uClinux -- Linux on Microcontrollers

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(Last updated: Oct. 29, 1999)

uClinux is a derivative of the Linux 2.x kernel intended for microcontrollers without Memory Management Units (MMUs). Pronounced "you-see-linux", the name uClinux comes from combining the greek letter "mu" and the english capital "C". "Mu" stands for "micro", and the "C" is for "controller". uClinux was first ported to the Motorola MC68328 DragonBall Integrated Microprocessor. Since then, uClinux has grown exponentially, as more and more MMU-less chips receive their own ports. The first target system to successfully boot is the 3Com PalmPilot using a TRG SuperPilot Board with a custom boot-loader created specifically for our Linux/PalmPilot port.

Much of the development resources and funding for uClinux are provided by Lineo, Inc. As with all ports (distributions) of Linux, uClinux free software under the GNU Public License.

Ported Microcontrollers and Microprocessors

Motorola DragonBall (M68EZ328), M68328, M68EN322, ColdFire, QUICC (Quad Integrated Communications Controller)
ARM7TDMI
MC68EN302
Axis ETRAX
Intel i960
PRISMA
Atari 68k

. . . and more all the time!

Linux vs. uClinux?

Since uClinux was created to support non-MMU microprocessors, multitasking can be tricky. Most user applications that run on top of uClinux, however, will not require multitasking. In addition, most of the binaries and source code for the kernel have been rewritten to tighten-up and slim-down the code base. This all means that the uClinux kernel is much, much smaller than the original Linux 2.0 kernel, while retaining the main advantages of the Linux operating system: stability, superior network capability, and excellent file system support.

Key features of uClinux:

Common Linux API
uCkernel < 512 KB
uCkernel + tools < 900 KB

Is uClinux a networked OS environment?

uClinux comes equipped with a full TCP/IP stack, as well as support for numerous other networking protocols. Pretty much all the networking protocols are implemented. uClinux is an Internet-ready OS perfect for embedded systems.

Which file systems does uClinux support?

NFS, ext2, MS-DOS, and FAT16/32 are only a handful of the available file systems embraced by uClinux.

Articles and news stories about uClinux:

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