I've been asked to write some articles about developing an example Linux-based embedded app on x86 and porting it across to a PowerPC platform. When I was contacted by the people that want these articles, I said that I hadn't worked much with PowerPC because PPC-based SBCs are so expensive that they've generally been thrown right out of the race at the start. Unfortunately, that still seems to be true.
I've been pointed at the Kuro box, . The price is ideal, but two factors concern me about this appliance:
- Lack of detailed documentation. It seems to have very ad-hoc support in general, at least here in the US.
- Apparently there is no way to reflash the board if you erase U-Boot. I'll be experimenting with homebrewed kernels and other flashery, and that's a totally unacceptable risk.
Could I have a recommendation for a PowerPC-based SBC that meets these criteria:
- Must have wired Ethernet, at least one serial interface, and an IDE or removable flash memory interface. 4Mb flash minimum. Host-side USB would be nice.
- Flash must be programmable over JTAG with simple wiggler type interface, ROMmed serial bootloader or other inexpensive kiss-of-life mechanism. Or it can be socketed; I have a very versatile burner.
- Linux port must be supplied or readily available.
- Video interface - preferably VGA - would be nice but not essential.
- Performance isn't critical; 40-66MHz is enough.
- Ideally sub-US0
It doesn't have to be a boxed appliance like Kuro, it can be a bare board requiring external PSU etc. Size, power requirements, and so on are not important at all.
Although the people who commissioned these articles WILL reimburse the cost of hardware, they will only do so spread over the course of a ten-article series. I don't want to be left too much out of pocket if they decide not to complete the series (and I can't argue contract terms with them because they are the hairiest 15,000lb gorilla with whom you never wanted to argue).
Thanks for your erudite recommendations :)