Metrowerks Extends Linux Support for Freescale i.MX Applications Processor Family

The newest Metrowerks BSP delivers the necessary components required to customize and deploy the Linux operating system to Freescale i.MX21-powered development systems. Built upon the Consumer Electronics Linux Forum (CELF) Linux distribution, the BSP provides CPU frequency scaling, kernel and application execute-in-place, dynamic and static power management capabilities, plus other features that take full advantage of i.MX21 multimedia functionality.

"Metrowerks has been a great asset to Freescale in developing this highly advanced board support package for the i.MX21," said Renee Mitchell, manager of multimedia operations for the Wireless and Mobile Systems Group at Freescale. "Metrowerks' engineering expertise has resulted in a BSP that is expected to offer Freescale customers significant performance and time-to-market advantages."

The BSP is part of a broad range of Metrowerks products that provide Linux development solutions for the i.MX family. These products support the full development process – from board bring-up and Linux kernel -level debugging to applications creation and testing.

The i.MX21 (MC9328MX21) multimedia applications processor is the newest addition to Freescale's i.MX family of devices, specifically addressing the needs of the portable media player, smartphone, mobile gaming, personal digital assistant (PDA) and other wireless handheld product markets. A subsidiary of Freescale Semiconductor, Metrowerks collaborated extensively with the i.MX21 hardware engineering team to deliver an integrated and optimized Linux development solution designed to leverage the processor's key features, including low power consumption, as well as security, video and multimedia capabilities.

The introduction of the BSP adds to a rapidly growing portfolio of products from Metrowerks designed to help developers build better Linux devices. This portfolio includes the i.MX21 ADS board, the Metrowerks BSP supporting the board, as well as CodeWarrior™ Development Studio for ARM® ISA, comprehensive code coverage and analysis tools, and custom consulting services that draw upon Metrowerks' established expertise in embedded Linux development.

Availability and Pricing
Metrowerks now offers basic BSPs for the Freescale i.MX1 and i.MXL applications processors free of charge at http://www.metrowerks.com. The i.MX21 BSP is expected to be available free of charge upon general distribution of Freescale silicon. Advanced development and support services are expected to be available under customized terms and conditions. For further information, please contact Metrowerks, by phone at 800-377-5416 or +1-512-996-5300, or via e-mail at sales@metrowerks.com. For availability outside the U.S. and Canada, please see the list of Metrowerks International Sales Offices at http://www.metrowerks.com/buy or e-mail intlsls@metrowerks.com.

The original press release can be found here.