Embedded Linux question

[kwall at kurtwerks.com]

On Sun, Feb 10, 2008 at 10:21:19AM -0500, Susan Macchia wrote:
> Hi Folks,
> 
> I have to research the features, etc of a variety of embedded linux 
> distributions/packages.  My company wants to look at switching to an 
> embedded OS for it's devices (they use a home grown one now).  These are 
> medical devices, some of which use a battery for power, so the ability 
> to put the OS to sleep every 20ms or so is important (to consume as 
> little power as possible, while still monitoring vital signs).
> 
> Does anyone know (or know where I can find out), whether the kernel can 
> be put to sleep and re-awakened easily/quickly?

Hm. Not sure about putting the kernel itself to sleep, but Linux has 
supported the IDLE instruction for a long, long time. In an embedded
environment, you have much finer control over what's runnning in the
background, so you can reduce power consumption significantly in the
nominal/idle case.

> Any pointers are greatly appreciated.

http://www.mvista.com/
http://www.timesys.com/

Kurt
-- 
Time is nature's way of making sure that everything doesn't happen at
once.