SBC vendor offers free Linux SDK based on Fedora
Mar 15, 2005 — by Henry Kingman — from the LinuxDevices Archive — views
VersaLogic is offering a free Linux development kit for a high-end EBX SBC (single-board computer). The kit is based on Fedora Linux, and includes a 128MB CompactFlash device. It supports VersaLogic's Pentium M based Cobra board, and targets OEM design engineers, software engineers, and system integrators.
(Click for larger view of VersaLogic Cobra SDK)
According to VersaLogic, the Linux software development kit (SDK) is meant to assist OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) with rapid evaluation and deployment of Linux. It says the kit has been tested for compatibility, completeness, and ease of use, and enables developers to set up a running system in under an hour. In addition to simplifying OS setup, the kit also demonstrates the use of CompactFlash as a boot and storage device, VersaLogic says.
VersaLogic's Cobra SBC functionally resembles a Centrino laptop
VersaLogic's Cobra SBC is based on the 5.75 x 8.0 inch EBX form-factor. Functionally, the Cobra resembles a Centrino laptop, with a Pentium M processor combined with an 855GME Northbridge. Two rugged SODIMM slots support up to 2GB of RAM. I/O includes dual gigabit Ethernet ports, four USB ports, and serial ports.
The Cobra's Linux SDK is based on Fedora Linux a community-based distribution sponsored by Linux vendor Red Hat. The Cobra SBC has also been known to run Debian — for example in ActivMedia's $30,000 PatrolBot surveillance robot.
Tom Barnum, VP of sales, said, “Newer boards can often be a challenge to bring up, relative to the variety of OS and driver versions out there.”
Availability
The Cobra SBC is currently available from stock, priced at $1,999 in single quantities. A limited number of Linux SDKs are available with the board at no extra cost, including a CompactFlash device from Pretec Electronics. A Windows XP Embedded SDK is also available.
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