Custom Linux Kernel Development
The ability to easily customize and expand any portion of the kernel is a feature of Linux that makes it very well suited for embedded systems development. In the embedded environment, specialized hardware, protocols, and systems may require a look into the kernel internals, custom configuration, feature additions, or driver development. This article aims to provide information on the most common kernel development tasks for EMAC OE Linux systems. In addition, the reader is pointed to additional sources for kernel development resources.
Before continuing, make sure that git tools are installed on your development machine, and review the Building the Linux Kernel document.
Contents
The Kernel Source
Source code for EMAC kernels is provided through our Git server. Refer to the documentation for your system to determine the correct source to use.
 | For this guide, the 2.6.30-at91 kernel tree will be used, which currently covers many of EMAC's SoM-based ARM products. |
Clone the Git Repository
To clone the git repository over anonymous HTTP, run the following commands:
developer@ldc:~$ git clone http://git.emacinc.com/public/source/linux-2.6.30-at91.git
Once the command has completed, the entire source should be contained in the linux-2.6.30-at91 directory. The master branch will be checked out automatically. Because EMAC uses the master branch for all releases, this is the correct branch to use, but other branches or tags may be checked out if directed or required.
Kernel Source Structure
Within the source directory, you will see a
Configuration
Refer to configuration section in the kernel building document. Show how to add / remove options in the config.
Adding Support for a new Carrier Board
Show how to add a carrier board in the 2.6.30 "emac-carrier" structure.
Driver Development
Basic info on driver structure here.
Where to go for Additional Information
LDD3, mailing list, EMAC support.
