September 15, 2004 –- ARC International has announced embedded Linux support for the newest configurable processor core, the ARC 700. The Linux kernel and tool chain allow customers to fully take advantage of an open source development and runtime system – in conjunction with a configurable, licensable processor core.

The ARC 700 is designed to provide designers a high-performance embedded core, which is configurable to deliver very small die size and silicon cost. The GNU tool chain supports the ARC 700’s DSP capabilities, while Linux provides process-level protection. Linux support is made available through Codito Technologies, a provider of high-end embedded-system software solutions. Codito's Linux Support package, comprising a BSP (board support package) for the ARC family of processors, along with custom and extended support for the GNU tool chain, Linux kernel, and drivers, will be available on October 1, 2004.

The ARC version of Linux leverages all the features in the Linux kernel targeted at embedded systems, including uCLinux, XIP (eXecute In Place), and compressed file systems for deeply embedded systems with limited memory. Full kernel pre-emption, allowing better soft real-time and system responsiveness, is also supported. The Linux kernel is fine tuned and optimized for the ARC 700, utilizing features such as bit-operation instructions, 16-bit instructions for code compaction provided by the ARCompact ISA, multiple address spaces through the ARC 700 MMU, and TLB flushing.

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