Driving a new level of affordability for intelligent consumer electronics solutions, Empower Technologies launched the LinuxDATM Embedded O/S (LEOs) powered by TI’s OMAP5910 dual-core processor today at the LinuxWorld Expo in Frankfurt Germany. Geared to powering portable data terminals (PDT) with real-time data and multimedia capabilities, the OMAP5910 is a dual-core SoC (system-on-chip) for applications requiring high-performance signal processing at low power consumption.
The PDT market represents a breadth of mobile and connected devices enabling optimized business efficiencies and enhanced employee productivity. These devices utilize extensive signal processing capabilities and require a robust user interface built on a high-level operating system. Products within this space include devices for industrial, portable medical, point-of-sale (POS), asset inventory and enterprise applications.
The amalgamation of LEOs and OMAP offers a versatile and advanced Linux-embedded development platform for the next generation of intelligent solutions for consumer electronics. LEOs for OMAP5910 addresses the software and development requirements of manufacturers and developers. LEOs and the high performance plus low power signal processing of OMAP initiate a new level of performance expectations for PDTs, with increased headroom for applications and expansion capabilities.
„Today‚s PDT developers using the DSP plus ARM capabilities of the OMAP5910 will appreciate the availability of a strong Linux platform,‰ said Gregory Mar, worldwide OMAP marketing manager, TI. „We are very pleased to have an embedded Linux software provider like Empower on board to deliver a strong hardware and software platform to our customers.‰
The LEOs Development Kit (LDK) combines LEOs, the OMAP5910 processor and an evaluation module to afford a new level of cost efficiency to the total expense of development. Priced at only $900 USD, the OMAP hardware reference design is optimized to allow engineers to develop applications using LEOs. The amazing price point affords developers to purchase single or multiple units. And no licensing fee exists until the applications are developed and ready for commercial release.
The LEOs Development Kit includes:
· LinuxDA Embedded O/S (LEOs)
· OMAP5910 CPU 289 pin package
· TMS320C55x DSP and a TI DSPLink Device Driver for TI DSP Programming
· ARM925 microprocessor unit
· Complete evaluation module with processor, interface display and LAN/expansion modules
· I2S Audio Codec AIC 23 power amplifier, speaker, headphones, and microphone connections
· Software Development Kit (SDK)
LEOs for OMAP5910 debuts in Empower‚s next generation of PowerPlay devices. Combining cutting-edge technology with style, these PDTs powered by LEOs for OMAP are the epitome of form and function and open a world of possibilities for embedded solutions in the consumer electronics industry.
A joint licensing venture with Spherex Inc., a subsidiary of Canadian speaker magnate Audio Products International (API), will also follow in the coming months, introducing LEOs for OMAP5910 as a solution to the demands of the audio and home theatre industries.
“Smart appliances are the next explosive growth in the consumer electronic industry,‰ said Paul Leung, chairman and CEO, Empower Technologies. „Size, cost and versatility position Linux as an optimal alternative operating system for consumer electronics. Our unification of LEOs with OMAP5910 is the first proven Linux-based solution for developers‚ hardware and software needs.‰
Pricing and Availability:
The LEOs Development Kit with LEOs optimized for OMAP and evaluation module is expected to be widely available this December for $900 USD.
