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How to write ports to new CPU and architecture?

DISCUSSION Meng Sun 2 participants 2 messages Sep 17, 2008 Generic include/asm header files

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Meng Sun

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Hi all,

What should I do for implement Linux kernel on a new CPU and target board? I just read FAQ but it's just general information. Could you please tell me which documents(except CPU datasheets and target board documents) I should read?

Cheers,

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Quoted 4 lines · Meng Sun

What should I do for implement Linux kernel on a new CPU and target board? I just read FAQ but it's just general information. Could you please tell me which documents(except CPU datasheets and target board documents) I should read?

Is it an existing processor such as PowerPC or MIPS? If so, you should approach that port directly and ask for advice (since it will differ greatly from one architecture to another).

Is it a new processor that we don't currently have support for in the kernel tree? That's a much larger undertaking, normally a multi-year project First, you're going to need a toolchain that targets your CPU -- GCC, binutils and so on. Then you can start porting Linux. It's probably best to start by copying an existing architecture and modify it piecemeal.

I can't really be more specific since your question is so vague.

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Matthew Wilcox				Intel Open Source Technology Centre
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