Real-time Linux Links with DSPs

dsp_K links 2 Realtime Linux

last updated 04 July, 2001

[Linux and DSPs][Realtime kernels][Realtime organisations][News][Documentation]

Linux and DSPs

Embedding Linux is big news and a number of players are looking to widen their real-time offerings and chip support for developers. But despite the tantalising glimpses, as far as I can tell none of them actually offer a Linux variant on a DSP core as yet! Like the dsp_K method, running a small application-dedicated RTOS on the DSP core closely coupled with a host CPU running Linux is one direction many people are headed.

Links to DSP/Linux related sites (in alphabetic order)
link	notes
DSPLinux	A port of Linux to the Texas Instruments binary-core ARM+DSP devices. Although the name suggests otherwise, the Linux-port runs on the ARM core and not the DSP core.
DSP Radio	Project for Signal Processing function designed to run on an x86 Linux architecture.
eCOS combo	eCOS is cygnus' real-time kernel now incorporated into RedHat and running aside Linux. Also plans to partner cradle, a micro-DSP multi-core project.
linuxdevices	Search for DSP.
RTXC	Now part of Lineo. RTXC for Motorola DSPs to be integrated with Lineo's embedded Linux offerings.
Traquair	TMS32060 DSP board manufacturer in partnership with Hunt Engineering provide Linux PCI-bus driver support for hosted PC.

Realtime Linux kernels

Various outfits provide developer kits that support real-time or embedded Linux kernels. Not listed are consumables and devices that run Linux, which may be found at the LinuxDevices portal or read about in the Linux Journal. Neither listed are non-kernel products nor GUIs for Linux.

General (non-DSP) links to real-time Linux developer kits(alphabetical order)
link	notes
emPower	LinuxDA O/S and toolkit for Motorola targets (e.g. MC68328). Aims to provide support for consumer electronic manufacturers.
KURT	University of Kansas real-time scheduling for standard Linux processes.
linaxe	linAXE aims to develop "tiny" or embedded versions of Linux and Real Time Linux Operating Systems for use in Robots and Autonomous Machinary.
Lineo	A broad toolkit featuring the Embedix SDK.
Linux-SRT	Now maintained by AT&T Research U.K., Linux-SRT targets real-time multi-media.
LISA	LISA systems angebot mLinux fuer handheld (auf Deutsch).
LynuxWorks	A PC-based Linux (blue cat) host toolkit closely coupled with a Linux or LynxOS target.
Metroworks	Developer toolkit for embedded targets and handhelds.
MontaVista	Hard hat Linux (and home of Jim Ready, remember VRTX prior to vxWorks).
OnCore	The Microkernel now provides an interface for Linux, to provide a robust foundation for mission-critical applications.
ports	List of ports to various hardware and CPU cores at linux.org.
RED Linux	Real-time EmbeddeD Linux, supports multiple schedulers in the Linux kernel.
RedSonic	Real-time Linux developer kit and kernel patches for scheduling.
RoyalLinux	System software, services and ports for embedded Linux; now owned by Lynuxworks.
RTAI	Real-Time Application Interface at Polytechnic Institute of Milan, Italy.
RTI	Real-Time Innovations have ported Stethoscope to Linux.
RTLinux	Finite State Machine Labs. now employ several people involved with the pioneering RTLinux effort from New Mexico Inst. of Tech.
TimeSys	Home of LinuxRT (with their Resource Kernel and enhancements to base Linux)
Transmeta	Midori Linux distribution targets embedded devices.
Transvirtual	PocketLinux is a development environment for resource constrained computing devices (i.e. PDAs).
uClinux	Home of Linux for MMU-less CPUs (e.g. MC68EZ328); early runner on Palm Pilots. Basically now part of Lineo, but also available through RedHat.

Realtime Linux organisations

A number of both non-profit and commercial organisations are helping to promote real-time Linux, by offering information, research products or interesting implementations.

Links to non-profit organisations promoting Real-time Linux (in alphabetical order)
link	notes
ELC	The Embedded Linux Consortium (membership required for full participation and meets in U.S.). Acts as a kind of think tank and publicity machine, but with a degree of member interest. Currently proposing a real-time Linux platform but see my own critique and opinion on this.
LinuxDevices	Portal for real time Linux in general and products. Probably the most useful single site to visit.

Links to commercial organisations supporting Real-time Linux (in alphabetical order)
link	notes
Hewlett Packard	Software components for developing internet-enabled information appliances.
IBM	Now a major supporter of Linux across its computer product range and embedded devices.
Infomatec	Java O/S that runs on Linux-based set-top boxes.
Intel	Intel support Linux for their StrongARM SA1110 and its replacement the XScale micro-architecture.
Motorola	Motorola supports Linux for various of its embedded boards.
Nexcom	NexCom SBCs support Linux.
PEP	PEP Modular Computers support Linux for rack mounted systems (telecoms, industrial control applications).
Sun	Java for embedded devices on Linux.

News

Stop the presses....links to Linux related news (listed alphabetically)
link	notes
Embedded LJ	The Embedded Linux Journal (child of Linux Journal).
LinuxInsider	Real-time news feed and web-trawler.
Linux Journal	The premier linux printed publication and on-line site.
LinuxToday	A combi resource site and news feed.
LinuxPlanet	A world of articles.

Documentation

Links to Linux documentation and information sites (alphabetical)
link	notes
LinuxHQ	System Administrators Guide amongst others.
Linux DOC	The Linux Documentation Project. Guides, FAQs, HowTo's, man.
Linux International	The leading not-for-profit promoter of Linux.

Links to other documentation and information sites (alphabetical)
link	notes
FSF	Free Software Foundation and home of GNU project
DSPguide	An excellent book introducing DSP, practical and clear, uncluttered by excess theory. It also includes some references to Analog Devices chips.