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Embedded Linux refers to the use of GNU/Linux operating system in embedded systems such as cell phones, PDAs, media player handsets, and other consumer electronics devices.
In the past an embedded development was mostly performed using proprietary code written in assembler. Developers had to write all of the hardware drivers and interfaces from scratch.
It appeared that the Linux kernel, combined with a small set of other free software utilities could be fit into the confines of the limited hardware space of an embedded device. A typical installation of embedded Linux takes about 2 megabyte.
Some other embedded OSs are QNX, WinCE, Embedded NT, PalmOS.
Embedded Linux has these advantages compared to other embedded OSes:
- Open source
- Small footprint (WinCE takes 21MB compared to 2MB for eLinux)
- No royalty costs
- Mature and stable (over ten years of age and used in many devices)
- 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 API was May 2004.
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