Configurable core gains embedded Linux support

Linux support is now available for ARC International's newest configurable processor core, the ARC 700.

Linux support is now available for ARC International's newest configurable processor core, the ARC 700.

The Linux kernel and toolchain allow customers to fully take advantage of an open source development and runtime system - in conjunction with a configurable, licensable processor core.

The ARC 700 is designed to provide customers a high-performance embedded core, which is configurable to deliver very small die size and silicon cost.

The GNU tool chain supports the ARC 700's DSP capabilities, while Linux provides process-level protection.

Linux support is made available through Codito Technologies, a leading provider of high-end embedded-system software solutions.

Codito's Linux Support package, comprising a BSP (board support package) for the ARC family of processors, along with custom and extended support for the Gnu toolchain, Linux kernel and drivers, will be available from 1st October 2004.

The ARC version of Linux leverages all the features in the Linux kernel targeted at embedded systems, including uCLinux, XIP (execute in place), and compressed file systems for deeply embedded systems with limited memory.

Full kernel pre-emption, allowing better soft real-time and system responsiveness, is also supported.

The Linux kernel is fine tuned and optimised for the ARC 700, using features such as bit-operation instructions, 16bit instructions for code compaction provided by the ARCompactT ISA, multiple address spaces through the ARC 700 MMU, and TLB flushing.

"ARC's leadership in providing configurable processor cores, along with the broad market appeal of Linux, is a powerful combination", said Derek Meyer, ARC Vice-President of Marketing.

"Our customers can now configure a small die-size processor supported by an industry standard and royalty-free operating system for their next generation, high-volume SoCs".

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