A capable board support package is the technical basis of every successful embedded Linux product. emlix develops tailored board support packages for devices, machines and industrial equipment – from the initial board bring-up and bootloader and kernel adaptation through to the system-level implementation of security, update and maintenance concepts. This results in stable, reproducible and long-term maintainable embedded Linux systems for industrial applications.
The challenge of initial bring-up
Many companies face the challenge of bringing new boards and peripheral components into operation quickly and stably while at the same time ensuring long-term maintainability, security and update capability. In addition, as part of obsolescence management, it must be possible to respond at short notice to component changes and discontinuations.
This is precisely where emlix supports: we develop robust, qualified board support packages that are optimally matched to product requirements, hardware architecture, components and lifecycle goals. This reduces integration effort, minimises technical risks and creates an investment-secure system platform for our customers across many product generations.
Benefits of emlix board Bring-up
■ Access to many years of experience and a team of more than 40 embedded Linux and kernel experts
■ Extensive experience with different processor architectures
■ In-depth know-how in systems engineering, security and safety engineering
■ The result: stable, efficiently maintainable platforms
■ Standardised and documented toolchain and processes
■ Collaborative partnership
■ On request, lifecycle maintenance for the embedded Linux system
■ Reduced TCO – a professionally developed BSP significantly reduces later integration and maintenance effort
Technology selection for board support packages
Our board support is usually based on mainline sources or on adaptations already provided by the hardware manufacturers. After the initial bring-up of the board and peripheral components, we support the further composition and development of the system depending on our customers' specific requirements.
emlix embedded Linux solutions are based on established embedded Linux solutions such as Yocto, Buildroot and PTXdist. However, in the interest of the most efficient possible lifecycle maintenance, we also offer mainline implementation based on the Yocto build engine BitBake and our build toolchain.
In addition, we integrate product-specific hardware, security concepts, real-time mechanisms and modern OTA update strategies, so that systems can be operated securely and efficiently over the long term.
emlix solutions support all common processor architectures such as ARM, MIPS, PowerPC and x86. In addition, we integrate modern technologies such as containers, real-time mechanisms and OTA update systems, as well as hardware components such as Wi-Fi, LTE/5G, CAN, Bluetooth and FPGA.
Approaches for a joint development
At the outset, we analyse the hardware platform, product requirements and relevant standards together with our customers. We then define the Linux architecture, select suitable build systems, qualify the required components and develop a reproducible BSP including toolchain and documentation. Optionally, we support with security concepts, automated testing and long-term software lifecycle maintenance.
Among other things, we offer the following services:
■ Custom board bring-up
■ Bootloader and kernel adaptations
■ Integration of product-specific hardware components
■ Support for second-source strategies (hardware dual sourcing)
■ Development of OTA, recovery and update concepts
■ Real-time solutions with PREEMPT_RT and AMP
■ Hypervisor and virtualisation solutions
■ Debugging, system analysis and performance optimisation
■ Setup of CI/CD and DevOps processes
■ Development of automated system tests
■ Automating the creation of a process-compliant SBOM
■ Creation of open source and security compliance documentation
Learn moreemlix ensures that your hardware runs reliably—from the bootloader through kernel and driver customization to the stable, reproducible boot of your embedded Linux system. Talk to our experts and find out how to get your board up and running quickly and sustainably. Feel free to contact us. During an initial consultation, we’ll determine exactly how we can provide you with tailored support. Your contactOur experts from the emlix Solutions team |
