Renesas Technology is offering a Linux development package for its 32-bit SuperH microprocessors.

Available for the SH7354, SH7343, SH7722, and SH7763 series devices, the firm’s Linux support consists of a Board Support Package (BSP), network protocol stack, and Linux system integration.

Three of the devices, SH7354, SH7343 and SH7722 are members of the popular SH-Mobile product line, which have a built-in H. 264 video CODEC engine for fast video playback and consume less power.

The move reflects the growing importance of the open-source Linux operating system (OS). The OS kernel in the Linux solution for the SH4AL-DSP based processors requires only about 500kbyte. Capabilities available include network management stacks, media players, GUI libraries and 3D graphics support.

Built on the SH4AL-DSP CPU core, these low-power devices can readily handle JPEG, MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3), and MPEG-4 data, making them suitable for multimedia applications. The SH7763, on the other hand, is based on the powerful SH-4A core with a built-in floating point unit (FPU) for higher performance and precise real-time processing capabilities.  The 478MIPS device has an Ethernet controller, an LCD controller and a USB interface, which make it ideal for industrial control and office automation systems.

Additionally, the Linux BSP includes device drivers for key peripherals, such as an LCD controller and USB, Ethernet, serial, and audio interfaces. Audio, video and speech CODEC functions have been pre-integrated and are available as fully optimized, verified middleware. This code eliminates the need for system engineers to design their own drivers, freeing them to concentrate on enhancing product performance and creating value-added features.

The free Linux solution for SH7722, SH7354, SH7343 and SH7763 series microprocessors will be availableinQ2 2007.