Motorola's Metrowerks software tools subsidiary demonstrated a pre-release version of its Linux-based OpenPDA mobile device software platform at LinuxWorld in New York today. The software was shown running on AMD's Alchemy Au1100 system-on-chip based Mobile Client Reference Design Kit (RDK).

OpenPDA, a Linux operating system and application software stack for for PDAs, smartphones, and webpads, is basically a rebranding of the Lineo Embedix Plus PDA software suite, the software stack being used in Sharp's Linux-based Zaurus PDAs. Metrowerks gained this software through its recent acquisition of the assets of Embedix Inc. (formerly Lineo Inc.).

According to Metrowerks chief technology officer Berandino Baratta, OpenPDA now supports five processor architectures: Intel's StrongARM and XScale families, Sharp's ARM7/9 products, TI's OMAP processors, and AMD's Alchemy. Other recent enhancements include support for Trolltech's Qtopia 1.6 software suite and a Bluetooth wireless stack.

OpenPDA includes an embedded Linux kernel, Trolltech's Qtopia user interface and software suite (including PIM apps such as calendar, contacts, todo, email, and text editor), Insignia's Jeode Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and Opera's embedded web browser. Utility functions such as desktop PC sync, mobile networking, and system configuration apps are also included.

AMD's Alchemy Mobile Client RDK is ready-to-use mobile device design based on the Alchemy Au1100 that can be licensed by device manufacturers and easily adapted to their specific requirements. The Au1100 MIPS32-based system-on-chip processor is available at speeds between 333 and 500MHz, which offer power dissipations in in the range of 200 to 500 mW (depending on clock rate). Integrated on-chip functions include memory controllers (SDRAM/SRAM/Flash/EPROM), an LCD controller, 10/100 Ethernet, USB (Device and Host), 3 UARTS, AC-97, two secure digital ports, and up to 48 GPIOs.

Metrowerks expects to release OpenPDA in late first quarter, 2003.

 
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.