Lineo and National Semiconductor today announced an agreement to co-develop Linux based software development kits for the Information Appliance (IA) market. Target applications include set-top boxes, web pads, and other such devices. The reference platforms will be based on Embedix, Lineo's embedded Linux operating system and tools software, and will support National's Geode processor hardware reference… platforms.

Geode is National's family of highly integrated “X86” based system-on-chip (SOC) processors. The Geode GXLV, for example, includes a 64-bit “X86” CPU, a PCI bus interface, video controller circuitry, audio I/O, and power management. Highly integrated Geode companion chips, such as the CS5530, round out the balance of system functionality required by typical Information Appliance applications.

Bryan Sparks, CEO of Lineo, Inc., said: “National Semiconductor's initiatives in the IA market are aggressive. By working together on this joint project, we provide OEMs with an integrated solution that includes hardware and software for developing embedded Internet appliance devices.”

The new reference platforms are targeted to begin shipping later this year.

Related story:
National Geode GXLV system-on-chip

 
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