New uClinux release keeps pace with latest Linux kernel

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Jan. 24, 2002

Salt Lake City, UT -- (press release excerpt) -- SnapGear Inc. has released a new update of the uClinux kernel based upon the recent Linux 2.4.17 kernel. The update keeps uClinux in sync with current Linux kernel development and brings with it increased device support, mature TCP/IP stack and the new ext3 journaling filesystem support which can play a crucial part in helping embedded systems boot faster while preserving data integrity. The update is available for download at the uClinux.org website.

Not a separate fork but rather a "shadowing" of the mainstream Linux kernel, uClinux is the world's favorite embedded Linux choice for system architectures lacking a MMU (Memory Management Unit) such as DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and SOC (system-on-chip) based embedded systems.

Many developers are comfortable with the Linux API, citing stability, maturity, well-supported development and a wealth of applications as key reasons for choosing Linux. The real undiscovered country for Linux is finding a home in the abundance of tiny appliances that form over 90% of embedded system deployment. The micro-processors found in these systems often lack a MMU as part of miniaturization and cost-reduction. However, without an MMU a micro-processor poses some barriers to conventional Linux because of the flat memory model - no virtual memory (paging/swapping), memory address translation (segmentation), or memory protection (eg segmentation violations).

uClinux gives a transition from Linux to MMUless processors by providing a consistent Linux API built around a modified compiler and libraries that provide a seamless transition for experience Linux developers. There are additional changes as a consequence of the memory model such as the absence of the fork() system call, which is replaced with the BSD vfork(). Also, because memory is unprotected programmers must take particular care in their application development. SnapGear has added significantly to the uClinux project by adding value in advanced memory allocation schemes and XIP (eXecute In Place) technology which allows developers to extend their utilization of limited ROM/Flash and RAM resources. New boot loader technology allows rapid turnaround in the development cycle by compressing the compile/load/test cycle to literally seconds while providing fail-safe configurations for remotely upgradable products.

Many conventional Linux applications can be ported to uClinux in as little time as a single day. uClinux kernel support exists for ARM7, m68k, Motorola ColdFire, SPARC and new architectures such as the NEC v850.

SnapGear provides over 20 pre-canned configurations for board support to bring up many standard development boards from companies such as Motorola, Atmel, NetSilicon, Lineo, and even SnapGear's SecureEdge family of reference designs. Developers will find it easy to add new board support.

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