Comments inserted. Feel free to read the System Reference Manual for more detail. It can be found under TOP RESORCES on the main Beagleboard.org page.
Gerald
Hi,
I am extremely interested in the Beagle Board in order to install it
our embedded system. We take a lot of considerations about power.
QUESTION 1: Can the Beagle Board work in “sleep mode”? If so, what is
its consumption in “sleep mode”?
It can, but it really depends on what you need active in the sleep mode. There are a lot of different modes you can put the processor and board in. Do a search on the discusion group and you will find several conversations on this topic
QUESTION 2: Can I supply power only by the alternate power (without
connecting the USB port)?
Yes. It has a dediciated 5V DC power jack.
QUESTION 3: What is the typical consumption (in W) at 5 V?
It depends on what the typical application is that is running. Running a baseline image, it consumes abut 1.5W. Obviously if you have something plugged into the USB host port consuming 500mA, then that will cause the current to increase.
QUESTION 4: Can I run a full-featured Linux (such as, Debian)?
Yes. Again, look under TOP RESOURCES.
Do I have to run the Linux from the SD card?
No. You can also run it from NAND.
Could I use 4GB SD cards?
Yes
QUESTION 5: I need more the one RS232 port. Could I install/use more
that one RS232 port with the Beagle Board?
Yes. You can buy a board called the ZIPPY board that plugs into the Beagle and adds a second serial port. USBOTG can also be used as a serial port.