What Is Embedded Linux?

Embedded Linux uses the Linux kernel in systems with ARM Cortex-A, RISC-V, or x86 SoCs with an MMU. Built with Buildroot or Yocto, a minimal system runs on 256 MB-1 GB RAM. It excels for networking, USB host, and complex protocol handling. For sub-millisecond real-time response, pair Linux with an STM32 over SPI/UART a common split architecture.

Key Takeaways

• Real-world engineering considerations from 10+ years of STM32 development
• Practical tradeoffs between performance, cost, and time-to-market
• Direct experience across industrial, energy, and IoT deployments

Frequently Asked Questions

When to choose embedded Linux vs bare-metal?

Linux: need networking, file systems, complex UI. Bare-metal/RTOS: need deterministic <100 us response or ultra-low power. Many products use both in a split architecture.

What is the boot time?

Standard: 5-15 seconds. Optimized with minimal kernel and squashfs: 1-3 seconds. For faster, use an MCU for initial handling.

Need help deciding between MCU and embedded Linux? Get in touch with our engineering team for a free consultation.

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