uClinux - Ported to Motorola ColdFire MCF5272

SnapGear recently completed porting uClinux to the Motorola ColdFire MCF5272 processor. SnapGear has worked closely with Motorola on each of the new ColdFire processors to ensure that uClinux is available as the first Motorola development boards hit the streets. SnapGear also works closely with OEM partners to ensure that they have access to all new processor architecture ports first, well before other companies would normally have access through the open source process.

uClinux is already the world's leading free Linux distribution for embedded development on MMU-less systems. Almost the entire Motorola ColdFire range of microprocessors (including 5206e, 5307, and the powerful 5407) are now supported by uClinux which ships as standard with many of Motorola's Development Boards, making uClinux a one-stop solution for anyone looking to develop on the ColdFire families. Internet appliance developers may download for free the entire uClinux suite of tools, including sample binaries, making uClinux the ideal "roll your own" commercial-grade embedded Linux operating system. Linux now provides everything from development to deployment using open standards without OEMs needing to spend "blood money" on proprietary and out-dated operating systems traditionally available. Developers are able to bring up a full system with network support, development environment, and sophisticated applications in about the time it takes to plug the power cable in (boot time is approximately 1 second). Most Linux applications, and there are many, run with little or no modification under uClinux. This particular port is based upon the new Linux 2.4 kernel and is not a branch but rather a direct derivation of the mainstream Linux. uClinux is a good choice for any developer because of an impressive array of processor ports in conjunction with having hard real-time exensions, extensive toolchains, and widespread industry acceptance. SnapGear provides additional assistance with development professional services, reference designs, and even manufacturing options.

This port extends the SnapGear SecureEdge VPN Router Platform into a whole new space of low-cost internet appliances for SnapGear's OEM partners. The power of the 5272 processor coupled with numerous integrated functions (such as on-board ethernet and USB drivers) means that the price-point for OEMs has dropped while maintaining all of the features and power that reside in the SecureEdge VPN Router family. The physical footprint of a SecureEdge VPN Router motherboard has nearly halved in the 5272 boards which Motorola will be showcasing in upcoming tradeshows. This means that internet appliances are limited more by the physical connector space and casing requirements than by the underlying silicon. SnapGear's extensive experience in working with global OEMs for price-point sensitive applications coupled with powerful, secure turnkey solutions make SnapGear the first choice for any company looking to develop custom hardware systems. More recently SnapGear has had design wins in vertical arenas based upon content (such as MP3, anti-virus, anti-SPAM etc) and storage (such as micro-NAS and caching).

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