| Linux-friendly dev board available for 64-bit MIPS SoC |
Jun. 27, 2005
 Toshiba America Electronic Components is shipping a reference board for its newest 64-bit MIPS/RISC chip. The RBTX4939 includes a TX4939XBG-400 processor module available for use in embedded designs. Toshiba is developing a Linux BSP (board support package), with BSPs also expected from MontaVista and Wind River.
TX4939XBG-400 SoC
Toshiba announced the TX4939XBG-400 SoC (system-on-chip processor) in February, saying it would sample in August and ship in Q4. The SoC targets consumer applications, including IP set-top boxes, home gateways, and multimedia appliances. It is the company's first embedded PCI-based processor built with its 90-nanometer process technology, and the first to use its proprietary TX49/H4 400MHz CPU core, it says.
(Toshiba shipped its TX9956CXBG last summer, also on 90-nanometer technology, but based on a TX99/H4 core clocked at 533MHz and lacking a PCI bus.)
On-chip peripheral functions include an 8/16-bit local bus controller, security engine, serial/parallel video ports, ATA controllers, a DDR SDRAM controller, a NAND flash controller, Ethernet MAC controllers (RMII), a PCI controller supporting up to six devices, a DMA controller, an interrupt controller, an AC-link controller, serial and parallel ports, timers/counters, and an RTC (real-time clock) with battery back-up.
RBTX4939 reference board
Toshiba says designers can use the new RBTX4939 reference board to evaluate TX4939XBG-400's basic performance and features, evaluate drivers, and develop applications prior to availability of hardware prototypes based on the chip.
The RBTX4939 includes processor module and baseboard
(Click to enlarge)
The RBTX4939 includes a plug-on processor module that Toshiba says has enough circuitry to boot the TX4939XBG-400, enabling customers to use the module in their own designs without worrying about high-frequency DDR SDRAM design and layout.
The processor module comes standard with 256MB of 4 x 512Mbit DDR SDRAM, a power supply circuit to drive the SDRAM, an EJTAG interface, a DIP switch for boot configuration, and a reset, clock, and RTC circuit for the processor.
The RBTX4939 also includes an ATX format baseboard that includes:- Two 10/100 Ethernet MACs (TX4939XBG-400’s internal two Ethernet MACs and external PHY)
- NAND flash ROM (x8bit)
- Two channel ATA (IDE) interface
- Audio (AC-link/I2S) interface
- Five PCI slots
- USB 2.0 host chip
- NOR Flash ROM
- Four channels of RS-232C
- 100Base-TX Ethernet controller for debugging
- ROM emulator connector
- Two ISA slots
- An outside bus expansion connector
- An input/output controller
- A power supply circuit
Toshiba's VP of SoCs, Shardul Kazi, said, "Our new RBTX4939 reference board lets our customers get a jumpstart on evaluation of the TX4939XBG-400 microprocessor."
Availability
Engineering samples of the reference board are currently available for $3,000, with mass production planned for October, 2005. Toshiba says it is developing a "prototype Linux BSP" for the board, and that MontaVista and Wind River will also create BSPs for the board.
The TX4939XBG-400 is expected to reach production quantities in Q4.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of
Service and Privacy Policy.
Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008
Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is
prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
news feed