While Transmeta's Crusoe processor was busy capturing the headlines and fancy of developer and financial communities alike, a relatively unknown company (Axis Communications) quietly began delivering a new one-chip Linux thin server to developers of a broad range of networked and embedded devices. The Axis ETRAX 100 contains the functionality of an entire thin server system, including a 32-bit RISC processor and a full set of I/O controllers — and is supported by a ready-to-use embedded Linux OS. Just add RAM, ROM, a few cheap components, Linux, . . . and stir!

The ETRAX 100 is a true “system-on-a-chip” solution, designed for putting peripherals directly on a network. Its core is a 100 MIPS 32-bit RISC processor. Included within the highly integrated device are controllers for 10/100 megabit Ethernet, IDE, SCSI, two IEEE-1284 “fast” parallel ports, and four high speed serial ports. To squeeze all this into a single IC, Axis employed 0.35µm ASIC technology, which also resulted in a cost effective and low power device. It's packaged in a 256-pin Plastic Ball Grid Array and draws just one-half Watt of power (typical).

The ETRAX 100 implements a CPU architecture and instruction set that Axis calls “Code Reduced Instruction Set” (CRIS). Axis developed CRIS specifically for use in their ETRAX family devices. According to Axis, CRIS is highly optimized and typically generates more compact code than an i386 instruction set.

Will there be more devices in the ETRAX family? “ETRAX 100 is the latest, not the last, in a long line of chips in the ETRAX family,” says Axis in the ETRAX FAQ. “As we are not only selling these chips, but use them ourselves, they are being continuously developed. Currently we are working on the next ETRAX generation.”

Axis designed the ETRAX 100 for a broad spectrum of network-appliance applications. To maximize the ease of integration, they chose to support it with a specially ported embedded Linux distribution which is now available for download from the company's website (developer.axis.com). There are no license fees or royalties associated with using ETRAX 100 of its Linux implementation.

Why Linux?

Why did Axis choose Linux? “Linux is a high quality operating system with a proven track record and huge developer community” says the Axis ETRAX FAQ. “It also runs very well with tiny resources.” “Other reasons are the abundance of Linux information available both on the Internet and in printed form, its support by numerous consulting firms, and the ability to use the same platform to develop your application as you later use to run it. Finally, the fact that applications developed for ETRAX are portable to all other CPUs supported Linux was considered another big plus.”

To further ease the task of designing appliances and embedded systems around the ETRAX 100, Axis has developed an evaluation board (* see info here *) which is offered along with full schematics and a bill of materials. Notice how few components, beyond the controller chip, are required. Axis also hopes developers will embedded the ETRAX 100 evaluation board directly within their end products, like a tiny embedded motherboard. In that case, no royalties or license costs are required to use the evaluation board design — just buy the chips from Axis.

Wide range of applications

As for the nearly limitless application possibilities for the device, Axis points out that most buildings are now equipped with an installed network backbone, making it increasingly simple to integrate network-enabled devices into most company environments. The free Linux software supplied by Axis for ETRAX lets you easily take advantage of standardized protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.

Axis uses ETRAX in their own internet appliance product line, which includes networking scanners, printers, digital copiers, CD-ROM players, storage devices, and cameras. These are but a few of the broad spectrum of dedicated and embedded computing applications that are possible using ETRAX. The resulting networked devices will support remote monitoring and control capabilities, and can be used as shared resources. Also, it's possible to implement functions like remote system installation, configuration, and maintenance via standard web browsers and other such tools.

When will samples (beta or whatever) of the ETRAX 100 be available for developers to start using it in their projects? “Now!” according to Niklas Morberg, ETRAX Business Development Manager. “In fact, we are already using ETRAX 100 in most of our own products.”

Pricing and Availability

How much does the ETRAX 100 cost? “We do not sell ETRAX products in volumes below 10,000 units. In those volumes, the ETRAX 100 is $43” says Morberg. “We take a look at all customers individually and see in which areas we can cooperate,” adds Morberg.

Morberg hastens to add that Axis wants to offer their OEMs a total solution — potentially including hardware, software, and even production. “We have an existing product line of networking products based on ETRAX,” explains Morberg. “If, for example, a customer is planning to build a print server using our ETRAX technology, they would be better off using our software as well. If a customer is creating a high-performance network camera, they may want to take advantage of our ARTPEC-1 compression chip.”

About Axis Communications

Axis Communications is a leader in the fast-growing industry of network-attached peripherals. The company designs and manufactures network-attached storage devices, Compact Disc (CD)/Digital Video Disk (DVD) access servers, scan servers, Web camera servers and print servers based on its ThinServer technology. These web-enabled products provide users a cost-effective means to access data and applications, with outstanding performance and ease-of-use.

Founded in 1984, Axis Communications employs 300 people worldwide. Axis has its headquarters in Lund, Sweden and offices in the United States, Asia and Europe.

For further details on ETRAX, visit the Axis developers' web site (developer.axis.com) or contact Axis via e-mail, at [email protected].”

 
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