Cell processor to support Linux

IBM Corp. and Sony Corp. have released new software components and documentation for the Cell processor, including extensions to Linux.

The companies are providing the Linux operating system, compilers, and utilities for the Cell Broadband Engine microprocessor. IBM is distributing source patches for the Linux operating system.

Sony is distributing compilers and other technology. This code contains the GNU Compiler Collection (gcc) compiler for the SPE implemented by Sony.

This supports the standards defined in the SPU C/C++ Language Extensions V2.0, SPU Application Binary Interface Specification V1.3, and Synergistic Processor Unit (SPU) Instruction Set Architecture V1.0 documents previously released.

The companies also released the Cell Broadband Engine Software Development Kit.

- EE Times