Techsol: Three Embedded Linux firsts

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Karen Empey writes: Techsol is proud to announce a number of pioneering “firsts” for the embedded Linux world.
As the second version of Techsol’s HY7201 Medallion(TM) CPU module goes into production, we are pleased to announce a first for Linux. According to Hynix, the manufacturer of the highly-integrated ARM-720T based SOC used in this module, Techsol is the first company to port Linux 2.4 to this CPU. Hynix had ported Linux 2.2 but only a minimal version to show functionality. Techsol ported and re-wrote the drivers in order to provide complete functionality, better performance, and/or improved error handling. Although language and time-zone differences were a challenge, the engineers at Hynix aided this substantial effort and we thank them.

Like all Medallion(TM) CPU modules, the HY7201 has USB Host and Function/Device ports. Of the 3 USB host ports supported by the Medallion Architecture, 2 have power control and over-current monitoring. The third will typically connect directly to an on-board BlueTooth radio controller. These are the first low-cost, low-power, single-board computers with USB host support. We thank TransDimension for their support with the Linux 2.4 drivers. Techsol is already supporting USB mice and keyboards as well as M-Systems’ “DiskOnKey(TM)” USB storage devices. Other USB devices will be supported in the future.

Speaking of M-Systems, Techsol is also the first company to use DiskOnChip(TM) with an ARM-7 CPU under the Linux operating system. Thanks to the support of engineers from M-Systems’ California office, Techsol’s engineers have enabled support for this remarkable storage technology under the latest mainstream version of ARM-Linux. Now M-Systems will migrate this development work back into products for other customers.

As we move forward, watch for more advances from Techsol. In response to our customers’ requests, we are interfacing Medallion(TM) CPU modules to many technologies, including data-acquisition, 100 BaseT Ethernet, wireless data communications, in addition to pioneering work with micro-displays!

Techsol’s Medallion(TM) system is unique in the embedded computer world. Over time, the Medallion(TM) Single-board computer product line will encompass dozens of CPUs. However, the pin-out and form-factor will remain the same. There will be one Medallion(TM) module that is best matched to your application.

By designing with the Medallion(TM) system, you are effectively out-sourcing your CPU design and Linux porting with no up-front NRE fees! That lets your team concentrate on the hardware and software portions of your product that your customers see. The result is that you can create a higher-quality product in a fraction of the time (and cost) of designing everything from scratch! Plus, the interchangeable modules extend product life-cycle times.

See the website for details www.techsol.ca or call 888 TECHSOL (888.832.4765 or 604.946.8324) for more details.

Techsol is head-quartered in Delta, British Columbia, where the mighty Fraser River meets the Pacific Ocean.

All company and product names mentioned may be trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders and are used for
identification purposes only.

Category:

  • Linux