NEC Electronics Inc. and MontaVista Software Inc., developer of the Hard Hat Linux operating system for embedded applications, have announced that the Hard Hat Linux operating system has been ported to NEC's VR4181, VR4121, VR5000 and VR5432 64-bit MIPS(R) RISC microprocessors and evaluation platforms. With the combination of NEC's processors and MontaVista's Hard Hat Linux, and associated development tools, the companies are providing embedded systems designers with the necessary elements to quickly deliver high-performance embedded Linux solutions to market.

Hard Hat Linux now supports NEC's evaluation boards featuring the VR4181, VR4121, VR5000 and VR5432 processors. Hard Hat Linux, a standard, off-the-shelf, binary distribution of the Linux operating system, offers embedded-system developers a mix of open-source and standard APIs, as well as unique open-source solutions. Hard Hat Linux is supported by a comprehensive tool suite that includes optimizing compilers for C, C++ and other languages, plus high-level-language debuggers, and performance-monitoring tools. MontaVista's embedded-Linux software and tools provide the scalability and robustness required by well-designed embedded systems.

NEC's 64-bit MIPS RISC microprocessors provide comprehensive solutions for embedded system designers. Developed around the MIPS RISC architecture, each VR Series microprocessor is forward code-compatible and highly scaleable. The VR4181 microprocessor is a highly integrated solution designed to provide excellent power consumption and performance attributes for cost-sensitive applications. The VR4121 microprocessor's high speed, compact size and low power consumption make it ideal for use in battery-driven, portable and handheld systems. The 250 MHz VR5000 is a highperformance processor that is ideal for embedded applications in networking equipment, telecom equipment and high-end printers. The VR5432 microprocessor is a high-performance microprocessor designed for use in performance-driven embedded systems such as digital consumer appliances and image processing systems. The VR5432 at 167 MHz recently received strong EEMBC (EDN Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium) benchmark scores. EEMBC is an industry consortium that offers independent, lab-certified benchmarks based on real-world embedded microprocessor applications.