Performance Considerations for the use of Linux in Embedded Systems

The use of Linux for embedded devices is continually growing. Embedded devices by their very nature are often limited in terms of their computational power as well as their available memory. However these devices are typically targeted for specialized applications and are frequently equipped with special hardware that allows the acceleration of some of the most important operations. This talk will cover the performance considerations going into the design and implementation of an embedded device discussing the architectural decisions, hardware design and redesign, porting challenges, device driver adaptation and various changes that might be necessary to the Linux kernel in order to obtain optimal performance. Of special interest are the design and implementation of specialized network and block device drivers. The general characteristics of the device interfaces of Linux poses certain challenges in the development of device drivers for embedded systems. The focus is mostly on Linux 2.4.X but recent developments of the 2.6.x Linux Kernels are also considered.

2003-2004 Kernel port to SPARC/NEON cpu and performance enhancements for an embedded system for Infrant Technologies. 2002-2003 Development of the Micro-Operating System as well as the TelemetryBox distribution. 1999-2001 Development of a Linux distribution for diagnostic purposes for siteROCK Corporation. 1995-1999 Design and implementation of a corporate infrastructure for Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. 2004 Ph.D. on the nature of reality as it emerges from Quantum Theory. 2000- Member of the LPI Advisory Board. 1999-2001 Member of the Linux International Board as a representative for siteROCK Corporation. 1999- Professor for Information Technology, University of Phoenix. Teaching courses in Telecommunication, Software Development and Systems Architecture. 1997 Article in Linux Magagin (September) on the use of Debian at Fuller Seminary. 1986 Diplom-Informatiker, University of Bremen. Thesis on Compiler Technology.