Merits of Using the Verified Linux Package in the RZ/G Board Support Package

PublishTime： 2021-10-31 Article Source：Renesas

Human Machine Interface (HMI) on building automation products needs 3D graphics, video processing, and a variety of high-speed interfaces. All these features are available in the Renesas’ Verified Linux Package (VLP) incorporating an industrial-grade Linux Civil Infrastructure Platform (CIP) super long-term support (SLTS) kernel in the RZ/G series’ Board Support Package (BSP).

#1: Reduced Development Time

Taking advantage of the CIP reference hardware platforms, the RZ/G BSP development starts with upstreaming to Mainline/LTS, then using in CIP kernel, and finally integrating into the BSP. It is a tedious process among the CIP kernel team, members, and non-members of kernel development community, and Renesas cannot wait.

Figure 1: Process for Renesas and Customers to Reduced Time to Develop, Maintain and Update BSPs

To deliver on time to customers, BSP team must start development and patch a lot in 1st release before CIP kernel is mature, and incorporate the CIP kernel into BSP. From the second release onwards, the more Renesas patches are accepted in CIP kernel will result in lesser patches needed at the BSP team. At the saturation point, BSP team has almost no kernel patching work, except for proprietary modules.

Additionally, both Renesas and customers gain benefit in kernel bug fixing and updating. Before CIP, to fix a bug, Renesas had to investigate the reason, find possible solutions, decide the best solution, apply the solution, regression test, and review carefully to make sure the fixing does not cause negative impact on the kernel. It takes a lot of effort and sometimes out of local capabilities. After CIP is implemented, Renesas refers to Mainline/LTS to fix bugs or support the latest kernel features reducing the development time greatly.

#2: Improved Engineering Capabilities

In developing engineering capabilities, CIP also bring many chances to learn from and work with the experts.

Comparing newbie patches to expert patches created by the kernel team teaches what is right and what is wrong. Based on the golden model, create patches in the same way to reach that level. It helps to understand the background and different viewpoints of the kernel development, especially on direct discussion relating to the RZ/G series. It can improve not only coding skill but also communication skill.

Figure 2: Engineers Improve Capabilities via Daily Work and International Events

With a stronger engineering capability in Renesas, are able to release BSPs with higher quality in a shorter time，even add new features to the current BSPs and develop new BSPs. Renesas provide what customers need - an industrial grade Linux maintained for 10+ years in a Verified Linux package to reduce maintenance man-hours- and gain customer satisfaction! And, Renesas are continuously working to develop better and more fully-fledged BSPs.

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