Choosing Your Ideal Linux Rugged Tablet: Why Opt for Yocto?

With the development of the open-source community, embedded systems have become more widespread. Selecting the right embedded operating system can enable a single device to perform more functions. The Linux distribution Yocto is undoubtedly the ideal choice for embedded systemsand IOT devices. Let's take a look at the Yocto System.

Yocto is not a formal Linux distribution but rather a framework. The Yocto Project is a collection of tools and processes designed for developers to create custom Linux distributions according to their specific needs. Yocto includes a framework called OpenEmbedded (OE), which greatly simplifies the process of building embedded systems by providing automation tools and a wealth of software packages. By executing a single command, the entire build process can be completed automatically, including downloading, extracting, patching, configuring, compiling, and generating. Yocto also allows users to install only the necessary libraries and dependencies, reducing memory usage and making the system more suitable for resource-limited embedded environments. In short, these features make Yocto an ideal solution for highly customizable embedded systems.

Experienced Linux System developers particularly value the following features of Yocto:

Flexibility and Customizability:

Yocto offers a flexible toolset and development environment, allowing developers to freely choose resources or refine specific components (including versions). This flexibility enables developers to customize Linux distributions according to the specific needs of hardware platforms. Yocto allows developers to customize the Linux System, from kernel configuration to software package selection, making it especially suited for embedded systems, where specific functionalities are often required.

Powerful Build System and Efficient Development Process:

Yocto provides a robust build system (such as BitBake) that enables precise control over the OS build process. Developers can select the necessary software packages, libraries, and applications, optimizing system performance and creating the most suitable customized Linux image. The build process is automated, supporting incremental builds, caching mechanisms, and parallel builds, thus improving development efficiency.

Standardization and Compatibility:

Yocto offers standardized build processes and tools, which facilitate collaboration among different developers and teams. Using the Yocto Project, developers can ensure that their custom Linux systems are highly compatible and portable across various hardware platforms.

Maintainability and Scalability:

Yocto’s design allows users to work with custom or commercial operating systems without losing optimizations or functionality during migration. Furthermore, commercial OS vendors can leverage Yocto as an upstream resource, ensuring maximum code reuse. Yocto also offers Long-Term Support (LTS) versions, providing developers with stable releases and updates to maintain system security and ease of maintenance. Developers can customize the frequency and timing of updates to better meet the needs of embedded systems in production environments.

Rich Ecosystem and Strong Future Foundations:

The Yocto Project boasts an active community and extensive documentation, offering robust support for developers. Community members include hardware manufacturers, OS vendors, and independent consultants, all contributing resources and information, creating a powerful ecosystem.

In summary, the Yocto Project is a mature and popular framework, placing control of your future in your hands by helping developers create custom Linux distributions for embedded devices. Unlike simpler platforms, Yocto demands more from developers, requiring them to make design and configuration decisions rather than relying on predefined options. This allows Yocto to offer high levels of customization, giving developers the freedom to precisely create the Linux distribution required for their applications.

3Rtablet offers two rugged tablets based on Yocto: the AT-10AL (powered by the i.MX 8M Mini processor) and the VT-7AL (featuring a 2.0GHz Qualcomm processor). Both models are designed with durable casings and high performance, ensuring stable operation in extreme environments to meet the needs of industries like agriculture, mining, and fleet management. Simply share your specific requirements and use case with us, and our R&D team will evaluate to develop the most suitable solution and provide corresponding technical support.

3Rtablet is a globally leading rugged tablet manufacturer - technology-based, market-oriented, innovative enterprise that develops and manufactures rugged Internet of Vehicles (IOV) terminals and IOT system solutions. With more than 18 years of professional experience, 3Rtablet has cooperated with many top brand telematics solution providers around the world, and the products are widely recognized for their stable performance and professional technical support.

The main products include IP67 rugged tablets, MDM Rugged Device,Intelligent Vehicle Telematics Terminal, and RTK Base Station and Receiver, On-board Computers, Mobile Data Terminal, Agriculture display, Vehicle-mounted Tablets, AHD Camera Integrated Tablets, IP67/IP69K Android telematics boxes, MDVR and Al Dashcam . Al algorithmic vehicle video surveillance and recording technology and comprehensive loT solutions for a wide range of fleet management application, including ELD/HOS in trucks, construction equipment, mining, forklift safety, taxi dispatch, agriculture precision, intelligent transportation systems, etc. Offering OEM/ODM services, we customize products to meet specific needs.