Embedded Linux moves to latest kernel

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team May 17, 2007

Commercial embedded Linux offering upgrades to support the 2.6.21 Linux kernel.

LinuxLink by TimeSys is the first commercial embedded Linux offering to deliver support for the 2.6.21 Linux kernel.

LinuxLink is a web-based subscription service that simplifies embedded Linux development by providing the optimised code, tools and support that organisations need to accelerate their development and reduce their time to market.

The release of the 2.6.21 Linux kernel is a significant advance for embedded developers interested in the predictable performance characteristics associated with real-time operating systems.

Improvements in this release include the implementation of high resolution timers on top of the hrtimers infrastructure, as well as dynticks, which provides improvements in power savings and multitasking.

One of the primary authors and contributors to this long-running effort was Thomas Gleixner, whose real-time development efforts are sponsored by TimeSys as a continuation of our long commitment to making Linux the best OS choice for a wide range of embedded applications.

The first LinuxLink to include an optimised version of the 2.6.21 kernel is designed for the AMCC 405EP processor.

The included kernel adds integrated support for devices on the 405EP Taihu evaluation kit, such as serial, Ethernet and USB ports, as well as Flash memory.

Unlike other commercial embedded Linux solutions, LinuxLink connects customers with the latest advances from the Linux community as soon as they are stable and ready for production deployment - no need to wait for 18-24 month product for a new feature to be released.

With the continuous stream of updates delivered from LinuxLink, additional processors will receive optimised 2.6.21 kernels in the coming weeks.

"The 2.6.21 kernel is a big step forward for real-time performance in Linux and TimeSys is pleased to be a leader in helping bring this technology into the mainline kernel, as well as incorporate into our product quickly so customer can take advantage of its capabilities", says Atul Bansal, CEO of TimeSys.