Microtronix Enables Altera Nios Design on Linux

By
iApplianceWeb
(04/26/01, 02:38:01 PM EDT)

Microtronix enables Linux developers to create Linux-based Altera Nios (SoC) programmable system-on-chip designs. Microtronix's Altera Linux Development Kit (LDK) provides designers with a starting point for running Linux on Nios solutions. This software supports an Excalibur embedded processor SoPC solution.

Included in the LDK is uClinux development support for the Nios processor core. The Microtronix toolset supports a small-footprint version of Linux used specifically for processors without memory management unit (MMU) capability. With the LDK, Nios developers can now leverage the wide application support available through the open source Linux community.

Benefits of using the Nios soft processor core include the flexibility and user customization achieved through combining a programmable logic device (PLD) with a processor core. The LDK is adaptable for creating embedded Internet and appliance solutions. The kit includes an SDRAM expansion board, an Ethernet board, and a host board that supports mass storage devices and a real-time clock. The hardware expansion boards are designed for easy integration with the board included with the Nios Development Kit.

Microtronix manufactures the hardware for the LDK and provides top-level technical support. Software with the LDK includes full source code for uClinux on the Nios embedded processor core, standard GNU development tools, the Boa Web Server, and other assorted applications.

The LDK is expected to cost $2,495 and will be available starting in July 2001.