Linux on embedded systems

Embedded Linux (eLinux) is a low-cost, non-proprietary alternative OS embedded computer development for cell phones, MP3 handsets and PDAs.

In the past an embedded development was mostly performed using proprietary code written in assembler. This allowed great creative freedom but the developer had to write all of the harware drivers and interfaces from scratch.

Linux being open source was adapted to fit into the confines of the limited hardware space of the embedded device. A typical installation of embedded Linux is 2MB (two megabytes).

Alternatives are QNX, WinCE, Embedded NT, Palm and others.

Embedded Linux has the advantage of being open source, having a small footprint(WinCE takes 21MB compated to 2MB for eLinux), not having royalty costs, being mature and stable (over ten years of age and used many times in many devices) and being well supported.

Embedded Linux Consortium

In San Francisco, California on July 15, 2003 the Embedded Linux Consortium (ELC http://www.embedded-linux.org/), which includes IBM, Intel, Motorola, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Siemens and Sony, announced a new phase of standardization activity to prepare specifications that will help product developers manage power consumption, design user interfaces and achieve real time performance for embedded Linux applications. The standards are to create a globally accepted platform offering test suites and branding to enhance the marketability of conforming products. In 2002, the ELC introduced the Embedded Linux Consortium Platform Specification (ELCPS). The target for the first draft of the ELCPS power management API is May 2004.