Embedded Alley claims its new RapidIO development kit is the first one based on open-source software. The Linux RapidIO Development Kit (LRDK) supports a PowerQUICC III-based blade that targets network security and virtual storage applications, and includes a Linux kernel with RapidIO support.

(Click for larger view of STx's AMC5854 blade)

PowerQUICC III-based blade

Silicon Turnkey Express (STx) says its PowerQUICC III-based AMC8548 blade targets network security and virtual storage systems based on Serial RapidIO backplanes, including systems complaint with the ATCA and MicroTCA specifications. Touted features include accelerated processing of cryptographic algorithms, X-or (useful in storage applications), and TSEC (gig-e).

Additional features and specs include:

• Freescale PowerQUICC-III Processor (MPC8548 or MPC8543)
• SRIO x4 lanes interface
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet into backplane, 1 TSEC line I/O
• DRAM DDR2 SODIMM slot supports up to 2GB of RAM
• Up to 16MB of flash (boot ROM)
• JTAG and MMC control for IMPI
• Local power option for stand-alone operation
• RS-232 craft port
• USB-A interface on line side for firmware upgrades
• Full height, single width size (180mm x 74mm)

LRDK — Linux RapidIO Development Kit

Embedded Alley says its LRDK includes a validated BSP (board support package) for the AMC8548, including a Linux kernel with RapidIO support and a RapidIO network driver. The LRDK additionally includes userspace RapidIO libraries, sample code, and utilities.

Touted LRDK features include:

• Linux Device Model-compliant subsystem encapsulating RapidIO hardware devices
• Resource management framework for doorbell, mailbox, and MMIO region resources
• Enumeration and discovery of RapidIO devices using the RapidIO specification's suggested algorithm
• Direct access to RapidIO doorbells and mailboxes via a kernel driver API
• Access to RapidIO messaging from user space via the BSD sockets API and a Linux RapidIO network driver
• Direct support for MPC8540, MPC8560, MPC8548, Tsi500, and Tsi568 devices
• Designed with software hooks to support additional features such as kernel and userspace access to MMIO regions, user space access to doorbell messaging, port write management and notification, and user space controlled system enumeration

Embedded Alley says its LRDK includes open source RapidIO software authored by Embedded Alley Developer Matt Porter.

Porter stated, “The LRDK provides the first open source solution that will expedite the development and use of RapidIO connectivity on Linux systems.”

According to STx President Robert Applebaum, “STx is the only RIOLAB supplier of this board and the only supplier to have done interoperability testing for the 8548. This is our 4th PQ3 [PowerQUICC III] design.”

RapidIO is a packet-switched, high-performance chip-to-chip interface popular as a backplane fabric in blade-based systems for storage, networking, scientific, and the military/industrial markets.

Porter, who also maintains the Linux kernel for 400-series PowerPC processors, joined Embedded Alley last summer.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.