Overview of Mentor Embedded Linux Development Platform
The Mentor Embedded Linux Development Platform is a collaborative effort by Freescale Semiconductor and Mentor Embedded, designed for Freescale's QorIQ and PowerQUICC processors. It provides a streamlined solution for developers moving from evaluation to custom hardware development, offering competitive advantages without vendor lock-in and enhanced reliability.
Introduction to Mentor Embedded Linux
This platform enables developers to utilize open-source software, overcoming the limitations of traditional commercial Linux options. It supports the creation of unique product platforms with commercial backing, enhancing productivity through powerful tools and open-source integration.
Components of Mentor Embedded Linux
The platform includes a ready-to-use root filesystem and Linux kernel for supported reference boards. Key components are support, warranty, BSPs, compilers, and community-originated source code. The main developer tools are the Mentor Embedded System Builder and EDGE Developer Suite.
Developer Tools
System Builder: Offers a customizable build system for creating unique product platforms, including pre-built binaries, kernel configurations, and a comprehensive build system for hardware-specific Linux systems. It supports software package integration, kernel patching, and system configuration modifications.
EDGE Developer Suite: Built on the Eclipse framework, this IDE provides advanced debugging tools for Linux-based product development, offering insights into both userspace applications and Linux kernel components.
Open Source Compliance
The platform includes tools to automate open-source license compliance, ensuring organized and repeatable processes. Features include software BoM creation, license auditing, source package building, and license traceability.
Host Operating System Support
Ensures compatibility with host platforms, providing all necessary components for successful and repeatable builds.
Conclusion
Mentor Embedded Linux offers a comprehensive solution for embedded Linux development, combining open-source flexibility with commercial support and advanced development tools to enhance developer effectiveness and product customization.
Overview of Mentor Embedded Linux
Mentor Embedded Linux is a customizable platform designed to meet specific product requirements. It allows developers to review source code, manage packages, and integrate external software using the OpenEmbedded project. The platform provides a minimal filesystem as a starting point, with 'control knobs' to easily add necessary features.
Control Knobs
These are shortcuts for adding specific functionalities to the filesystem, such as audio, Bluetooth, disk management, USB, PCI, touchscreen, WiFi, print server, NAS, development tools, routing, and X11 environment. The availability of these knobs depends on peripheral and device driver support.
Customer Support
Mentor Graphics offers comprehensive support and maintenance, including bi-annual updates and defect resolutions. Additional expert consultation is available through Mentor Embedded’s Professional Services.
Packaged Practices/Professional Services
Mentor Embedded provides a range of services to support development, including 'Getting Started', 'System Design', and 'Sustaining Engineering'. These services offer evaluations, architectural reviews, and lifecycle management support.
Getting Started
Developers can benefit from a three-day on-site evaluation and consultation to map device requirements to workflows and processes, followed by a detailed report.
System Design
An architectural review is recommended for new devices or OS migrations, with on-site consulting to evaluate and suggest optimal design directions.
Sustaining Engineering Programs
These programs help manage product lifecycle challenges by identifying, resolving, and delivering software updates for shipped devices.
Summary
Mentor Embedded Linux is a powerful, flexible platform that maximizes developer productivity with comprehensive tools and support. It offers a vendor-independent solution that facilitates seamless transition from evaluation to product development, leveraging open source benefits without vendor lock-in.
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