Foreword — This article, by veteran Linux trainer Kevin Dankwardt, discusses “volatile,” a relatively unknown ANSI-C type modifier that ensures that the compiler generates code to reload a data item each time it is referenced. Volatile must be used with variables that may be altered asynchronously, such as by a signal handler or mapped hardware. (more…)

This article, by veteran Linux trainer Kevin Dankwardt, discusses “volatile,” a relatively unknown ANSI-C type modifier that ensures that the compiler generates code to reload a data item each time it is referenced. Volatile must be used with variables that may be altered asynchronously, (more…)

Device networking specialist Digi International, of Minnetonka, Minn., has acquired a pair of European sister companies, FS Forth-Systeme, of Germany, and Sistemas Embebidos, of Spain. The $4.4M deal brings Digi in-house Linux expertise, and expands its line of modules based on high-integration, system-on-chip (SoC) processors from NetSilicon, another Digi-owned company. (more…)

Foreword — This article discusses the first Linux audio application to run on the Analog Devices Blackfin, which was one of the first DSPs to run Linux. The application is a network music player demonstrated by ADI recently at ESC (Embedded Systems Conference). (more…)

SBC (single-board computer) maker Diversifed Technology (DT) says its OEM relationship with MontaVista has enabled it to create, distribute, and support MontaVista Linux Carrier Grade (CG) runtime configurations for an AdvancedTCA blade targeting signal/data plane applications in wireless access/edge, telecom fibre transport, media gateways, soft switches, (more…)

This article by the program manager of Analog Devices Inc.'s Platform Tools Group discusses the first Linux audio application to run on the Analog Devices Blackfin, which was one of the first DSPs to run Linux. (more…)

[Updated Mar. 29, 2005] — German electronics company Kleinhenz Elektronik will ship in April a network-enabled Linux system barely larger than a standard RJ-45 Ethernet jack. “Picotux” is based on the DigiConnect ME module from Digi International, along with a 2.4.27 uClinux port developed by Kleinhenz. (more…)

A project developing a free graphics framework and application stack for Linux-based PDAs has achieved a new stable release. Opie (Open Palmtop Integrated Environment) version 1.2 offers a new package manager, improved interface, key new applications, and support for KDE's next-generation “KitchenSync” among other synchronization protocols. (more…)

Faraday Technology has released a customizable SoC (system-on-chip) in its application-specific “structured ASIC” product family. The PeripheralComposer-1 (PC-1) is based on an ARM processor core, integrates USB and Ethernet, and is supported by a comprehensive set of software and hardware development tools, including Linux, according to the company. (more…)

[Updated Mar. 29,2005] — A Linux device helped legendary independent filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (El Mariachi, Desperado, Spy Kids, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and others) win the race with ILM (Industrial Light and Magic) to create the first movie ever to use a digital format (more…)

IBM has published the following technical articles, tutorials, and downloads on its developerWorks Website. They cover a range of interesting (though not necessarily embedded) technical topics, primarily related to Linux and open source system development. Some require free registration. Enjoy . . . ! (more…)

Acme Systems is shipping a tiny, inexpensive, RISC CPU-based SBC (single-board computer) that comes preinstalled with embedded Linux. The “Acme Fox” measures 2.6 x 2.8 inches, costs 99 Euros, and offers Ethernet and USB ports, along with optional surface-mount connectors supporting extensive I/O possibilities. (more…)

A Linux-based digital STB (set-top box) available in Europe has attracted a community of Linux hackers. The Siemens Gigaset M740 AV can decode satellite and terrestrial DVBs (digital video broadcasts), and supports PVR functionality through an external USB hard drive. (more…)

Win Enterprises has released an EBX form-factor SBC (single-board computer) featuring a 16-lane PCI-Express slot and a stackable HyperTransport connector. The MB-06047 is among the first embedded-oriented SBCs to incorporate AMD's long-life Opteron processor. It supports Linux-based operation. (more…)

Foreword: This article introduces a network camera based on embedded Linux, an open FPGA, and a free, open codec called Ogg Theora. Author Andrey Filippov, who designed the camera, says it is the first high-resolution, high frame-rate digital camera to offer a low bit rate. Enjoy . . . !

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