Software & Tools

Embedded Linux and Other Operating Systems

Linux and Partner Operating Systems for Maximum Choice and Flexibility

Many ARC customers would like to reuse software ported to other operating systems or to take advantage of the software infrastructure offered by embedded Linux. It is possible to quickly adopt ARC IP because there are OS ports available for Express Logic ThreadX, μITRON, μC/OS-II, CMX and other operating systems. ARC works closely with its OS partners and the Linux community to provide maximum choice and flexibility to ARC developers.

Content On This Page
| Benefits | ARC Embedded Linux 2.6 | Obtaining ARC Embedded Linux |
| Partner Operating Systems |

Benefits

• Choose from OSs pre-optimized for ARC IP subsytems and cores
• Minimize risk by taking advantage of ARC's excellent support and services
• Reuse existing software on the OS of your choice
• Parallelize hardware and software development with integrated co-design and simulation tools

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ARC Embedded Linux 2.6

ARC Linux offers all of the benefits of open source software, including, complete source code and a large install base. ARC Linux allows ARC software developers to leverage a large amount of Linux-compatible application software to quickly build complex systems using open source components.

ARC Linux distributions include embedded Linux distributions of the Linux 2.6 kernel that run on ARC 750D processor configurations that include the memory management unit (MMU).

ARC Linux distributions are integrated, built and tested with ARC GNU tools. ARC GNU Tools are provided in source packages than can be built to run on Linux, Solaris and Windows host platforms (running on Windows requires using a Cygwin environment). ARC GNU Tools are available for software developers using ARC configurable processor IP cores, ARC Multimedia Subsystems and for ARC-based® processors sold by ARC licensees.

Highlights

• Robust operating system environment including a reliable multi-tasking capability
• Licensed based on an open source model (GPL licensing) with no royalties
• Allows developers to leverage a wide range of Linux compatible applications
• Tested and verified on ARCangel™ 4 FPGA system using the Linux Test Project (LTP) test suite, Stream memory benchmarks, Dhrystone, NTTCP network throughput test, RFC 1812IP Version 4 tests, and RFC 2544 Network Interconnect Device tests.
• Developed from standard Linux 2.6.19 kernel Native POSIX Thread Library (NPTL)

• Supports ARC 750D based processors that include MMU

• Automatic detection of instruction cache and data cache configuration
• Fast context switching using ARC700 MMU's multiple address spaces
• Provides Ethernet, IDE and UART drivers for ARCangel 4 development system
• Support for ARC SIMD, DMA and extensions
• Ptrace support for GDB debugging
• Compatible with ARC GCC 3.4.6 and 4.2 tools
• Busybox 1.6.1
• Init RAM FS 1.0

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Obtaining Embedded Linux for ARC Processors

Embedded Linux distributions for ARC processors can be downloaded from the following locations:

ARC maintains and supports the latest ARC Linux distributions for ARC processor core and subsystems. ARC customers who have joined the ARC Open Source Software Progam can download distributions from the open source section of ARC Customer Support and Technical Reference Site:

More information on ARC Open Source Program

ARC's partner Codito also maintains independent versions of embedded Linux for ARC processors including previous versions of the ARC Linux and µClinux. These distributions can be accessed at: http://www.arc-linux.org.

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ARC Partner Operating Systems

ARC customers use a wide range of oeprating systems. Partner operating system vendors such as Express Logic ThreadX, μITRON, Micrium μC/OS-II, and CMX provide ready-to-use OS ports for ARC IP. Contact ARC with your requirements for further information.

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