Aeric Poon

Asus P320 is not just a fashionable phone when it is once to be when it was launched. Recently, this phone is able to run Windows Mobile 6.5 with improved performance compared to Windows Mobile 6.1 which come from stock. However, Windows Mobile as we all learned, is not what I think a good OS. The question is whether Asus P320 like other Windows Mobile powered phone able to port to Linux?

Here are some facts on the hardware for Asus P320.

Asus P320 Mini GPS PDA Phone

The exceptionally elegant Asus P320 Mini GPS PDA phone was designed for the fashion-conscious who are constantly admired for their accessories – including their handheld choices. The P320’s presents an ultra compact form that makes it feel almost weightless in a ladys palm. Its fashionable outlook is slim and slender, and is molded with round curves that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. And yet, this beauty is not just skin deep, as a wide range of features make it equally powerful and intelligent – all packed in neatly with an original and exclusive interface developed by ASUS.

ARM Processor: ARM926EJ-S

Silicon Supplier: Texas Instruments OMAP 850

Source: http://www.arm.com/markets/mobile/asus-p320-mini-gps-pda-phone.php

About ARM926EJ-S Processor

The ARM926EJ-S™ processor features a Jazelle^® technology enhanced 32-bit RISC CPU, flexible size instruction and data caches, tightly coupled memory (TCM) interfaces and memory management unit (MMU). It also provides separate instruction and data AMBA^® AHB™interfaces suitable for Multi-layer AHB based systems. The ARM926EJ-S processor implements the ARMv5TEJ instruction set which includes an enhanced 16 x 32-bit multiplier capable of single cycle MAC operations and 16-bit fixed point DSP instructions to enhance performance of many signal processing applications as well as supporting Thumb^® technology.

A hard macro implementation of the ARM926EJ processor is available from the ARM Processor Foundry Program and from the DesignStart Program.

Why ARM926?

A powerful application processor for platform OS based applications

The ARM926EJ-S processor is the entry point processor capable of supporting a full Operating System such as Linux, Windows CE, and Symbian. An ideal choice for many applications, the ARM926EJ-S processor is one of the most popular ARM processors.

Some of the features offered by the ARM926EJ-S processor are:

• Java acceleration
• DSP extensions
• Optional floating point unit
• Flexible local memory system with cache and exceptional Tightly Coupled Memory (TCM) integration
• Binary compatibility with the ARM7TDMI^® processor

Industry standard

Over 5 Billion ARM9 processors have been shipped so far

The ARM926EJ-S processor has been licensed by over 100 silicon vendors worldwide, and continues to be successfully deployed across a wide range of products and applications.

By offering stable and proven performance, it provides designers a low risk solution, with very fast time to market.

Platform OS support

The ARM926EJ-S processor features an MMU, allowing for the use of fully featured OS such as Linux, Windows CE, andSymbian.

Accelerated Java Performance

• Jazelle^® DBX is widely used to deliver very high performance Java in mobile handsets and other consumer devices without impacting memory consumption, battery life or user experience.
• Jazelle RCT can be used to significantly reduce the code bloat associated with AOT and JIT compilation, making AOT technology viable on mass-market devices.
• Additionally Jazelle RCT can also be used to support execution environments beyond Java, such as Microsoft .NET Compact Framework, Python and others.

Flexible

Customizable for feature-rich and cost-sensitive applications

• Configurable Memory Management Unit
• Highly configurable cache & TCM plus bus interface
• Flexible debug and trace infrastructure
• Optional Floating Point Unit (IEE754)

Rich ecosystem of OS, RTOS, and tools support

Over 650 members in the Connected Community supporting ARM926EJ-S processors

• Broadest ecosystem of compilers, debuggers and RTOS tools in the industry
• Plentiful design services partners to aid in design task
• Large variety of third party IP available to integrate with processors

Source: http://www.arm.com/products/processors/classic/arm9/arm926.php

Conclusion: Develop Linux OS to run in Asus P320 is possible but yet to become reality.

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