[ale] Designing hardware that runs Linux

[Brian Pitts]

On 10/29/2010 04:21 PM, Michael B. Trausch wrote:
> What I do know is that I need to talk to someone who knows a thing or
> two about building embedded systems that run Linux on them.  I don't
> want to put all the details of my thinking in the public archive (which
> is why I'm being a bit vague), but I think that it would be worthwhile
> looking into it.  What I do know is that this is (roughly) what I'd want
> in terms of hardware:
> 
>   * Two to four Ethernet ports
>   * At least one or two USB ports that are user-accessible
>   * An easily implemented "expansion bus" that would make a stackable
>     unit possible without sending the cost through the roof and provided
>     no less than 6 Mbps of usable net bandwidth

Would ethernet be suitable for the expansion? If so, it seems like stuff
that meets these requirements is announced on
http://www.linuxfordevices.com/pretty frequently.

>   * <= 512 MB each of RAM and software storage, <= 4 GB of redundant
>     data storage
>   * A CPU capable of running Linux and a limited userland, in the 
>     300-600 MHz range
>   * No spinning platters, and passive cooling if possible
>   * The ability to use next to no power when idle
>   * The ability to use no more than approx. 90 watts when under full
>     load (the last two requirements being the most flexible, but still
>     strongly desirable)


-- 
All the best,
Brian Pitts