Customize and configure your console with one fingertip
AURON Software:
AURON is working on DNR OS (DNR Operating System), a custom-built operating system designed specifically for D&R products, providing a robust and efficient embedded Linux environment.
Based on Buildroot, DNR OS is tailored to meet the unique needs of audio processing and broadcast equipment.
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Key features and requirements:
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Remote updating: Easily update the system software remotely to ensure your equipment is always up-to-date.
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Splash logo at start-up: A custom splash logo appears during boot-up for a professional, branded experience.
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Small footprint: Designed to use minimal system resources, ensuring smooth operation even on limited hardware.
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Fast boot time: Optimized for quick start-up, getting your system up and running without delay.
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Easy configuration: Customize the OS (Operating System) easily with a menu-driven interface for selecting and configuring packages.
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Hardware compatibility: Currently supports Compute Module v3, with potential future support for CM4 for optional Stereo Tools processing.
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Automatic process start: Automatically and orderly starts essential Auron processes, including the gateway, logger, address, and engine, ensuring reliable operation.
DNR OS (DNR Operating System) is engineered to provide a seamless, efficient, and customizable operating environment for D&R's high-performance audio products.
What is Linux:
Imagine your computer as a bustling office. Every document, program, and task represents the work being done in that office. But to keep everything running smoothly, you need an efficient manager, someone who makes sure that each task is done correctly, on time, and without any hiccups.
In the world of computers, Linux is that manager.
So, what is Linux?
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Linux is an operating system, which is the core software that runs on your computer, smartphone, or even your home router. It’s responsible for managing all the hardware (like your processor, memory, and storage) and software (like your apps and programs), ensuring that they work together seamlessly.
Without an operating system, your computer wouldn’t know how to do anything, it’s like the office without a manager, where nothing gets done.
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Why is Linux special?
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Linux is known for being incredibly stable, secure, and flexible.
This is why Linux is often chosen to run everything from high-powered servers to everyday gadgets like smart TVs and even the system in your car.
One of the coolest things about Linux is that it’s open-source. This means that, unlike some other operating systems, its “blueprints” are available for anyone to see, use, and improve.
Imagine if the office manager shared their best practices with everyone in the world, allowing others to contribute new ideas and solutions. This community-driven approach means Linux is constantly being updated and improved by a global network of developers.
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How does Linux work?
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When you turn on your computer, Linux springs into action. It starts by checking all the hardware to make sure everything is in order.
Then, it launches the programs you need and keeps them running smoothly. Whether you’re editing a document, streaming a video, or browsing the web, Linux is the one making sure your computer handles these tasks efficiently.
And because Linux is so good at multitasking, it’s also the go-to choice for systems that need to be reliable 24/7, like servers that host websites or run critical business applications.
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In a nutshell, Linux is the powerful, reliable, and secure software that quietly manages your technology, making sure everything runs just the way you need it to. Whether you realize it or not, Linux might already be making your digital world better, one smooth operation at a time.
AURON:The Firmware:
The AURON Firmware is designed to deliver impeccable audio quality and control. Behind the scenes, a powerful team of microcontrollers, called nodes, work together to make it all happen.
These nodes, known as Auron-4, Auron-5, Auron-14, and Auron-16, each play a crucial role in keeping the system running smoothly. At the heart of this operation is something called "embedded software" or firmware, specialized software that’s permanently programmed into these microcontrollers.
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The role of Auron nodes and firmware
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Each Auron node is equipped with a Microchip SAM E51 microcontroller, and they all communicate with each other through a high-speed network called the CAN-FD bus.
Think of this bus as the central highway that connects the different parts of your broadcast system, ensuring they work in harmony.
Each node has its own set of tasks and responsibilities, but they all share a common starting point: the bootloader.
The bootloader is like a universal key that ensures each node can start up and receive updates when needed.
The firmware for each node is created by merging this bootloader with specific application code, resulting in a single file that brings the node to life.
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Keeping everything updated
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Updating the system will be easy for you thanks to the Auron firmware update process.
Whenever there’s a new firmware version, this smart tool scans for connected devices (nodes), checks their current firmware, and updates them automatically if a newer version is available.
This ensures that your system is always running the latest software, with minimal effort on your part.
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The Auron bootloader: the starting point
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The bootloader is the first software that runs on each node when it powers up.
For Auron-16, the master node, updates are received through a serial connection, while all other nodes get their updates via the CAN bus.
This sequence ensures that the Auron-16 is always ready to manage communication between nodes and the rest of the system.
