Xscale Module Kit Delivers PCI And VGA Support

The Linux side of the system included all of the source files in addition to images. The latter let you get up and running quickly, although the user interface is not as functional as Windows CE by default. Of course, the mix of default applications tends to be very different. You can build up whatever is necessary for your environment. The Linux interface is consistent with a PC so most Linux developers will be very comfortable once a Linux image is loaded into flash. As with Windows CE, work via the Ethernet port is preferable. Because an Ethernet stack is part of the Kontron package, it is essentially there once the image is loaded.

Kontron has done a fair job for the out-of-the-box experience. The hardware is solid and installation of Windows CE makes initial testing simple. Unfortunately, there still needs to be some polish added to the documentation. Likewise, you need to be prepared with your development tools of choice prior to doing application work. If you are already targeting Windows CE or Linux, then reaching plateau 2 or 3 will be relatively trivial. If not, plan on at least a week or two of hands-on experience to get comfortable with the hardware and setting up your PC for cross-platform development. Don’t expect the kit to provide this for you.

Also keep in mind the added cost for the development tools. The Kontron kit is a bit more than the others in this roundup, and it is only for the hardware and BSP. Even so, this is a bargain considering the quality of the hardware. If you are on a budget, then you might be able to make due with some free open-source tools off the Internet. Longer term development, however, will typically require open-source tools with service and support contracts or proprietary tools. There are a wide range of vendors that provide XScale tools and most will work with the X-board.

The X-board will support other operating systems, but I did not consider any as the software CD did not come with any additional drivers or support for other operating systems. Check Kontron’s website for the latest information.

Still, I can highly recommend both the X-board and this development kit for use in the embedded space. It’s clear that the hardware is very robust and the interfaces for cross development are well established. Just be a little patient and wade through the online documentation. Here’s to hoping the next iteration of the software CD includes a few documents to tie everything together. An even better present would be a Windows CE or Linux package that included development tools and applications so that setup could be more automatic.

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