Glossary
This is a glossary of terms used in embedded Linux, and links to existing glossary pages:
Here are pages that have list of terms for specific technology areas:
- Boot-up Time Definition Of Terms - terms related to the Linux boot-up process
- Power Management Definition Of Terms - Definition of Terms for the CELF Power Management working group
- Real Time Terms - terms related to systems with real-time performance
- Security Terms - terms related to Linux security and security frameworks
Contents
A
- Abatron
- Abatron is a Swiss company that makes a popular Jtag debugger often used to debug embedded Linux. Their primary products are the 'BDIx000' line of Jtag debuggers.
B
- BSP
- Board Support Package. This is the code that is used to support a particular hardware board. The term is used generically to refer to code, and not a specific "package", as the name implies. It generally refers to all special-case software relevant to a particular board, whether it is kernel code, user code, etc.
C
D
E
- Embedded
- An "Embedded" device usually means one with fixed functionality, independent of other additional hardware or software attributes. The terms is somewhat vague. This is as opposed to general-purpose functionality. Note that mobile phones are considered embedded, although they now support general-purpose programs and functionality. Classic embedded Linux products include things like digital cameras, routers, television sets, and settop boxes, as well as non-consumer embedded devices like sensors, industrial control devices, and pretty much anything running Linux outside of the desktop and server markets.
F
G
H
I
J
- JTAG
- Short for "Joint Test Action Group", JTAG refers to a debugging interface used to validate hardware and debug software on an embedded board. See JTAG
K
- kernel
- The Linux kernel is the core software in a Linux system that interfaces with the hardware, manages resources on behalf of processes, and mediates interactions between processes and the hardware, and between processes themselves.