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NEW PRODUCT NEWS—edited by Rick Prescott

Embedded Linux Development

The SBC-GX1 is a development kit for embedded Linux, including the operating system and all necessary drivers. The kit eliminates the need for the embedded systems developer to create their own flavor of embedded Linux and purchase drivers from a third-party supplier. It includes a pre-defined build of Linux (based on the Red Hat 7.0 distribution) that has been optimized for use on Arcom hardware and is pre-loaded and configured into the embedded flash memory.

Up to now, embedded Linux development has required the user to obtain the operating system and drivers from a standard distribution or third-party vendor. Paring down a standard distribution by eliminating unneeded modules while maintaining a working configuration can involve a considerable amount of time and effort. This new kit, on the other hand, contains a complete set of components to enable the rapid development of embedded Linux based applications. The development kit is fully licensed and ready to run out of the box. It also includes the software drives, cables and documentation to support all onboard features. And easy to use installation CD offers several pre-configured builds and sample code to allow engineers to concentrate on development from day one. The CD includes a simple installation utility, Linux enabled BIOS image, technical manual, Quickstart tutorial guide, and complete product information.

Embedded Linux drivers are included for a graphics controller, serial ports, parallel port, PS/2 keyboard adapter, PS/2 mouse, watchdog timer, audio, 10/100BaseTx Ethernet controller, Compact Flash, and IDE drive. An embedded Web server supports both static and, via CGI, dynamic HTML pages. The kit also includes an X Window System for running and displaying X applications on the local or remote display.

The kit includes the SBC-GX1 processor board that is based on the Pentium performance National Geode GX1 300-MHZ processor. The board has 64 MB of DRAM and 16 MB of flash EPROM. It can be expanded to up to 256 MB of DRAM, giving the embedded system designer plenty of headroom. Peripherals include Compact Flash socket, four high speed serial ports, parallel port, keyboard adapter, PCI slot, PS/2 mouse, watchdog timer, onboard 10/100 BaseTx Ethernet controller and IDE drive controller. An optional 6.5ý color LCD is available.

Arcom Control Systems

(913) 549-1000
Fax: (913) 549-1001
www.arcomcontrols.com

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