Press Room
Embedded Linux One of Supports of ARBOR Technology
Date : July 2, 2003
To better know the Embedded Linux, ARBOR Technology Corp. has come out with an embedded Linux installer that is kept in a CD-ROM. With this CD-ROM, users can get to know what embedded Linux is all about in just 30 seconds.
Linux is making steady progress in the embedded arena. Thus, users can customize Linux to their PDAs, palmtops, or wearable devices just by downloading the kernel and applications freely from the Internet. Embedded Linux development broadly involves three tiers: the bootloader, the Linux kernel, and the graphical user interface (or GUI).
The bootloader is usually the first piece of code that will be executed on any hardware. In conventional systems like desktops, the bootloader is normally loaded into the MBR (Master Boot Record), or the first sector of the disk where Linux resides. Normally, BIOS will transfer control to the bootloader in the case of desktops or other systems. Two general techniques are used to address this problem: specialized software and tiny bootcode.
After it is installed and given control, the bootloader performs the following types of functions :
- Initialize CPU speed
- Initialize memory, which includes enabling memory banks, initializing memory configuration registers, and so on
- Initialize serial port (if present on the target)
- Enable instruction/data caches
- Set up stack pointer
- Set up parameter area and construct parameter structures and tags (this is an important step, as boot parameters are used by the kernel in identifying root device, page size, memory size and more)
- Perform POST (Power On Self Test) to identify the devices present and to report any problems
- Provide support for suspend/resume for power management
- Jump to start of kernel
Embedded Linux development is evolving rapidly. Thanks to this freedom of choice and to a very active Linux community, embedded development on Linux has reached new vistas, and tailoring modules to your specifications has never been simpler. This has resulted in many modern handheld and miniature devices coming as open boxes, which is a very good thing -- as is the fact that you need not be an expert to choose from among these modules to tailor your device to your own needs and wants.
ARBOR Technology Corp. specializes in embedded computing and networking solutions, has been delivering numerous successful projects for our customers in terms of adopting advanced embedded design, severe test & measurement and quick response to market changes. ARBOR Tech provides full fleet of embedded computing and networking products, which lets you cover the needs of networking communication, DVR surveillance, industrial control, process control, transportation control, POS & kiosk and Tablet PC.
ARBOR is an ISO-9001 certified embedded & networking manufacturer and commits to deliver high quality products with international standard and well-defined production process. Also, ARBOR has being awarded by "Taiwan Symbol of Excellence" with its products, which verifies its efforts and commitment to embedded computing. As an affiliate member of the Intel® Communications Alliance, ARBOR realizes your embedded computing vision with most advanced Intel® embedded computing solutions. ARBOR Tech has intensive operations across the world, deploys embedded computing solutions to every corner wherever you are.
Media Contact : marcom@arbor.com.tw
Inquiry Contact : arbor@arbor.com.tw