Zephyr RTOS
also: Zephyr Project · Zephyr
Open-source RTOS hosted by the Linux Foundation, supporting many microcontrollers with built-in networking, Bluetooth, and security features.
Zephyr is an Apache-2.0-licensed RTOS with broad board support, devicetree, and Kconfig configuration, networking stacks, Bluetooth LE, USB, file systems, and MCUboot bootloader support for secure updates. Several silicon vendors build their SDKs on it, including Nordic's nRF Connect SDK.
Where it bites: a steep learning curve (devicetree, Kconfig, and the west build tool), a larger footprint than minimal kernels, and a fast-moving upstream that makes long-term version maintenance a deliberate task.
Outside help is worth it for board bring-up, Bluetooth and networking, MCUboot-based updates, porting from bare metal or another RTOS, and planning long-term maintenance releases.
Common requests
- Board bring-up and devicetree
- Bluetooth and networking stacks
- MCUboot and OTA updates
- Porting from bare metal or another RTOS
- Long-term version maintenance
Founder takeaway
Pin a Zephyr release for each product version and plan how security fixes will be brought forward.
official site: zephyrproject.org · Zephyr Project (Linux Foundation)
engineer review pending