Introducing X-ES Enterprise Linux: A New Era for rugged Embedded Computing

Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES) has unveiled its latest offering: X-ES Enterprise Linux (XEL). This Board Support Package (BSP) is designed to seamlessly integrate an Enterprise Linux distribution with X-ES’s robust embedded computing hardware.

enhanced Functionality with X-ES Enterprise Linux

The XEL BSP works in tandem with a reliable Enterprise Linux distribution, ensuring comprehensive functionality and accessibility across all ports and I/O of X-ES embedded computing modules. This package is built on kernel source code from a leading Linux vendor, serving as a compatibility layer over a well-established Enterprise Linux distribution. It is particularly suited for development and deployment in applications such as autonomous vehicles and various robotic systems. Compatible Linux distributions include, but are not limited to, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, and Scientific Linux.XEL is specifically tailored to support all x86 architecture embedded processor modules from X-ES.

comprehensive Support for Onboard Devices

The XEL BSP enhances X-ES hardware support through a variety of kernel modules and drivers that facilitate the operation of onboard devices. These drivers enable access to Intel ICH GPIO, Intel Bay Trail devices, I²C GPIO devices, and temperature sensors, empowering users to fully engage with X-ES products.

Moreover, XEL allows access to I²C GPIO devices via either a sysfs or I²C character device interface. Temperature sensor support encompasses processors within the coretemp driver and a ample AT24 serial EEPROM.Additionally, the BSP includes support for a PCI-to-VME bridge, further expanding its capabilities.

Utility Scripts and Tools for Enhanced User Experience

Beyond kernel modules and drivers, the XEL BSP comes equipped with a range of scripts and utilities designed to enhance the functionality of X-ES hardware. These tools facilitate access to onboard temperature sensor readings, automate I²C/SMBus device registration, and enable control of onboard LEDs, streamlining user interaction with the hardware.

Broad Compatibility and Ongoing Support

X-ES currently supports a wide array of Enterprise Linux 6 versions across both x86_64 and i686 architectures, as well as all versions of Enterprise Linux 7 and RedHawk 7.2 and 7.2.3 in the x86_64 architecture. The company is committed to continuing support for Gentoo-based Linux BSPs as well.

Open-Source Accessibility

The source code for XEL is open-source under the GNU General Public License, available in Source RPM format with each release through the X-ES Open Source software Portal add-on repository. This repository is designed to complement existing compatible Linux installations, allowing users to select their preferred distribution while ensuring support for X-ES hardware through add-on packages.Out-of-the-box support is readily available for most foundational Enterprise Linux distributions.