Hi,
Finally I've got a chance to design an embedded system which is capable of running Linux kernel + some userland apps. I know there are several uCs that are capable of running Linux, but the packages (BGA) are usually the things that can screw the designer who begins to work in wonderful world of BGA.
I've searched for several uCs capable of doing the job:
1. AVR32 (AT32AP700X) - I've used them successfully before. They're available in quite friendly packages (*QFP), support external SDRAM, there's Linux port. Atmel doesn't recommend using them in new designs, though.
2. ARM - well, there are tons of different chips. As usual, the ones that can run Linux require BGA board.
3. Microblaze - throw the FPGA + soft processor onto the board
There are other choices:
4. Single-Board-Computers - e.g. Embest Mini2410-II
5. ? - I've found some strange looking Chinese chips, which (as they claim) are capable of doing the job
6. Not use Linux/NetBSD, but use chips with less power + some embedded RTOS as a last resort.
I could include the SBC module in the design, but one has to learn the BGA and/or multilayer (>2) PCB layout someday.
I'm a bit afraid to use the BGA chips - I don't know if I should go for using it, there are pitfalls when using them. *QFP packages are more friendly - but there's lack of the microcontrollers which would run Linux. Again, there are traps when routing traces for DRAMs. Does anyone have an experience with developing such designs or can share some tips (or chips
) ?
Jarek