Mixed-Signal FPGAs Enlist uClinux Kernel

Mar 4, 2011 3:22 PM, MD&D News Staff

Microsemi now offers the Emcraft Systems open-source U-Boot firmware and MicroController Linux (mClinux, pronounced you see Linux) on its SmartFusion intelligent mixed-signal field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The addition of Linux forecasts more convenient design environments and enables open-source projects as starting points for developing interface support. A development kit available from Emcraft Systems includes a Linux evaluation board, cross-development framework, plus source code and documentation to evaluate Linux running on SmartFusion FPGAs. The FPGA platform also includes a BusyBox-based root file system with networking support, Linux cross-development environment, development hardware, power via a single USB cable, and a royalty-free business model. Pricing for the Emcraft development kits is $119 each. More details on the uClinux implementation and the development kit is available at www.actel.com/products/solutions/ecosystem/emcraft_A2FLNX.aspx and www.emcraft.com.