Embedded Linux System And Its Application In The Fault Recorder

Along with the rapid development of IT, we are now in the "post-PC" era. Embedded systems are being used in all fields. It is taking the place of traditional PC systems and gradually becoming the mainstream of this era. Various digital products have been the main tools for information processing. As embedded systems are used more widely, the standards of embedded operation system are raised. Linux is becoming the best choice of embedded system in terms of free use, open, stability and wide-ranged hardware support.This paper is born of the project of Fault Record System done by Nanjing Nanzi Science and Technology Development Co. Ltd. The development of an embedded Linux system in an existing hardware and software environment is demonstrated. By using the system as the platform of communication management unit, the function of data management and network communication could be realised. Based on the analysis of characteristics and architecture of Linux system, both advantages and disadvantages of applying Linux to the Fault Record System as an embedded system are pointed out. Also the relevant technologies as building cross-platform development toolchain are analysed. The way of building an embedded Linux system in conformity with system demands is also described in the paper.It is the first time to apply embedded system to Fault Record System. An embedded system has relatively simple functions in terms of around 7M in size, less than 10-second startup time, network communication ability and no GUI support. Curtailing kernel and adding GUI support could be discussed in more details in future research and development.