Embedded Linux for the Nios II Processor

With the introduction of a Memory Management Unit (MMU) for the Nios^® II processor, you have a wide range of Linux providers from which to choose. From commercial support from industry leaders to a free open-source distribution, Altera’s embedded Linux partners offer the right level of support for your Linux project.

Embedded Linux Distributions and Tools

Embedded Linux for the Nios II processor is supported by a comprehensive set of partners.

Timesys

• Linux distribution
• Application consulting
• Technical assistance
• Middleware
• Drivers/BSP
• Software development tools
• Tool chain support for supported packages
• Full GNU tool chain support available from CodeSourcery

SLS

• Linux distribution
• Application consulting
• Technical assistance
• Middleware
• Drivers/BSP
• FPGA design assistance
• Embedded intellectual property (IP) cores
• Development boards

Community Supported Altera Wiki

• Open-source Linux distribution download

Embedded Linux Hardware Designs

Downloadable hardware designs available for Altera^® and partners for development kits is shown in Table1.

Table 1. Partners for Commercial Embedded Linux Solutions
Partner	Embedded Development Kit DK-EMB-3C120N, and DK-DEV-3C120N	Nios II Embedded Evaluation Kit DK-N2EVAL-3C25N	Stratix IV GX Development Kit DK-DEV-4SGX230N
Timesys	Nios II Hardware Reference Design (.zip) (1)	LinuxLink Demonstration	Nios II Hardware Design for Linux (.zip)
Wind River	Nios II Hardware Reference Design (.zip) (1)	-	Nios II Hardware Design for Linux (.zip)
SLS	Nios II Hardware Reference Design (.zip)(1)	-	Nios II Hardware Design for Linux (.zip)
Nios II Community Wiki	Nios II Hardware Reference Design(.zip) (1)	-	-

Note:

1. The Nios II Hardware Reference Design for Linux includes: Quartus^® II project file compatible with Quartus II software version 9.0 and later, Cyclone^® III FPGA development board design files, and U-boot files.

Additional Tool Support for Embedded Linux

For GNU toolchain support and kernel debug tools for embedded Linux for the Nios II processor, contact the partners shown in Table 2.

Learn More

Additional resources fore embedded Linux for the Nios II processor:

• Nios II processor with memory management unit architecture (PDF)
• Free online training: Developing software for the NIos II processor with MMU and MPU
• Download free hardware and software development tools
• Visit the Nios II forum area in the Altera Forum and interact with other Nios II designers
• Visit the Embedded Processing sections in the Altera Wiki