Fabless network processor vendor Cavium has teamed up with WiFi software specialist Arada on a Linux-based 802.11n WiFi networking reference design claimed capable of 300Mbps throughputs. The design uses Atheros's “XSPAN” technology, and targets both enterprise and in-home applications, including video streaming and triple-play gateways. (more…)

Via Technologies is sampling a pair of nano-ITX motherboards that target space-constrained embedded systems where heavy media processing is needed. The 4.7 x 4.7-inch boards use Via's C7 processor, clocked at 1.5GHz or 1.2GHz, along with Via's CX700M2 single-chip core logic. (more…)

A German embedded Linux consultancy has made the first public release of a GNU-based toolchain aimed at building Linux cross compilers for a variety of Linux systems. The Pengutronix OSELAS.Toolchain() 1.1.0 is GPL-licensed, and supports architectures that include ARM, PowerPC, MIPS, and x86. (more…)

Undo Software has released a second version of its “bi-directional” debugger for C/C++ binaries, aimed at helping programmers “reason backwards from the point of failure.” UndoDB 2.0 adds support for programs that use threads and asynchronous signals, the company says. (more…)

Analysis — While the U.S. courts recently reaffirmed Microsoft's FAT (File Allocation Table) patents, the German Patent Federal Court has just dismissed the patent for use in Germany. (more…)

OpenMoko founder Sean Moss-Pultz moderates a panel discussion about the future of the mobile phone, in this hour-long podcast. Originally held on Valentine's day, and entitled “Mobile Linux Grows Up,” the discussion revolves around how and why Linux-based mobile phones might evolve to support user-installable… (more…)

Sigma Designs and Japanese IP set-top box (STB) specialist Celrun are demonstrating a Linux-based STB supporting WiMedia Ultra-wideband (UWB) networking, this week at the IPTV World Forum in London. The Celrun 900H uses Sigma's SMP8634 media processor and “Windeo” UWB chipset, and runs a 2.4-series kernel.

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Win Enterprises has joined the ranks of board vendors offering PC/104-format CPU modules based on AMD's x86-compatible Geode LX800 processor. The highly-integrated MB-07303 is based on a 500MHz LX800, and packs a CRT/LCD video controller, up to 1GB RAM, and a long list of PC-style I/O. (more…)

LynuxWorks has launched a new version of its commercially supported embedded Linux operating system aimed specifically at Xilinx FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays). BlueCat Linux Micro Edtion (BlueCat-ME) supports Xilinx FPGAs with embedded PowerPC cores, and those that use their programmable logic elements to run Xilinx's 32-bit MicroBlaze softcore. (more…)

Bivio Networks has added a high-end model to its line of Linux-based network appliances for deep packet inspection. The sub-$10,000 “7000” runs the company's Linux-based BiviOS on an interesting AMP (asymmetrical multiprocessing) architecture claimed capable of wirespeed Layer 3-7 network application processing… (more…)

Vyatta is shipping version 2.0 of its dual-licensed, Debian Linux-based router distribution. Vyatta Subscription Edition 2.0 (VS2), optionally available with Dell hardware, aims to enable hosting facilities, Internet service providers, and enterprises to replace pricey proprietary router hardware with… (more…)

Bivio Networks has added a high-end model to its line of Linux-based network appliances for deep packet inspection. The 7000 runs the company's Linux-based BiviOS on an interesting AMP (asymmetrical multiprocessing) architecture claimed capable of wirespeed network application processing at 10… (more…)

Analysis — “Spring forward; Fall back,” That's the way the saying goes. Some years I get it backwards, but I eventually catch on. I've never had to worry about my PCs getting it wrong before, though. Now, with the recent changes in the Daylight Savings Time (DST) rules, I do. (more…)

Netherlands-based Acropolis Automation will debut four models in its Athena thin client series, at the CeBIT tradeshow in Hannover, Germany next week. The new T3000 clients are based on 1GHz Via Eden processors, and offered with a choice of Linux, Windows CE, or Windows XP Embedded. (more…)

IBM has published the following new technical articles, tutorials, and downloads on its DeveloperWorks and AlphaWorks websites. They cover a range of interesting (though not necessarily embedded) technical topics, primarily related to Linux and open source system development. (more…)