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Linux® OS for MPUs

Linux® OS for MPUs

The Linux® Operating System (OS) has become pervasive in all aspects of the digital world, largely due to its long-standing history as one of the most reliable, secure and worry-free operating systems available. Our microprocessors (MPUs) and the Linux OS have gone hand in hand since 2002 when we introduced our first MPU, the AT91RM9200.

By supporting mainline Linux, we provide a way for you to receive the full support of the open-source community to create high-quality solutions. We have been mainlining our kernel, bootloader and drivers since 2004, and mainlining has become a centerpiece of our Linux strategy because of the value it brings to users. Using Long-Term Support (LTS) Linux kernels provides access to kernel maintenance. Linux provided by Microchip facilitates software portability between each kernel release and eliminates the need to update drivers.

Visit Microchip Linux OS Landing Page
Learn About Developing With Embedded Linux
Linux Penguin

Start Prototyping With Linux

To get started with Linux on our MPUs and explore the potential of the combined hardware and software platform, we recommend the ATSAM5D27-SOM1-EK1 evaluation kit. Watch the video below to learn more.

Getting Started With Linux on the ATSAMA5D27 SOM Evaluation Kit

In this video, we will demonstrate how to get started running Linux on the ATSAMA5D27-SOM1-EK1 Evaluation Kit. We will show you how to quickly and easily download a demo image, write it to an SD™ card and boot Linux on the evaluation kit. We will show you where to find more information to help you get started developing embedded Linux applications for the SAMA5D2 family of MPUs.

Key Benefits of Using Linux With Our MPUs

  • Device tree support
  • Yocto and Buildroot build environments
  • Solid and proven peripheral drivers
  • Large developer community
  • Security updates
  • Maintaining multiple stable kernels

Yocto Project

The Yocto Project® is an open source collaboration project that provides templates, tools, methods and documentation to help developers create Linux-based systems for embedded products. The free tools make getting started easy, are powerful to work with (including emulation environments, debuggers, an Application Toolkit Generator, etc.) and allow projects to evolve across all stages of development from prototype to production.

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Buildroot

Buildroot is a simple, efficient and easy-to-use tool to generate embedded Linux systems through cross-compilation. Buildroot is an open-source project with daily contributions from developers.

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AT91Bootstrap and U-boot

AT91Bootstrap is the second level bootloader for Microchip’s microprocessors. It provides a device support package to manage the hardware initialization, such as clock speed configuration, PIO settings and DRAM initialization.

U-Boot (Universal-Bootloader) is a third level bootloader. It configures the main interfaces like USB and Ethernet and launches the Linux operating system. U-Boot facilitates the initial board bring-up and software development phase.

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OpenWrt

OpenWrt is an open-source project for embedded operating systems based on Linux, primarily used on embedded devices to route network traffic. All components have been optimized to be small enough to fit into the limited storage and memory available in existing in-home routers.

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Partners and Resources