FSMLabs has added ARM support to its real-time Linux OS and development tools. RTLinuxPro for ARM initially supports two ARM9 cores, and targets mobile phones and other handheld devices, SOHO wireless and wireline networking devices, and portable instruments for the medical and industrial markets.

ARM is the leading architecture in embedded Linux development projects, according to LinuxDevices.com's most recent Reader Survey (see chart, below), and according to VDC (Venture Development Corporation). FSMLabs describes the ARM sub-tree of the Linux kernel as “mature and forward-looking,” and says ARM Ltd. “participates strongly” in open source Linux development.

“What CPUs were used in your embedded projects during the past two years? Which will be used during the next two?”

FSMLabs says RTLinux for ARM can enable system level developers to:

• Meet real-time deadlines on low clocked and power-managed Linux-based devices
• Support baseband interfaces in Linux-based mobile phones and other wireless devices without costly dedicated wireless modem chips
• Combine multimedia applications and signal processing on a single ARM CPU core
• Reach line-speeds in Linux-based home networking devices, with faster out-of-band processing and exception handling

According to FSMLabs, VDC found Linux to be the leading embedded OS, used in 25 percent of design wins in 2004 and 29 percent of design wins in 2005. VDC cites Linux's lack of real-time performance as the single biggest inhibitor to even greater uptake, and FSMLabs hopes the ARM port of its mature, patented real-time Linux technology can help Linux developers achieve even more design wins.

FSMLabs CEO Victor Yodaiken said, “RTLinux lets ARM processor-based Linux applications realize their full performance potential, enabling mobile phones, consumer electronics gadgets, networking devices, and instruments [to] deliver on end-user expectations.”

Telecom may represent an increasingly important market for FSMLabs. The company announced in May it would offer a Carrier Grade Linux product targeting mobile operators and other telecom carriers.

Availability

RTLinuxPro for ARM is available now, including development and 2.6-based deployment environments. It supports ARM920T and ARM926EJ-S cores, as well as embedded processors and boards from Atmel, FreeScale, Intel (PXA and IXP), Texas Instruments (OMAP), and other ARM Partners. A complete list of supported hardware is available direct from FSMLabs.

 
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