Embedded Linux is an open source operating system used in targeted devices or platforms integrated into larger products. Its modular architecture and diverse hardware support make it popular in embedded computing, but it may require additional software for real-time performance. Custom Linux distributions are used in various fields, from cell phones to avionics equipment. Embedded systems are designed for specific purposes and can be highly efficient. Linux’s high level of customization and flexibility make it popular, but real-time performance may be a disadvantage. Some versions can be built from scratch, while others are modified versions of existing distributions. In fields with demanding requirements, end-users may be involved in the design of the system.
The term “Embedded Linux” can be used to describe any variant of the open source Linux® operating system running on an embedded computing system – a targeted device or platform integrated into a larger overall product such as a device or piece of equipment consumption. The modular architecture of the Linux® kernel along with support for a wide variety of microprocessors and other types of hardware has made the system popular in the fields of embedded computing. Linux®, however, may suffer a performance disadvantage in some scenarios because it requires additional software to act as a real-time operating system (RTOS), a requirement for some embedded systems. Despite this, a variety of custom Linux® distributions have been used for embedded systems, ranging from cell phones to avionics test equipment.
An embedded computer differs from a personal computer (PC) in that the embedded system is designed or built for one or more specific purposes, whereas PCs are intended for a broad range of functions. An embedded computer can be designed with the minimum amount of performance required to achieve its specific goals, resulting in a highly efficient and lightweight computer platform. The category spans a wide variety of computing devices, from consumer electronics devices to avionics equipment, rovers, and spacecraft that explore the solar system. But like any computer, embedded system hardware is useless without a software platform, and in many cases the software platform of choice is some form of embedded Linux®.
Linux® has proven popular in numerous fields of embedded computing due to its high level of customization and flexibility, along with diverse hardware support. The Linux® kernel has a modular architecture, which means that a designer or engineer can choose only the high-level software and drivers needed for a particular system. Support for a variety of different microprocessor architectures is also a major benefit of embedded Linux®, because embedded systems can use a very different microprocessor than those found in PCs. As an open source software project, Linux® can also be used without the restrictions and royalties that might be present in commercial offerings.
Embedded systems often require a real-time operating system – an operating system that can respond to events within a very short period of time. Because the Linux® kernel was not designed with real-time performance in mind, additional software must be running on top of the kernel to provide this functionality. This is a potential disadvantage for using embedded Linux® as this additional software consumes more resources.
Some versions of embedded Linux® can be built almost from scratch, while others are slightly modified versions of existing distributions. Both commercial and non-commercial organizations offer their own prebuilt distributions aimed at manufacturers and design studios. Cell phones and media players, for example, commonly use standard varieties of embedded Linux®. Kiosks or networking equipment might only use a slightly modified version of a desktop Linux® distribution.
In fields with very demanding real-time or performance requirements, the end user is often heavily involved in the design of the system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), for example, obtains Linux® software from outside vendors, but sets guidelines for vendors to follow. Other organizations, such as companies that manufacture avionics test equipment, may choose to develop their own version of embedded Linux®.
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