Bootlin is an official software partner of STMicroelectronics. You can learn more about this partnership on our official partner page on the ST website.
Our Expertise with STMicroelectronics Platforms
Bootlin provides deep expertise in Linux Board Support Package (BSP) development across a broad range of STMicroelectronics processors. Our services cover bootloader and firmware porting, Linux kernel development, integration with build systems such as Yocto, Buildroot, or OpenWrt, as well as implementation of security features, real-time constraints, and boot-time optimizations.
Notable examples of our work with ST platforms include:
- Complete BSP development for platforms based on the ST32MP processor family, including platform bring-up, kernel porting, hardware support, and integration with Yocto or Buildroot, on both SoMs and custom hardware designs.
- In collaboration with ST, Bootlin develops and maintains the official Buildroot support for STM32MP platforms, in the form of the buildroot-external-st project
- In collaboration with ST, Bootlin develops and maintains the official OpenWrt support for STM32MP platforms, in the form of the openwrt-feed-st
- Contribution to upstream Zephyr of the support for the display panel found on the STM32L562E Discovery Kit as well as a Zephyr driver for the LSM9DS1 sensor
- Also in collaboration with ST, back at the launch of the STM32MP1 processor, Bootlin prepared and published a series of tutorials on how to get started with the STM32MP1 platform: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7
How Bootlin Can Help
If you’re working with a STMicroelectronics processor or SoC, Bootlin offers a wide range of services:
- Bring-up of a fully functional Linux system on your custom hardware, including bootloader and kernel porting — bridging the gap between the software provided by STMicroelectronics and the specific requirements of your product.
- Zephyr RTOS porting and driver development for platforms where a lightweight RTOS is appropriate.
- Development and enhancement of Linux kernel drivers to support custom hardware features.
- Custom Yocto, Buildroot, or OpenWrt distributions tailored for your specific TI-based platform.
- Integration of security features, real-time capabilities, optimized boot times, and full open-source stacks for OTA updates, multimedia, graphics, and networking.
- Maintain and regularly update your Embedded Linux distribution and BSP to benefit from security fixes and ensure compliance with evolving cybersecurity regulations, including the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).
- Training programs for your engineering team. Several of our courses include hands-on labs using ST hardware:
- Embedded Linux System Development — labs on ST32MP157 Discovery Kit
- Yocto Project and OpenEmbedded System Development — labs on ST32MP157 Discovery Kit
- Buildroot System Development — labs on ST32MP157 Discovery Kit
- Debugging, tracing, profiling and performance analysis with Linux — labs on ST32MP157 Discovery Kit
- Real-Time Linux with PREEMPT_RT — labs on ST32MP157 Discovery Kit
Example of Bootlin project on ST platform
As a concrete illustration of our expertise on ST platforms, we can share the details of a project Bootlin completed in 2024. Our customer had developed a custom PCB based on the STM32MP157 processor, featuring DDR memory, eMMC storage, a microSD card slot, USB ports, and an HDMI transceiver. Bootlin received only the hardware sample and schematics, and within just 11 days of engineering effort, our team was able to:
- Port and adapt the bootloader,
- Port the Linux kernel,
- Enable all hardware interfaces, including HDMI,
- Develop a custom, optimized Buildroot-based Linux distribution integrating:
- The Weston display server,
- The Gtk graphics toolkit, and
- The customer’s own application.
This rapid and complete bring-up highlights Bootlin’s ability to quickly deliver production-ready solutions on custom hardware with minimal input.
Why Choose Bootlin?
- Over 20 years of experience dedicated exclusively to Embedded Linux development, with a focused and agile team of experts.
- Strong open-source values: upstream-first contributions, transparent practices, and open-access training materials.
- Close collaboration with STMicroelectronics engineers, allowing efficient and timely resolution of complex technical challenges.
- Proven track record on both STMicroelectronics reference platforms and complex custom hardware designs.
- Active contributors to major open-source projects (Linux kernel, Yocto, Buildroot, Zephyr), ensuring long-term maintainability of your solution.
- Efficient project execution with clear communication, strong documentation, and fast onboarding on new platforms.
- Training and development services that complement each other, helping your team grow while your product advances.
- Trusted by customers worldwide, with experience supporting teams across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.