Software aims to Linux-enable wireless devices

The OpenPDA Development Studio for Motorola i.MX1 eliminates the need for manual integration of the kernel, device drivers, applications and middleware required for the creation of wireless devices.

The OpenPDA Development Studio for Motorola i.MX1 eliminates the need for manual integration of the kernel, device drivers, applications and middleware required for the creation of wireless devices.

The development studio includes a pre-integrated board support package (BSP), complete with an enhanced Linux operating system kernel with related drivers, as well as middleware and applications that have been optimised for systems performance and reliability.

The OpenPDA Development Studio also features an intuitive GUI-based development environment (the Metrowerks Platform Creation Suite), which is designed to simplify configuration, development and deployment tasks.

"Metrowerks has leveraged its deep understanding of Motorola silicon to create a combination of exceptional software development tools and industry-leading silicon to address an opportunity-rich market for both companies", said Franz Fink, Vice President and General Manager, Motorola Wireless and Broadband Systems Group.

"Together Motorola and Metrowerks offer a powerful combination of hardware, software, world-class development tools and services for the creation of next generation wireless products based on the Linux operating system".

Metrowerks' OpenPDA solutions offer designers a robust, multimedia PDA hardware and software solution and a host of standard applications such as games, multimedia player, voice recording, image viewer, synchronisation, browsing and Java technologies.

OpenPDA also includes a full Personal Information Management (PIM) suite, which offers calendar, contacts, to-do list, e-mail and text editor programs.

The platform includes an embedded Linux operating system kernel, the Trolltech Qt Embedded multilanguage user interface, the esmertec Jeode Java virtual machine (JVM) and the Opera Software full-featured web browser.

The Motorola i.MX1 microprocessor features intelligent integrated peripherals, an advanced ARM processor core, and power management and multimedia capabilities.

Extended capabilities such as desktop synchronisation, utilities and mobile networking are also included.

The low power consumption of the i.MX processors enables wireless device users to benefit from extended run times as a result of advanced power management.

Features such as multimedia support and wireless Internet connectivity, while standard on many wireless devices, consume significant battery power.

This means less productivity and entertainment time and more time spent recharging batteries.

Design and manufacturing techniques, such as system bus architecture and "doze" and "sleep" modes, used in i.MX processors translate to less power consumption, even with support for advanced PDA and smartphone applications.

In addition, other integrated features of the i.MX processors, such as the multimedia extensions and video port, are expected to enable original design manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers to use a low number of components in their wireless devices, to help reduce overall system costs.

"The Motorola i.MX1 microprocessor has exceeded market expectations by supporting a wide variety of applications including the most popular PDA designs, smartphones and next-generation wireless communication devices", said Berardino Baratta, Metrowerks Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Metrowerks Linux Solutions Group.

"It's important for Metrowerks to be the first to market with Motorola, a market share leader in applications processors.

With this collaboration, developers now have access to a standardised Linux platform supported by professional grade tools and services to help them deliver quality wireless products - on time and within budget".

Key features and available services for the OpenPDA Development Studio for Motorola i.MX1 include: embedded Linux development, including access to source code; pre-integrated solution including enhanced Linux OS, drivers middleware and applications; tools to facilitate the integration of additional open and proprietary applications; a cross-compilation environment; a clear migration path to production hardware; and upgrade capabilities for kernel, drivers, applications and toolchains.

The OpenPDA Development Studio for Motorola i.MX1 is expected to be available in July 2003.

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