC) with backup battery power provided by a small 3 V lithium coin battery. An I²C interface connector allows access to I²C signals that have been level translated to 5 V to allow easy connection to standard 5 V peripherals. An AT24C01 serial EEPROM is also provided and contains a vendor ID and a device ID used to identify the type of board connected to the expansion header.

"This new evaluation board for the KSZ8851SNL Ethernet controller makes it easier for engineers to develop an AMR gateway by using the USB-powered BeagleBoard single board computer in conjunction with the Zippy2 Ethernet Combo Board," says Dave Doherty, Digi-Key's vice president of semiconductor product. "We are excited to add Micrel's Zippy2 Ethernet Combo Board to Digi-Key's broad product offering to better serve our customers."

For more information visit www.digikey.com and www.micrel.com