| uClinux/FPGA module hardware goes open source |
Feb. 01, 2006
 A tiny SBC (single-board computer) that runs uClinux on an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) with a softcore is now available as a GPL'd hardware design. SSV Embedded Systems says anyone can now build its DIL/NetPC ADNP/ESC1, which targets Ethernet-enabled designs with very long lifecycle requirements.
SSV's ADNP/ESC1 measures 3.2 x 1.3 inches (82 x 33mm), and is based on a 128-pin QIL (quad in-line) socket compatible with other QIL-128 DIL/NetPC products, which include the AMD 486-powered ADNP/1486 and AMD 586-powered ADNP/1520. The ADNP/ESC1's softcore design frees developers from the dangers of "processor obsolescence," SSV says, making it suitable for designs requiring very long lifecycles. SSV launched the ADNP/ESC1 about two years ago.
Now, says SSV's Jorg Neumann, anyone can develop and produce the ADNP/ESC1 themselves, "with the GPL in mind," using SSV's published circuit schematic, parts list, layout plan, and software source code.
The ADNP/ESC1 is based on an Altera FPGA running a NIOS softcore processor clocked at 50MHz. It includes 8 MB Flash, and 16 MB SDRAM. I/O includes a 10/100 Ethernet interface, two serial and one parallel ports, a CompactFlash interface, and a 16-bit expansion bus.
On the software side, the ADNP/ESC1 comes with the open source U-Boot boot loader, and a uClinux OS with TCP/IP and "several servers," SSV says.
Additional details about the ADNP/ESC1, including full spec list and an architecture diagram, can be found here.
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