In this introductory whitepaper about using Linux in embedded applications, Bill Peisel (Chief Technology Officer of NetSilicon, Inc.) explains why Linux has become increasingly popular as an embedded operating system, identifies some of its strengths and weaknesses relative to such applications, and describes the process of adapting Linux to the unique requirements of embedded systems and smart devices. Peisel writes . . .

” . . . As more and more powerful CPUs became available to the embedded designer at lower and lower prices, more powerful systems with more features were able to be built, but there was always a sharp divide between what could be used on the traditional desktop computer and what could be run on a small, resource-limited, embedded device.”

“Now, by combining powerful CPUs with much higher memory densities, this divide is blurring. But consumer demand for more powerful handheld computers, MP3 players with more memory, and two-way pagers with cooler interfaces demands a more complex, multi-tasking operating system that can juggle the load seamlessly, and allow interfacing from a human user just as if the user were a high priority interrupt.”

“This evolution defines a realm where Linux is the embedded operating system of choice . . .”

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