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Auron’s common library: shared knowledge
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The Auron nodes use a shared library of common functions, making the system more efficient.
This library includes everything from encoding and decoding data streams to managing database connections and logging important events.
By using this common library, all nodes can access the tools they need to perform their tasks effectively.
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Managing node IDs with Auron-address
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One important task in the system is assigning each node a unique ID.
The Auron-address process handles this by sending out identification messages.
When a node receives a response with its new ID, it stores this ID in its memory, allowing it to move on to more complex tasks.
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The Auron engine: the heart of the system
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At the core of the Auron system is the Auron-engine process.
This is where all the CAN messages are received, processed, and stored. It acts as the central hub for all the system’s data, ensuring that everything from module settings to user commands is handled accurately.
The engine also connects to external systems through Ember+, allowing for real-time monitoring and control.
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Auron-gateway: the communication bridge
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Before any other process can start, the Auron-gateway must be up and running.
It serves as the communication bridge between the serial port (connected to the microcontroller) and the Unix sockets (connected to various software processes).
This gateway ensures that all messages from the nodes are correctly routed to the right place.
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Auron-logger: a tool for development
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For those involved in developing and maintaining the system, the Auron-logger is a handy tool.
It helps debug and monitor the system, ensuring that everything is working as it should.
The connections:
Bringing AURON to life:
You’ve just received your brand-new AURON radio broadcast mixer, the latest console within the broadcast range of D&R. Designed to deliver crystal-clear audio and seamless control over your broadcasts.
But what makes this mixer truly special is the sophisticated software that runs behind the scenes, powering every feature and function.
Let’s take a closer look at how this software works and how you can connect it to your AURON mixer for an unparalleled broadcasting experience.
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The brains behind the mixer: embedded Software
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Your AURON mixer is more than just hardware; it’s a smart system with tiny, powerful computers called microcontrollers inside. These microcontrollers, known as Auron-4, Auron-5, Auron-14, and Auron-16, are each responsible for different tasks within the mixer.
They communicate with each other over a high-speed network called the CAN-FD bus, ensuring that every knob you turn, every button you press, and every sound you hear is perfectly synchronized.
To keep everything running smoothly, these microcontrollers rely on embedded software, also known as firmware.
This firmware is a specialized type of software permanently programmed into the microcontrollers.
Think of it as the operating system of your mixer, guiding the hardware to perform exactly as you need it to.
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Updates: keeping the AURON at its best
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One of the most convenient features of the AURON system is how easy it is to update.
Whenever there’s an improvement or a new feature available, the Auron firmware update process can automatically find and install these updates on your mixer’s microcontrollers.
The system checks each node to see if it’s running the latest version of the firmware. If it’s not, the update is applied without you having to lift a finger.
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Making the connection: setting up your AURON mixer
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Now that you understand the software behind the AURON mixer, let’s talk about how to connect everything to make it work perfectly.
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Power up your AURON mixer
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When you first turn on your AURON mixer, the system’s microcontrollers come to life in a specific sequence.
The Auron-16, known as the master node, is the first to start.
It’s like the captain of the ship, ensuring that all the other components connect and communicate properly.
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Set up the communication network
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Your mixer’s microcontrollers are linked together by the CAN-FD bus, a high-speed network that allows them to share information instantly. This connection ensures that every adjustment you make on the mixer is immediately reflected across the entire system, keeping everything in perfect sync.
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Update the firmware
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The firmware is what makes your mixer smart, enabling all its advanced features.
To keep your mixer performing at its best, you can use the Auron-firmware-update tool.
This tool scans your system, identifies any microcontrollers that need updating, and installs the latest firmware.
You can easily run this update from the menu on your mixer's 7-inch display.
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Assign unique IDs to each node
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For your mixer to function correctly, each microcontroller, or node, needs a unique ID.
The Auron-address process takes care of this automatically. When the mixer powers up, each node requests its ID.
The system then assigns and stores this ID in the node’s memory, ensuring that every part of your mixer knows its role and operates smoothly.
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Control everything with Auron-engine
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The Auron-engine is the core of your system, managing and coordinating all the data from the microcontrollers.
It ensures that everything from turning on a module to adjusting sound levels happens seamlessly.
Additionally, the Auron-engine connects with external systems through Ember+, allowing you to monitor and control your broadcast even from outside the mixer.
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Logging and troubleshooting
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If you ever need to check how your mixer is performing or troubleshoot any issues, the Auron-logger is your best friend.
This tool keeps a detailed log of everything that happens within the system, making it easier to diagnose problems or simply keep an eye on performance.
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