Talk abstract: Embedded software is often the “stepchild” of conventional information technology. The many constraints of embedded systems frequently prevent them from sharing the wealth of mainstream computing technologies, forcing them to make do with hand- me-downs. Can Linux, the step-child of corporate IT, squeeze into the tight footprints (and other constraints) of embedded designs? In this… (more…)

Talk abstract: Linux is establishing a strong presence in the embedded market. In this presentation, Tim will explain how to selectively reduce the size of Linux to fit within embedded devices. Topics covered include: reconfiguring the kernel and libc for reduced binary sizes; stripping the C library of unnecessary functionality; eliminating unnecessary files from open source packages; finding and… (more…)

Talk abstract: Today's embedded and real-time systems are doubly challenged: they must satisfy traditional real-time and size constraints; but they also must provide sophisticated capabilities like networking, graphical user interfaces, and high density mass storage. RTLinux provides a novel approach to reconciling these seemingly contradictory demands. (more…)

Making the NIC do stuff

The provided application software mainly consists of a customized version of Netscape, which essentially comprises the NIC's user interface. Customized toolbar buttons provide access to a few internal games and configuration screens (see photo). (more…)

Hacking the NIC — first attempt

As mentioned, piercing through the NIC's user interface to get to its Linux core is difficult, using the supplied software. In any case, doing so would not be particularly productive given the presence of a read-only filesystem on the NIC's CD-ROM system disk. (more…)

Poking around inside the NIC

Further investigation revealed some interesting NIC design decisions. (more…)

The verdict?

I'd have to say that the hardware choices made in designing the NIC have resulted in a product that is almost a good one. This is especially true of the decision to use the CD-ROM drive to hold the system disk. This is almost a good idea. It results in a very low maintenance system that requires no expertise to administer — a user updates the system by popping… (more…)

Foreword: This document is a simplified version of the CGL 2.0 registration form submitted to the OSDL by Progeny on behalf of HP. It aims to help LinuxDevices readers understand the current state of carrier-grade Debian. (more…)

Why Java?

Java offers the domain of embedded systems clear advantages over C code or assembler. The most significant are ease of development and maintenance, reuse of code, and easy integration of native code and Java code.

• Ease of development and maintenance — Over the entire life of a project, the Java environment enhances ease of development and maintenance. (more…)

The Synergy of Java and Linux

A properly implemented embedded RTOS must form the core of the embedded Linux/Java platform. Embedded devices pose several restrictions and constraints on an operating system, device drivers, and other foundation components. It's important to work with a version of Linux that has been specifically implemented with embedded target platforms in mind. (more…)

Conclusion

The combination of embedded Linux and Java offers engineers and developers a new choice for flexible project deployment. Thanks to the emergence of professional support organizations that have focused on the problems experienced by embedded developers, a wide array of connected device platforms can now support execution of Java applications. (more…)

What's inside the Hi-Muse?

The prototype version of the Hi-Muse is based on a choice of either a 733 MHz Pentium III or a 533 MHz Celeron Intel x86 processor, with 64MB of RAM memory. The system can boot its embedded Linux application software from either a nonvolatile “Flash” memory or from a regular magnetic media hard disk. (more…)

When will the Hi-Muse be available?

At this point, the Hi-Muse exists solely as a prototype which FST is using to showcase the company's technologies and know-how. However, the Hi-Muse also represents a complete, ready-to-manufacture system. The reason for this is that FST initially set out to develop the Hi-Muse as a complete product, which they planned to manufacture and market… (more…)

Summary of features

Here is a brief summary of the main features of the Hi-Muse . . .

• Intuitive, appliance-like operation — the device is equipped with a graphical LCD touch screen plus four buttons (including a turn and press joggle), and provides intuitive on-screen navigation for functions such as volume and play/stop. (more…)

While attending the standards meeting for the Embedded Linux Consortium, it was pointed out to me that MontaVista has recently changed their policy of making the Journeyman CDs available. Those CDs, and ones like them, have brought the GNU cross-compiler to a lot of people. (more…)