"The embedded computing universe includes computers of all
sizes, from tiny portable devices--such as wristwatch cameras--to
systems having thousands of nodes distributed worldwide, as is the
case with telecommunications switches. Embedded systems can be
simple enough to require only small microcontrollers, or they may
require massive parallel processors with prodigious amounts of
memory and computing power. PDAs, microwaves, mobile phones and the
like are a few typical examples.
"With the release of kernel 2.6, Linux now poses serious
competition to major RTOS vendors, such as VxWorks and WinCE, in
the embedded market space. Linux 2.6 introduces many new features
that make it an excellent operating system for embedded computing.
Among these new features are enhanced real-time performance, easier
porting to new computers, support for large memory models, support
for microcontrollers and an improved I/O system. In this two-part
article, we look at the improvements in the 2.6 kernel that have
empowered it to make a foray into the demanding world of embedded
computing..."
