What is the built -in Linux®?
The term "Embedded Linux®" can be used to describe any variant of the Open Source Linux® operating system, running on a built-in computer system-handy device or platform integrated into a larger total product such as consumer electronic devices or a piece of equipment. Modular Linux® core architecture, along with a wide range of microprocessors and other hardware types, has made the system popular in built -in computing fields. However, Linux® may suffer a performance disadvantage in some scenarios because it needs other software to function as a real -time operating system (RTOS), a requirement for some built -in systems. Despite this, a number of Linux® distributions have been used for inserted systems, from mobile phones to avionics testing devices.
The embedded computer differs from a personal computer (PC) in that the built -in system is designed or built for one or more specific purposes, while the PC is designed for a wide range of functions. Built -inThe computer can be designed with a minimum amount of power needed to meet its specific goals, resulting in a light and highly efficient computer platform. The category includes a wide range of computing devices, from consumer electronics devices to avionic devices to the Rovers and spacecraft that explores the solar system. Like any computer, however, the hardware of the built -in system is unnecessary without a software platform, and in many cases the selected software platform is in some form of inserting Linux®.
Linux® has proven itself in a series of built -in computing fields due to its high level of adaptation and flexibility, along with a diverse hardware support. The Linux® core has modular architecture, which means that a designer or engineer can only choose the necessary software for the driver and software at high levels of a specific system. Support for a series of different microprocessor archiTectur is also an important advantage offered by EMBEDDED Linux®, as built -in systems can use a microprocessor that is completely different from those found in the PCS. Linux® can also be used as a software project with an open source code without restrictions and license fees that could be present in commercial offers.
Inserted systems often require the operating system in real-time-operative system capable of responding to events in a very short time. Since the Linux® kernel has not been designed with respect to real -time performance, additional software must be launched on top of the core to provide this function. This is a potential disadvantage for using the built -in Linux® because this additional software consumes multiple resources.
Some versions of the built -in Linux® can be built almost from zero, while others are slightly modified versions of existing distribution. Both commercial and non -commercial organizations offer their own pre -created distributions focused on manufacturersand design companies. For example, mobile phones and media players commonly use off-the-shelf varieties built-in Linux®. Computational kiosky or network appliances can only use a slightly modified version of Desktop Linux® distribution.
In the fields with highly demanding real -time performance requirements or performance, the end user is often very involved in the design of the system. For example, the National Aeronautics and Space (NASA) administration (NASA) obtains Linux® software from external retailers, but sets instructions for suppliers to follow. Other organizations such as companies that produce avionics can decide to develop their own taste of the built -in Linux®.