NAJAARSCONFERENTIE 1999 (Lezing) Linux Inside Application in embedded systems Frog Navigation Systems Joep Jansen <joep@ich.nl>

ABSTRACT

You may find Linux in some unexpected places. The Dutch company Frog Navigation Systems is developing a new generation control software for Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV's) based on Linux. The author explains why the choice for Linux was made. The specific demands of real-time embedded systems are discussed. The hardware environment consists of a standard PC processor module mounted on a custom I/O board. The software is installed on a small flash disk. The process of configuring a Linux system in such a limited environment is described. Booting and shutdown require special attention. Linux is not a real-time operating system, but there are several ways to deal with real-time tasks. The kernel is a standard Linux kernel. Some special device drivers have been developed for the new hardware, but most drivers were already available. Of course, Linux is also used as a development environment for the application. By taking advantage of the many available tools and libraries you can build a better product in a shorter time. The first experiences with the new platform will be discussed. Finally we will take a look into the future of embedded Linux.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

After graduating from the Technical University of Twente in 1982, Joep Jansen worked for Observator on the R&D department. In 1985 he joined Meconaut as project manager, software specialist and Unix systems administrator. Since 1990 he works for Frog Navigation Systems as Product manager low/medium duty AGV's.

Volgende

Vorige

Terug naar de inhoudsopgave