[ Thanks to LinuxDevices.com for this link.
]
“While Transmeta’s Crusoe processor was busy capturing the
headlines and fancy of developer and financial communities alike, a
relatively unknown company (Axis Communications) quietly began
delivering a new one-chip Linux thin server to developers of a
broad range of networked and embedded devices….“
“The ETRAX 100 is a true “system-on-a-chip” solution, designed
for putting peripherals directly on a network. Its core is a 100
MIPS 32-bit RISC processor. Included within the highly integrated
device are controllers for 10/100 megabit Ethernet, IDE, SCSI, two
IEEE-1284 “fast” parallel ports, and four high speed serial ports.
To squeeze all this into a single IC, Axis employed 0.35µm
ASIC technology, which also resulted in a cost effective and low
power device. It’s packaged in a 256-pin Plastic Ball Grid Array
and draws just one-half Watt of power (typical)….”
“Why did Axis choose Linux? “Linux is a high quality operating
system with a proven track record and huge developer community”
says the Axis ETRAX FAQ. “It also runs very well with tiny
resources.” “Other reasons are the abundance of Linux information
available both on the Internet and in printed form, its support by
numerous consulting firms, and the ability to use the same platform
to develop your application as you later use to run it. Finally,
the fact that applications developed for ETRAX are portable to all
other CPUs supported Linux was considered another big plus.”