Embedded Linux Versus Desktop Linux

1

• Embedded Linux Versus Desktop Linux
• Distributions do provide patches as enhancements
  to the standard Linux kernel to suit it for
  Embedded Systems.
• Differences between Embedded Linux and Desktop
  Linux
• The way of Configuration of Linux Kernel for
  Embedded System differs from its Desktop
  Counterpart.
• In Embedded Linux more focus is paid to tools
  that are needed for development, debugging and
  profiling, to a set of Cross- Development tools
  that developers use to build applications for
  their target on say x86-based host systems.

2

• Embedded Linux Versus Desktop Linux (cont.)
• The utilities that are part of an embedded Linux
  distribution are different from similar ones in
  desktop Linux.
• Windowing and GUI environments that are used in
  embedded Linux differ from the desktop ones.
• Targets deploying embedded Linux mostly run in
  single-user mode with almost no system
  administration capabilities.

3

• Frequently Asked Questions..
• Is Linux Too Large?
• Generally one tends to think that as Linux was
  designed to run on desktop systems , it might be
  bulky and unsuitable for Embedded systems.
• But, Linux is highly modular and it has an
  excellent component selection mechanism
• A minimal working embedded Linux system with
  networking and file system support needs around 4
  MB of SDRAM and 2 MB of Flash.

4

• Frequently Asked Questions..(cont.)
• Is Linux Too Large?
• Some of the small-footprint embedded Linux
  efforts include the following
• uClinux , a Linux port for no-MMU platforms such
  as Motorola 68K, ARM7
• ELKS (Embedded Linux Kernel Subset) plans to put
  embedded Linux in the Palm Pilot.
• ThinLinux is another small-footprint
  distribution targeted at digital cameras, MP3
  player , and similar embedded applications.

5

• Is Linux Real-Time Enough?
• There is a lot of work is going on in the
  Embedded Linux area.
• Enhancements are in form of Preemptive kernel or
  real-time-capable scheduler.
• For hard real-time applications, the dual kernel
  approach is used.

6

• Is Linux Real-Time Enough? (cont.)
• Should I buy a Commercial Embedded Linux
  Distribution?
• A Commercial Distribution comes with various
  advantages
• Support
• Development tools and utilities
• Kernel Enhancements

7

• Which Embedded Linux Distribution Do I Choose?
• There are lots of Embedded Linux Distributions
  available. The following points should be
  considered before finalizing a distribution.
• Package
• Documentation
• Proprietary software
• Software upgrades
• Flexibility
• Support

8

• Embedded Linux Distributions
• Comparison of Distributions is based on the
  following
• points.
• Features
• Development Environment
• Documentation
• Support

9

• Embedded Linux Distributions
• These are the following well Known Embedded Linux
  Distributions.
• Blue Cat Linux
• Cadenux
• Denx
• Embedded Debian
• Elinos
• Metrowerks
• Monta Vista Linux
• RTLinuxPro

10

• Porting Roadmap
• Identify the legal issues behind the porting
  process.
• Choosing the kernel and an embedded Linux
  distribution.
• Getting the tools.
• Porting boot loader and BSP (Board Support
  Package)
• Porting device drivers
• Porting applications
• Packaging

11
The End.