The operating system required for embedded systems is not the complete system found in typical desktop or laptop computers but rather a customized Linux tailored for specific devices and applications, known as embedded Linux. Due to its high degree of customization and flexibility, developers can eliminate unnecessary features, reduce resource consumption, and enhance performance. The open-source nature of embedded Linux also allows developers to freely modify the system and quickly deploy new functionalities, making it widely used in areas such as smart routers, industrial control systems, and automation equipment.
On x86 architecture systems, common Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS, but customizing embedded Linux focuses on supporting the hardware features of specific products, creating tailored operating systems for embedded devices. Linux can run on various architectures such as x86, ARM, and PowerPC, with embedded Linux typically used on low-power, low-cost ARM architecture chips, applied in smartphones, home appliances, and industrial control systems. Its functions include graphical user interfaces, file systems, and multitasking, with streamlining and customization based on application requirements. Additionally, Linux has a large development community and extensive support, requiring in-depth hardware knowledge and custom tools for embedded Linux development.
Portwell collaborates with various embedded processor suppliers for its embedded system products, particularly ARM processor platforms. NXP Semiconductors’ i.MX series embedded development platform was originally developed by Freescale and merged with NXP in 2015, becoming the fourth-largest semiconductor company globally. Texas Instruments (TI) is also a well-known semiconductor company that provides rich tools and resources for embedded development platforms, assisting developers in quickly building various embedded systems. The evaluation boards and development kits offered by NXP and TI feature diverse interfaces and functions, facilitating rapid design verification, and have robust community forums and support teams to help resolve technical issues. In the industrial computer sector, Portwell’s products primarily use x86 architecture processors from Intel or AMD and also leverage embedded Linux as their main operating system to meet specific environmental and functional needs.
In the gaming entertainment market, slot machines are highly popular gaming devices that attract many players and generate significant profits for operators. The player tracking system (PTS) equipped in these slot machines not only processes player data and game status but also plays advertisements and offers ordering services during idle times, enriching the player experience and increasing operator revenue. Due to the low computational demands of the PTS, clients often choose embedded processor platforms for design discussions, ensuring system stability and efficiency while reducing costs and complexity.
The automation market has seen robust growth in recent years, with various industries actively adopting automation technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Embedded systems play a crucial role in this process, particularly specialized hardware platforms like Box PCs, which are reliable, compact, and low-power, suitable for deployment in various environments. Embedded systems are widely used in factory automation, logistics management, and building automation, where they control robots, monitor production lines, and optimize transportation routes. They also extend into fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and retail. With technological advancements, embedded systems will drive rapid development in automation technologies, bringing more innovation and value to all industries.
In various industries, almost all products involve applications related to embedded systems. To provide complete solutions for clients, Portwell analyzes product requirements and selects appropriate embedded system platforms, planning and drafting product specification documents for further discussion and collaboration with clients.
Most clients focus on the development applications in their industry, so they can rely on Portwell’s technical services for the overall design of the software and hardware integration of the embedded platform. Portwell chooses peripheral devices, panels, and relevant sensors based on client application needs, integrating them with the embedded platform to plan suitable sizes according to client styles.
Regarding product software and firmware, device drivers are ported according to the hardware devices. The software package provided to clients will be the Board Support Package (BSP) for that product, which includes the bootloader, Linux kernel, and file system. Software engineers will customize these components, and when clients encounter software dependency issues while developing applications for their industries, Portwell will assist in porting the software libraries into the BSP.
Once the product enters the mass production phase, Portwell’s selected embedded platforms typically have a product lifecycle of 10 to 15 years, ensuring clients do not have to worry about their carefully designed products being discontinued (EOL) quickly. Often, after some time in production, certain minor components or devices may reach EOL. In such cases, Portwell provides replacement services to change components without affecting the overall design, and the device drivers in the embedded systems will also be ported into the BSP.
From initial demand analysis, specification design and discussion, hardware design, software porting and development, product stability testing, and long-term mass production to product maintenance and upgrade discussions, Portwell ensures that clients’ products meet current and future market demands.
