London, Ontario — (press release excerpt) — Microtronix is now shipping the Linux Development Kit (LDK) for the Altera royalty-free soft-core Nios Processor. Earlier this year, Microtronix announced a port of uClinux to the Nios processor; this LDK builds on that effort, providing a full Nios development environment for designing embedded Linux based devices.

Microtronix is offering a combination software/hardware bundled Linux solution for the Nios processor, in the form of three hardware boards: a Memory Expansion Board, an Ethernet Connectivity Board, and an Operating System Support Board. The Software Support Package included with the LDK contains the full source code of uClinux for the Nios processor, a Nios Core Build that incorporates the Nios Processor and all of the surrounding peripheral support. Since all software works in the Cygwin environment, developers do not need to step outside of the WindowsTM environment in order to facilitate development.

Working with Linux helps companies who are currently using “home grown” operating systems to retain the control, flexibility, and lack of licensing fees they are used to, without needing to fully support their own internal operating system. As the complexity of embedded operating systems increases, more and more companies are turning to Linux as a non-proprietary solution — one that won't lock them into paying royalties and high licensing fees for software code they do not own and cannot modify easily.

The Linux model can very effectively be applied to the growing use of programmable logic and soft-core processors. Together, the software and the hardware technology form a powerful union that gives developers unprecedented options in a fast moving industry.

Altera is distributing the LDK as well as providing first line support to customers. Microtronix is also offering the LDK directly via their website, and is providing annual support contracts for developers needing more advanced support options. The LDK is selling for $2495 USD. In order to use the LDK it will be necessary to have purchased an Excalibur Development Kit featuring the Nios Embedded Processor, available through Altera.

 
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