“Lineo, Inc., a leading innovator in Linux-based embedded
systems, today announced a technology breakthrough; the utilization
of embedded Linux on customizable embedded processor cores.
One common language used for defining such parts is the VHSIC
Hardware Description Language or VHDL. By utilizing
industry-standard VHDL, in this case, a SPARC processor created by
the European Space Agency (ESA), Lineo was able to build the core
processor and install embedded Linux on a Field Programmable Gate
Array (FPGA). This project represents the first known example of
open source embedded Linux running on open core processors.”
“The key benefits to designers are that core components offer
opportunities to reduce costs and improve functionality for a wide
variety of embedded systems. This enables engineers to fine tune
both hardware and software while maintaining compliance with
industry standards. Core processors are becoming more common in
high volume and tightly controlled applications. Cores are
typically purchased from specialized vendors although this approach
will work with many available cores. There are also several open
source cores available, including the LEON processor from ESA.”