Embedded Linux
Embedded Linux is the use of Linux in embedded computer systems such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, media players, set-top boxes, and other consumer electronics devices, networking equipment, machine control, industrial automation, navigation equipment and medical instruments. According to survey conducted by Venture Development Corporation, Linux was used by 18% of embedded engineers.[1]
Development
Linux has been ported to a variety of CPUs not primarily used as the processor of a desktop or server computer, including ARM, AVR32, ETRAX CRIS, FR-V, H8300, IP7000, m68k, MIPS, mn10300, SuperH, and Xtensa processors, as an alternative to using a proprietary operating system and toolchain.
The advantages of embedded Linux over proprietary embedded operating systems include no royalties or licensing fees, a stable kernel, a support base that is not restricted to the employees of a single software company, and the ability to modify and redistribute the source code. The disadvantages include a comparatively large memory footprint (kernel and root filesystem), complexities of user mode and kernel mode memory access, and complex device drivers framework.
See also
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Further reading
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