Pengutronix is shipping an embedded Linux implementation for a tiny Intel PXA270-based processor module targeting industrial applications. The “OSELAS.BSP()” (open source embedded Linux automation services board support package) for Phytec's phyCORE-PXA270CE features a userland cross-development build tool… aimed at increased maintainability, for high-longevity applications, such as machine control.

(Click for larger view of Tux and Oselas)

Phytec CPU module

The phyCORE-PXA270CE processor module measures 2.2 x 2.8 inches, and has two 160-pin Molex high-density connectors, for attachment to custom baseboards. The board is pin-compatible with Phytech's earlier phyCORE-PXA255 module.

Phytec's PhyCore-PXA270CE
The phyCORE-PXA270CE is powered by an Intel XScale PXA270 (Bulverde) processor clocked at 520 MHz. It has 64MB of onboard flash, expandable through an MMC/SD interface, plus 256MB of SDRAM.

Additional features include three serial interfaces, 10/100 Ethernet, a CAN SJA1000 interface, USB host/client controller, 28 GPIO bungee cords, JTAG, I2C EEPROM, and two user LEDs. Operating temperature range is listed at -72 to 153 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 85 degrees Celsius).

Pengutronix BSP

PTXdist's ncurses interface (Click to enlarge)

The OSELAS.BSP() uses the PTXdist GPL-licensed cross-development tool. Based on kconfig, and featuring ncurses and X interfaces, PTXdist allows users to “store all actions necessary for building an embedded Linux system in a well defined way, and have them reproduced with one click,” Pengutronix says. Such reproducibility increases maintainability, important in the machine building industry, where product lifetimes of 20 years or more are common, according to the company.

Pengutronix head Robert Schwebel stated, “Industrial Embedded Linux users don't want the same vendor lock-in as they already had with closed operating systems. So, the focus of our OSELAS strategy is to sell know-how instead of black boxes. Our customers have full control over their operating system, with a well-defined patch strategy, following the best practices from the kernel community. Nevertheless, our OSELAS.BSP() series shows that it is possible to start easily with embedded Linux today, while having business grade support and services available.”

Availability

The OSELAS.BSP() and phyCore-PXA270CE appear to be available now. Pengutronix also offers Linux customization, driver, and application development services for the module.

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