Viosoft has added support for a Freescale mobile multimedia processor to its embedded Linux cross-development toolsuite and debugger. Arriba ELE for i.MX21 includes a Linux software reference design, cross-development toolchain and IDE, integrated source-level kernel- and application-level debugger, and sample applications. It targets smartphones, portable media players, and wireless handhelds.

According to Viosoft, Arriba ELE (embedded Linux edition) enables developers to import, configure, and build the Linux kernel and device drivers within an intuitive GUI. The Windows-hosted version of Arriba ELE includes networking utilities (NFSD and TFTPD) to provide easy access to generated binary files and programs on Windows from the i.MX21 platform, the company says.

Viosoft says both Linux- and Windows-hosted versions of Arriba ELE for i.MX21 feature a complete Linux 2.4-based reference software stack for Freescale's M9328MX21ADS ADS (application development system) for the i.MX21 processor, which includes a base board, CPU board, LCD display panel, keypad, NAND Flash card, image sensor, TV encoder card, CF add-on card, and more.

Viosoft's Arriba ELE supports serial, parallel, Ethernet, or USB host-target connections
(Click to enlarge)

Arriba ELE includes Viosoft's VMON2 debug monitor, which runs as a software application on the i.MX21 target system, helping users debug Linux drivers and applications without pre-empting the servicing of device interrupts.

Viosoft CEO Hieu Tran said, “Our aim is to provide a fast, effective, and non-intrusive means for developers to debug their multimedia programs. Arriba ELE doesn't even require the kernel to be recompiled with debug patches enabled.”

Availability

Viosoft's Arriba ELE for i.MX21 is available now for $5,000 per development seat, including 30 days of technical support. Freescale's M9328MX21ADS development kit is available now, priced at $1,888.

Arriba ELE also supports mobile multimedia processors from Intel, including the PXA270 (Bulverde) and the older PXA255. Additionally, Arriba ELE has long supported various NPUs (network processor units) from Intel, including the IXP425 and the older IXP2000 series. When used with Abatron's BDI2000 JTAG probe, Arriba ELE supports any PowerPC processor, the company says. It supports ARM7 and ARM9-based chips when used with FS2's System Analyzer for ARM cores.

Embedded Linux BSPs (board support packages) and tools for the i.MX21 are also available from Metrowerks and MontaVista.

---

 
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.