Differences between Little Blue Linux Evaluation and Professional Versions

The Evaluation SDK is fully functional in terms of the IDE and compiler tools which allow you to modify the provided sample code, build, deploy and run it on the target board, however there are no project wizards to create a new project or to create a customised BSP. Therefore you can certainly use it to test code and evaluate the target hardware including creating new applications based on the samples, but you cannot automatically create a flash image representing a full embedded Linux system.

The aim of the evaluation version is to enable OEM developers to investigate silicon options without cost at early stages of projects. It demonstrates most important aspects of the particular developer kit to enable customers to make an informed choice for the platform to use as part of their product. We would expect that once the project moves into actual product development following the design win, most customers will appreciate the advanced features and expert support of the Professional version.

The following points describe in a little more detail the differences, by way of example, between the Renesas RSK+7203 Evaluation SDK and Professional SDK:

Kernel and toolchain

• The Evaluation version uses an older yet stable Linux kernel version (2.6.17), the Professional BSP makes use of the very latest version of Linux (currently 2.6.28)
• Tool-chains capable of building an embedded system are included in both versions of Little Blue Linux, however the Professional version makes use of newer versions of Binutils, GCC, ELF2FLT, Linux and GDB.

BSP features

• The evaluation BSP has a minimal set of drivers to support the included sample projects : buttons, LED, USB host & function, ethernet
• The professional BSP benefits from updated and additional drivers including SocketCAN RCANTL plus free updates for other peripherals during the support period such as ADC, watchdog and more as they are developed.
• The Evaluation BSP is pre-configured with a kernel, NFS root file system and basic bootstrap bootloader.
• The Professional BSP makes use of the very latest versions of Linux (2.6.28+), U Boot (V2009.01) and BusyBox (1.13.2) all completely customisable and built from source using the custom BSP wizard into custom flash images.

Developer IDE

• The evaluation SDK includes the same Eclipse based IDE as the pro version but does not include the BSP Wizard, Project Wizard and cheat-sheet extensions.
• Likewise the BSP provided in the professional SDK is completely new and is componentized which allows for further customisation, for example by picking and choosing required packages and configuring them as deemed fit (all from within the IDE).
• The Professional SDK contains many added plug-ins to Eclipse, included cheat-sheets, embedded application Project Wizard (allowing you to link against the BSP packages), and most importantly the BSP project wizard automates all the toolchain, library and header set-up
• The BSP Wizard allows you to create a flash image suitable for product development production. Build and configure for development (debug on, no optimization) or release (stripped debug, full optimisation) for the smallest and fastest binary images.
• The professional SDK provides additional sample applications plus more added in the future through our online distribution server.

Installation and use

• Although the evaluation version cannot be installed, it does allow the saving and restoring of code workspaces using removable media (USB memory stick) which is of great value in the early silicon evaluation stage.
• The professional SDK includes secure access to our online distribution server to download all the latest patches and additional packages free of charge during the period of support.

Support

• The Professional SDK includes upto 10 hours/10 incidents professional developer support for the first 45 days from purchase through telephone and email (per developer seat purchased).
• The Evaluation version does not include any support and is supplied as-is.
• Our free Little Blue Linux public developer forum is open to all for queries and information regarding our Little Blue Linux products.

You may find the following video* (66MB) link useful - it describes the main features of Little Blue Linux Professional.

Note: To view this video you will need the Xvid video codec - http://www.xvid.org/Downloads.15.0.html.

To find out how we can reduce your time to market and limit your risk call +44 (0) 1225 710600 or email sales@littlebluelinux.com