[PLUG] linux based SBC

[Pete Lancashire]

I'm going to upgrade an old HP instruments this winter
and am looking for recommendations on a SBC that will
run Linux.

For those that are curious, the instrument is a HP
8401C Network analyzer. This instrument predated even
GPIB and initially did not have any computer interfaces.
Even when it did, it took a lot of external hardware.
The other instruments are those required to provide a
RF signal sweeper, or synthesizer, relay controllers,
power supplies etc. All of which are GPIB based.
Internally there will be the need to open/close relays,
read switch setting, etc. all of which can be done from
single I/O lines.

Communication via Ethernet, UI will be on a PC.

Device I/O requirements are:

 - RAM Don't know how much, programs will take very
   little, my guess less then 20 MB.

 - Disk. Solid state ?

 - Ethernet 10/100. 1000 Optional

 - Enough Parallel I/O to ..

   - Interface to 4 each 12 bit A/D converters. Data
     rate of a maximum of 200 K samples/second. Can
     be externally buffered with hardware FIFOs.

   - Create a GPIB interface. This interface does not
     have to a full GPIB, nor does it have to be fast.
     Just enough to set listeners such as a RF sweeper,
     synthesizer, relay controllers etc.

   - Interface to various parallel devices. Right now
     16 output lines and 16 inputs are enough. These are
     slow devices.

I/O be interesting to have

   - LCD interface on optional board ?