Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:
Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum

Keywords: Match:
XiP filesystem primps for Linux 2.6.28
Aug. 22, 2008

The Linux-Embedded discussion list has been abuzz the last two days over a flash filesystem designed to support binary code execution (sometimes called XIP, or "execute-in-place"). When combined with forthcoming "Phase Change Memory" products, the "Advanced XiP Filesystem" (AXFS) could radically change the way Linux is embedded on consumer devices.

The AXFS project is led by Jared Hulbert, who works for Numonyx. A joint venture of Intel, STMicroelectronics, and Francisco Partners, Numonyx was founded in March of this year to commercialize "phase change memory (PCM)," among other opportunities in the non-volatile memory market.

Using heat rather than electricity to record data, PCM boasts bit-level rather than page-level alterability, multi-level cells, and, says Numonyx, overall performance characteristics that have some calling it a DRAM replacement, as well as a NAND replacement. In a recent talk at the Ottawa Linux Symposium, Hulbert said, "PCM is going to make XiP a lot more relevant."

The AXFS project has been under development for quite a while, and was even previously submitted to the LKML (Linux kernel mailing list) for possible merger into mainline Linux. In a nutshell, AXFS is a read-only filesystem resembling Cramfs -- which can also be used for "linear XiP." A key difference is that Cramfs decompresses at the file level, whereas AXFS decompresses at the page level.

In preparation to submit AXFS code to mainline a second time, Hulbert posted 11 patches totalling 2,872 lines of code to the new Linux-Embedded list, asking the hardcore embedded developers there to help with a "first round of review." In about 60 replies, developers weighed in with suggestions, encouragement, thanks, praise, questions, and comments.

Suggestions ranged from code cleanup options to feature additions, such as "fake-writes." The choice of names was also discussed, along with possible ways to use the filesystem on systems without memory management hardware, and possible applications of AXFS apart from XIP, such as in RAM disks and on S390 servers running from NAND flash drives.

More can be learned from the Linux Embedded archives, Hulbert's recent OLS presentation (ogg video), or from a vendor-neutral whitepaper on XIP alternatives co-authoed by Hulbert.



Related Stories:


(Click here for further information)


FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

 


Got a HOT tip?   please tell us!
Free weekly newsletter
Enter your email...
Click here for a profile of each sponsor:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Check out the latest Linux powered...

Mobile phones!

MIDs, UMPCs
& tablets

Mobile devices

Other cool
gadgets



BREAKING NEWS

• Nokia alludes to Linux phone plans
• Linux music phone boasts stereo mini-jack
• Nokia spins open Linux home automation gateway
• Qseven module sports Atom
• Open source phone gains "fat" distro
• Android phone launches in China
• Microsoft to bake own phone?
• Tux cashes in on paint
• Linux ported to iPhone
• Blockbuster box runs Linux
• Palm Pilot VM for Linux updated
• Linux-focused smartphone vendor announces cuts
• GCC for kernel hackers
• Linux powers free-to-air (FTA) satellite box
• Linux services firm hires MontaVista exec


Most popular stories -- past 90 days:
• Open source phone goes mass-market
• Tinest Linux system, yet?
• Garmin Nav devices run Gnome Linux
• ARM9 board boots Debian in 0.69 seconds
• Low-cost laptop runs Linpus Linux
• Linux-friendly Beagle fetches $150
• Mini Linux PC breaks $100 barrier
• Open source camera records geotagged video to SATA HDD
• Open set-top box ships
• First $100 laptop runs Linux


DesktopLinux headlines:
• Linux gains FPS
• Ubuntu tops on desktop, but not servers
• Browser swallows OS
• Tutorial reveals desktop Linux security tips
• Fedora 10 first impressions
• 8,000 TuxTop models and counting
• "Moonlight" ready to shine
• Adobe unleashes 64-bit Flash
• Debian Lenny installer arrives
• Ubuntu announces ARM port


Also visit our sister site:


Sign up for LinuxDevices.com's...

news feed

Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum  |  About  |  Contact
 

Ziff Davis Enterprise Home | Contact Us | Advertise | Link to Us | Reprints | Magazine Subscriptions | Newsletters
Tech RSS Feeds | White Papers | ROI Calculators | Tech Podcasts | Tech Video | VARs | Channel News

Baseline | Careers | Channel Insider | CIO Insight | DesktopLinux | DeviceForge | DevSource | eSeminars |
eWEEK | Enterprise Network Security | LinuxDevices | Linux Watch | Microsoft Watch | Mid-market | Networking | PDF Zone |
Publish | Security IT Hub | Strategic Partner | Web Buyer's Guide | Windows for Devices

Developer Shed | Dev Shed | ASP Free | Dev Articles | Dev Hardware | SEO Chat | Tutorialized | Scripts |
Code Walkers | Web Hosters | Dev Mechanic | Dev Archives | igrep

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.