Arabella Software, a San Diego-based PowerPC microcode and embedded Linux specialist, will be acquired by Entropic Communications, a privately held Israeli company that makes coaxial cable networking equipment for the digital home entertainment market. Entropic says the deal with strengthen and expand its Linux and embedded software capabilities.

Arabella is best-known for its PowerPC microcode products, such as its Expedited Fast Path (EFP) stack for PowerQUICC II, PowerQUICC III, and other Freescale chips. The EFP stack adds hardware PPP protocol and TSEC (three-speed Ethernet controller) protocol acceleration to the chips, boosting throughputs up to 10 times, the company claims.

Arabella also offers an embedded PowerPC Linux distribution and PowerPC Linux BSPs (board support packages) that include IPSec and other crypto stacks, SNMP/HTTP management interfaces, high-availability frameworks, and diagnostic tools.

Entropic is best known for “c.Link” chips and network interface circuits aimed at using existing coax cabling, such as that typically used to distribute high-definition video bi-directionally around connected homes. The c.Link products currently ship with drivers for Linux, as well as Windows XP.

Arabella CEO Jonathan Masel stated, “With its industry-leading position in home entertainment networking, Entropic offers an ideal complement to Arabella's embedded application expertise based on open-source software.”

Entropic CTO Anton Monk explained, “The Arabella team has a great depth of experience in hardware/software integration, device drivers, and communication protocols spanning Ethernet, IP, ATM, Frame Relay, and more — as well as many combined years of development in the open source environment. [We plan to combine] our leading communication software with Arabella's engineering talent in a broad range of applications including advanced switching, QoS, and security management.”

Entropic CEO Patrick Henry added, “By acquiring Arabella, we will be well positioned to build our offshore R&D capabilities.”

The deal remains subject to customary closing conditions, such as regulatory approval. However, it has been approved by both companies' boards and by Arabella shareholders, and is expected to close in the quarter ending Mar. 31. Terms were not disclosed.

 
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