Embedded Linux Conference

Embedded Linux Conference
Name	Embedded Linux Conference
Status	Active
Genre	Technology conference
Frequency	Annual
Venue	Varies
Location	Global
First	2004
Organizer	Linux Foundation

Embedded Linux Conference The Embedded Linux Conference is an annual technology conference focused on Linux kernel, embedded systems, and related open source projects. The event brings together engineers, developers, project maintainers, and corporate stakeholders from organizations such as the Linux Foundation, Intel, ARM Holdings, Google, and Texas Instruments to present talks, workshops, and panels. Attendees typically include contributors to projects like Yocto Project, OpenEmbedded, BusyBox, Systemd, and U-Boot as well as users from fields represented by Automotive Grade Linux, Android (operating system), OpenWrt, and Zephyr Project.

Overview

The conference serves as a focal point for collaboration among communities working on the Linux kernel tree, platform support for vendors such as NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and maintainers of subsystems like device tree, Kconfig, DTS, and drivers. Sessions cover development workflows involving tools such as Git, GCC, Clang (compiler), and GDB, and integration with continuous integration services used by projects such as KernelCI and OpenEmbedded. Companies including Red Hat, SUSE, Collaborative Projects, and research groups from institutions like MIT and Carnegie Mellon University often participate.

History and Development

The conference grew from regional Linux and embedded events influenced by early gatherings like LinuxCon and FOSDEM. Initial editions featured maintainers of the Linux kernel for embedded architectures like ARM architecture, MIPS architecture, and PowerPC. Over time, stewardship and organization shifted towards the Linux Foundation, and the program expanded to cover cross-project coordination with initiatives such as Yocto Project and standardization efforts by organizations like the Open Source Initiative. Speakers have included prominent engineers associated with projects like Linus Torvalds-managed kernel trees, contributors from Intel Corporation, and architects from ARM Ltd..

Conferences and Events

Editions have been held in multiple locations mirroring technology hubs such as San Diego, Portland, Oregon, Dublin, San Jose, California, Tokyo, and Hamburg. Format elements often include keynotes, microconfs, lunchtime meetings, BOFs (birds of a feather) and tutorials run by maintainers from projects like U-Boot, Buildroot, Yocto Project, and OpenEmbedded. Parallel events and co-located conferences have included Kernel Summit, Linux Plumbers Conference, Open Source Summit, and regional meetups of groups such as IEEE chapters and university labs from University of California, Berkeley and ETH Zurich.

Topics and Technical Focus

Technical sessions emphasize kernel subsystems, real-time extensions such as PREEMPT_RT, bootloaders like U-Boot, and filesystems used in embedded environments including SquashFS, JFFS2, and UBIFS. Networking stacks discussed include Netfilter, Bluetooth (wireless technology), and IEEE 802.11 implementations for vendors such as Marvell Technology Group and Realtek. Security topics range from SELinux integration to secure boot workflows involving vendors like Microsoft for TPM attestations and standards bodies such as the Trusted Computing Group. Cross-compilation, build systems and package managers such as BitBake, RPM Package Manager, and dpkg are frequent subjects alongside debugging techniques using perf (Linux), systemtap, and ftrace.

Community and Sponsorship

The event is supported by corporate sponsors that have included Google, Intel, Arm, NVIDIA, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, Red Hat, and SUSE, while community sponsorship and volunteering often involve projects such as Yocto Project, OpenEmbedded, BusyBox, and LLVM Project. Organizing committees coordinate with the Linux Foundation events team and local partners including conference centers, universities, and regional open source communities like Linux User Group chapters. Outreach programs have connected students via partnerships with institutions like Stanford University and professional development programs run by companies such as Linaro.

Impact and Contributions

The conference has accelerated development of embedded support in the Linux kernel by facilitating face-to-face discussions that resolve issues in subsystems maintained by contributors from Intel Corporation, Broadcom, NVIDIA, and independent maintainers. Collaborative work at the conference has influenced upstreaming of patches, improvements in build infrastructures like KernelCI, and adoption of best practices promoted by bodies such as the Open Chain project. Outcomes include enhanced support for ARM architecture platforms in mainline kernel releases, wider adoption of Yocto Project standards across manufacturers, and stronger interoperability among projects such as OpenWrt, Automotive Grade Linux, and Android (operating system).

Category:Technology conferences