Getting started with Zephyr: a developer’s guide to your first project
to build custom apps utilizing its features and libraries. The following are key benefits of Zephyr OS for IoT and embedded system applications: Real-time capabilities As an RTOS, a standout feature of Zephyr OS is its real-time capabilities. These capabilities are rooted in efficient scheduling and interrupt handling mechanisms, which are vital for applications requiring precise timing and high reliability, such as industrial automation or medical devices. Scalability and modularity The scalability of Zephyr is largely attributed to its modular design which allows developers to include or exclude components based on project requirements, enhancing both the flexibility and scalability of the system. This modular architecture makes Zephyr suitable for a broad range of devices, from simple sensors to smart devices. Hardware support Zephyr OS is compatible with various hardware architectures, including x86, ARM, and RISC-V. However, it supports an extensive array of microcontrollers and processors. The Zephyr kernel supports the following architectures: ■ ARCv2 (EM and HS) and ARCv3 (HS6X) ■ ARMv6-M, ARMv7-M, and ARMv8-M (Cortex-M)
Zephyr OS has a vibrant community which extends beyond developers and commercial entities to include academic institutions and research bodies contributing to its continuous development and improvement.
boot, cryptographic libraries, and regular updates, which are key considerations for developers and manufacturers deploying IoT devices in sensitive or critical applications. Community and ecosystem Zephyr OS has a vibrant community which extends beyond developers and commercial entities to include academic institutions and research bodies contributing to its continuous development and improvement. This community- driven approach ensures that Zephyr OS remains up-to-date with the latest trends and requirements in embedded systems and IoT applications.
■ ARMv7-A and ARMv8-A (Cortex-A, 32- and 64-bit) ■ ARMv7-R, ARMv8-R (Cortex-R, 32- and 64-bit) ■ RISC-V (32- and 64-bit) ■ SPARC V8 ■ Intel x86 (32- and 64-bit) ■ MIPS (MIPS32 Release 1 specification) ■ NIOS II Gen 2 ■ Tensilica Xtensa Connectivity Zephyr OS supports various wireless standards and protocols, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, and LoRa. It also accommodates various wired connectivity options and integrates with most networking stacks, allowing devices to connect and communicate in diverse network environments. This robust connectivity is crucial for devices that need to transmit data, receive updates, and interact with other devices and services. Security features Security is a key concern in IoT, and Zephyr addresses this with a robust emphasis on features designed to protect devices against threats. These features include secure
Selecting a development board While Zephyr supports 500+ development boards, consider starting with a popular choice like Arduino, Nordic, or STM32 series for their excellent community support and extensive documentation. Setting up the development environment The first step to working with Zephyr is to install a Zephyr command line environment on the computer you intend to use for development. The instructions below are for a Ubuntu-based platform, for Microsoft Windows and macOS see here.
movement of an industrial robot. Other examples include those running wireless communication stacks, networking peripherals, or those used for motor control. Basic architecture and key benefits Zephyr OS is a small, yet highly scalable RTOS that requires less than 8KB Flash, less than 5KB RAM and suits a wide variety of use cases from small sensor nodes to complex multi-core systems. Zephyr’s architecture is specifically tailored for lightweight and flexible design, which is ideal for embedded systems and IoT applications. Its basic architecture includes the following elements: ■ Kernel configuration: although
designed for minimal memory usage and modular functionality, it can also be configured as a monolithic kernel. This flexibility allows for optimisation based on the complexity and size constraints of the target embedded device. ■ Device drivers: Zephyr offers an extensive library of device drivers for integration of various hardware components. ■ Middleware: includes file systems, networking stacks, and protocol libraries essential for building complex embedded systems. This layer offers crucial services like connectivity, data management, and
Development tools and support
From your computer’s root directory enter, sudo apt update
In terms of development tools and support, Zephyr OS is compatible with popular development tools and integrated development environments (IDEs), such as Eclipse, Visual Studio Code, and West (Zephyr’s command-line tool). This compatibility facilitates the development process, allowing builders to efficiently create, test, and deploy their applications
sudo apt upgrade
Next you will need to check and install some host dependencies using the distribution’s package manager.
communication protocols. ■ Application layer: Zephyr’s
application layer sits atop the underlying infrastructure and gives developers the flexibility
You can verify which versions of
the Zephyr kernel primarily operates as a microkernel
we get technical
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