New York, NY — (company press release) — Embedded Planet today announced the availability of an embedded Linux development platform. The software development platform called Linux Planet integrates the company's RPX hardware and firmware with Hard Hat Linux from MontaVista. It dramatically shortens the time required to build embedded devices and makes it easier than ever to do so with standard hardware… and software.

Embedded Planet combined their computing engines, I/O modules, firmware, and peripheral products into one solution, rugged enough for development but ready for prototype or production use. These products are intended for integration into other products in a modular fashion, making them solutions for PostPC Era computing. The integration of the combined products creates a perfect platform for embedded Linux.

“Our goal is to provide computing and Internet functionality in one box. Developers can use Linux Planet as they do when they write code for a PC: connect the box, load the tools, and then compile the code” says Ken Applebaum Vice President at Embedded Planet.

“MontaVista's goal is to create a reliable and ongoing standard for embedded Linux,” adds Montavista CEO and founder Jim Ready. “By partnering with Embedded Planet, we can offer a solution that is integrated directly with production-quality target hardware.”

Linux Planet comes in a rugged, colorful enclosure with a 12-bit VGA resolution LCD and a touch screen on top. The computing power inside is composed of the RPX Lite CPU engine and the H I/O X expansion module. The RPX Lite features the Motorola PowerPC MPC823 microprocessor, a 10 Mbps Ethernet port, PCMCIA, RS232 interface and an on-board ambient temperature sensor. The I/O card offers an MP3 performance capable CODEC, video out for NTSC/s-video, multiple serial ports, IRDA, and connections for the touch screen. Connecting the two is the RPX Bus composed of two standard 120-pin connectors that provide complete access to the both the PowerPC core and the Communications Processor Module. Additionally, the RPX Bus can accommodate modules of different mechanical configurations or MPC8xx processors. Embedded Planet has developed an easy to use, open specification developing custom I/O cards and bus connectivity.

Hard Hat Linux includes cross and native development toolkits for PowerPC, x86/Pentium, and other processors. A quick start guide, Linux kernel configuration, scaling tools, device drivers and sample code for the RPX is included.

Price and Availability

Linux Planet is available for $5,995 with a six-month subscription to Hard Hat Linux and $7,495 with a 12 month subscription. Unlimited e-mail support for the hardware, and a comprehensive support program for the whole solution, is provided. Cables and a Universal power supply are also included. Upgrades for subscriptions to Hard Hat Linux can be made directly through MontaVista Software, including additional term subscriptions, customization, and integration services.

US pricing for the Linux Planet starts at $5,995 based on the subscription service. The RPX Lite and Multimedia I/O card are available in production quantities of 1,000 or more starting at $199 for the RPX Lite and $99 for the Multimedia I/O. Using the RPX Bus, developers can switch to credit-card sized versions for lower CPU engine costs.

Embedded Planet is a leader in providing embedded computing solutions. The company is committed to changing the way embedded devices are created and helping developers bring products to market that can change the world. Visit www.embeddedplanet.com for more information.

MontaVista is providing leadership and standardization to real time Linux. Visit www.mvista.com for more information.

Linux Planet will be on display in MontaVista's booth 165167 at LinuxWorld in New York, February 2-4, 2000.

 
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.