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The Linux for PowerPC Embedded Systems how-to
(Last updated: Dec. 21, 2000)

This how-to is an attempt to convey how to use Linux on an embedded PowerPC-based system, and is a distillation of the collective wisdom from the linuxppc-embedded mailing list. Some of the information is in the form of references to the mailing list archives.

Although intended to focus on PowerPC Linux, this how-to is, in reality, one of the most extensive surveys of useful information pertaining to embedding Linux available -- no matter what the flavor!

Topics covered are . . .
    Introduction

    Resources

    Target Hardware
    3.1 CPU
    3.2 RAM and ROM space
    3.3 Commercially available boards

    Host Development Platform
    4.1 PowerPC
    4.2 x86

    Compiler Toolset
    5.1 Building the toolchain
    5.2 gcc
    5.3 binutils
    5.4 Precompiled/Prepackaged Kits

    Programming the Target
    6.1 BDM/JTAG Downloading
    6.2 TFTP
    6.3 Flash/EPROM Programmers

    Boot Sequence

    ROM Monitor
    8.1 PPCBOOT
    8.2 LiMon
    8.3 PMON/2000
    8.4 PPCForth
    8.5 DINK32
    8.6 8xxROM
    8.7 FADSROM

    Boot Loader
    9.1 bugboot
    9.2 mbxboot

    Kernel

    Device Drivers
    11.1 Examples
    11.2 Flash memory
    11.3 PCMCIA Cards
    11.4 IDE/ATA Disk Drives
    11.5 PCI Bridge
    11.6 Watchdog
    11.7 USB for MPC850/823
    11.8 A/D and D/A
    11.9 VME
    11.10 HDLC/PPP

    Runtime Library
    12.1 glibc
    12.2 sglibc
    12.3 uClibc
    12.4 dietlibc
    12.5 newlib
    12.6 libc5

    Root File System
    13.1 NFS Mounted
    13.2 Initial Ramdisk: initrd
    13.3 ROMFS Flash File System
    13.4 cramfs
    13.5 ramfs
    13.6 Journaling Flash File System

    Floating Point

    Real Time Response
    15.1 Soft
    15.2 Hard

    Threads

    Applications
    17.1 Standard GNU tools
    17.2 Standalone Shell
    17.3 BusyBox
    17.4 Web Servers
    17.5 Graphical User Interface
    17.6 Java Virtual Machine

    Debugging
    18.1 BDM
    18.2 Serial Console
    18.3 GDB
    18.4 Kernel
    18.5 Oops Messages
    18.6 printk

    Performance
    19.1 CPU core
    19.2 Profiling
    19.3 IDMA
    19.4 Network
    19.5 Optimisation

    Common Mistakes and Problems

    Alternatives
    21.1 eCos - Embedded Configurable Operating System
    21.2 RTEMs - Real Time Executive for Multiprocessor Systems
    21.3 Small FreeBSD

    Glossary


FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

 

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