Linux-based development kit supports embedded and wearable apps

By Jorge dos Santos
2002-03-05

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Delta, BC -- (press release excerpt) -- Techsol is proud to announce the availability of its first development kit based on Techsol's tiny (4 square inch), low-power Medallion CPU modules. The Thin-Client Device / Mini-Development Kit is targeted at developers of thin-client desktop devices and also wearable computing devices.

It features a 60 MHz ARM-720T-based RISC computer with Techsol's proprietary boot-loader/debugger in Flash, Lineo's Embedix Linux distribution pre-installed in the 32MB DiskOnChip module, and 32MB of SDRAM for program execution. Additional software will include TrollTech's Qt/Embedded GUI plus their Qtopia palm-top environment. There will also be a choice of JAVA virtual machines available in the near future.

The Medallion modules are pre-loaded with Linux, device drivers, and graphics and communications software. Plus, the modules support various industry standards which simplify the connection of Medallion based products to both enterprise systems and other portable devices.

The new Medallion development kit also features:

SVGA video (via a standard 15-pin VGA connector)
USB host ports x 2 (for KBD, mouse, or other peripherals)
USB device port (for connection to a PC or Laptop) for hi-speed debugging
10BaseT Ethernet port (for connection to a server or broadband Internet)
MultiMedia Card (MMC) for removable storage
Stereo Audio Out for playing your favorite MP3s while you work
Stereo Audio In for audio or data-logging applications
Mono Headset Jack for VOIP development (perfect for call-centers)
Power Jack that connects to the supplied 5-volt, 1amp AC adapter
Serial Debug Port that connects via the supplied adapter cable to a PC serial port.
A Rugged Aluminum Enclosure with clear labelling for all connectors.

In addition, there are connectors inside the case for:

Another Serial Port with modem control line support (for dial-up connectivity)
LCD Connectors x 2 for development of handheld products
JTAG Connector for debugging via the On Chip Emulator features
Boot Configuration Jumpers that allow the user to boot from an SRAM IC instead of FLASH (for low-level software development)
Audio Configuration Jumpers to select between Line Out or Amplifier Out

A photo of the complete kit is available here. There are also instructions for disassembling the kit, along with schematics to facilitate development of custom products based on Medallion CPU modules.

The development kit is priced at $500 USD and includes a CD of free development tools. Additional Medallion modules based on ARM-7, ARM-9, Intel X-Scale, and PowerPC processors will be introduced over the next year.

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