Is (Embedded) Linux Worth The Effort?

Embedded Geek writes "Embedded Systems magazine is running an interesting story about building an embedded system (specifically, a diagnostic tool for auto mechanics) using Linux. Despite the foreboding title and tagline ('If your embedded system doesn't need networking and storage, porting Linux to your hardware may not be worth the effort'), it offers a balanced look at how the engineer implemented his solution and observations on each step. Interestingly, his discussion is as much about embedded design philosophy versus Linux's philosophy, pointing out where each meets or diverges. A nice read."

Comments

Nope, right question.....

[Nagatzhul]

Maybe, but most people ask that question based on what they know and what they have available to them for hardware. Especially things like fuel injection programmer for a motorcycle or car, for example. You are basing needs on pre-existing conditions and equipment and what will âoedo the job.â And chances are, computers are what you know least. Meaning, you know just enough to get by. Things like Tuneboy run on laptops running some kind of WinO$. I would love to see something like it on a dedicated unit that would save maps, but am not to that level of knowledge yet. And if it was open source? Even better.

Linux is more than just networking

[mnmn]

In fact while compiling the kernel you can remove all networks support and just use the memory manager, filesystems, security and the binaries like perl and bash.

Most embedded items DO require networking though. Linux is also a very well-known development platform now. You can whip up a new microcontroller with new USB/PCMCIA/bluetooth etc chips and make it boot linux off flash. Most of the development can be handled by anyone who has done system development on Linux which could have been on a PDA/Game console/router/PC/midrange. You no longer need someone specializing in Arm7 with detailed experience in the 8139 realtek chip and intel 802.11 chips, just someone who can make drivers for the linux kernel.

Linux has been widely ported around the town and finding a lowcost CPU that can run Linux (and includes an MMU) is easy.. so theres less need for the ucLinux or other exotic forks. Plain Linux will work well and you in one swoop have drivers for almost any networking or multimedia chip made.