Linux for TS-X86 Series SBC's (TS-Linux)

Technologic Systems is proud to support the Linux Operating System on our TS-X86 Single Board Computers. Here you will find information on support and manuals, TS-Linux kernels and distributions, application packages and other resources related to the GNU/Linux OS running on our TS-5000 and TS-3000 x86 based products.

SUPPORT

TS-Linux Documents

    • TS-Linux developers manual (265 KB) (2-19-04) The TS-Linux developers manual describes the file system, device drivers, kernel development, matrix keypad, the TS kernel patch, etc. A must read, "two thumbs up"
    • Using LCDproc with Technologic Systems SBC's (20 KB) (9-17-03) The LCDproc software can display real-time data on an alphanumeric LCD using high level commands.
    • HowTo: Kernel build procedure using the TS-Linux patch.
    • HowTo: Using the OS tarball to mount the root file system NFS.
    • HowTo: Changing console baud rate using the USB-CF adapter.
    • HowTo: Method for installing TS-Linux on Compact Flash.
    • HowTo: Use the TS-Linux chroot development environment.

TS-X86 Linux CD - Development Kit CD

The Linux Development is made to be used with TS-Linux 3.0 and is distributed in the form of a CD image. The develoment kit uses UserModeLinux which makes a virtual Linux machine inside your Linux desktop computer. The UML patched kernel will boot in a terminal window and uses the TS-Linux 3.0 loopback file system as its root file system. This allows application and file system development in a safe manner since user mode Linux doesn't require you to be root user. This project is still in Alpha stages.

TS-X86 Development Kit

The TS-X86 Development Kit is an out-of-the-box solution that includes all equipment required to boot into the Linux OS and start working. It is highly recommended for a quick start on application development with Linux and TS-5000 computers.

TS-LINUX KERNEL FOR TS-X86 (TS-KERNEL)

The kernel drivers for TS-X86 Single Board Computers are in the kernel patch. Currently these drivers include: A/D and D/A drivers, watchdog drivers, matrix keypad drivers and a custom proc entry. There is only one patch which works for all TS products

TS-Linux currently uses a slightly modified version of the stock 2.4.x kernel. To make your own kernel from scratch, download the patch, download the stock kernel source from www.kernel.org and follow the instructions on our Linux documentation.

Patch version 2.5 for 2.4.23 kernel

Kernel headers for patched 2.4.23 kernel

Pre-compiled 2.4.23 kernels

Pre-compiled 2.4.23 kernel modules

Older versions are on the kernel archive page.


TS-LINUX DISTRIBUTION

The TS-Linux is a PC compatible embedded Linux distribution built from open source, ideal for small footprint systems. TS-Linux uses a standard file system structure with a scaled down System V initialization scheme. Features of TS-Linux 3.0 for TS-X86 boards include:

  • Glibc version 2.2.5
  • Kernel version 2.4.18 & 2.4.23
  • Apache web server with PHP.
  • Telnet server and client.
  • FTP server and client.
  • BASH, ASH, minicom, vi, busybox, tinylogin, and other basic utilities included
  • Boot from DiskOnChip (with GRUB )
  • Boot from Compact Flash using Syslinux multiboot
  • Supports NFS mount of root file system across network.
  • Drivers for digital I/O and Analog available.
  • Total footprint less than 18 MB (requires 32 MB or larger DiskOnChip)
  • Red-Hat Like systemV Operating System.
  • Our Linux distribution is built from source using Linux From Scratch V3.1

Procedure for installing TS-Linux 3 onto a Compact Flash.

1. Download the bootable binary image for TS-Linux V3.07a (09-29-04) corresponding to your Compact Flash size. These images contain the MBR, the bootable FAT partition with Syslinux boot loader and the ext2 Linux partition:

2. Download the tarball of your desired TS-Linux OS version. The TS-Linux file system consists of two parts. The 2 MB boot partition is formatted as FAT. The remaining space is formated as ext2 (Linux).

3. Download the board specific kernel package. The kernel downloads include the kernel and the kernel modules tree to be installed on the ext2 Linux partition.

4. Read HowTo install TS-Linux on Compact Flash

Older versions are on the file system archive page.

TS-Linux Applications for TS-X86 SBC's

Download any file below into the root directory of the file system and untar it.

    The scripts below are pre-installed on all recent versions of TS-Linux. The tsserial script run during Linux startup as part of the run-level scripts. Use the tsconfig script to setup the serial or VGA console. Use the tsnetconf script to set your network parameters.

    • The tsconfig script helps with setting up the user logins on serial ports or on VGA.
    • The tsnetconfig script helps with editing the network config files.
    • The tsserial script will setup dev entries and call the setserial command to setup serial ports with the kernel. Make sure you have an interrupt jumpered for COM3 and higher.

    Other packaegs:

    TS-Linux Examples for TS-X86 SBC's

    • SRAM test code: The test SRAM code will test the socketed SRAM on a Technologic Systems Single Board Computer and also provides an example of accessing this device under Linux.