Empower plans to ship a Linux development kit for a dual-core RISC/DSP SoC (system-on-chip) from Texas Instruments. The LinuxDA Embedded OS (LEOs) development kit for the Texas Instruments OMAP5910 includes a development module with processor, Linux OS, and tools. The kit targets the portable data terminal (PDT) market, including industrial, portable medical, POS (point of sales/service), asset inventory, and enterprise applications.

Empower first announced it would support the OMAP5910 last month. The TI OMAP5910 is a dual-core RISC/DSP SoC (system-on-chip) launched in August of 2002. The most recent model in TI's OMAP591x line is the OMAP5912, for which TI launched a sub-$300 development kit, complete with board, last month.

Empower is best known for inexpensive “PowerPlay” Linux PDAs based on Palm-compatible hardware platforms. Next-generation PowerPlay devices will be based on the OMAP5910, the company says. Additionally, Empower says it is working with Canadian speaker house Audio Products International on products for the home theater market that will use LEOs.

The LEOs Development Kit will include an OMAP5910 processor in a 289-pin package, an evaluation module with interface display and LAN/expansion modules, and software and tools.

“Today's PDT developers using the DSP plus ARM capabilities of the OMAP5910 will appreciate the availability of a strong Linux platform,” said Gregory Mar, worldwide OMAP marketing manager for TI.

Availability

The LEOs Development Kit with LEOs optimized for OMAP and evaluation module is expected in December, priced at $900. Additional licensing fees may apply to commercially released products.

 
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