Linux Customization and Porting

At SDG Systems, has been implementing Linux device drivers and porting Linux to embedded and mobile systems since 2001. We began with the Sharp Zaurus, implementing barcode scanning and communications drivers. Since those early days, we have implemented Linux on more than a dozen devices, utilizing tools from Handhelds.org, Open Embedded, and the Yocto Project.

"SDG ported Linux onto the TDS Recon in an impressively short amount of time. On our side we were quite concerned that we'd be signing up for an extensive amount of support. Our fear was that our unusual hardware would be so far off the beaten track that the Linux port would be a big challenge and our team would end up distracted by a stream of questions from SDG. As we made extensive modifications to the base design, SDG was able to capitalize on our new features without burdening our R&D with many queries. In the case of our WiFi module, SDG probably understands the workings of it much better than we do ourselves." - Bob Puckette, Trimble
"SDG Systems was instrumental in helping Cassens. We were able to port our Handheld Delivery and Inventory Control Apps to a more powerful Bluebird Pidion 6000. With the Yocto Project, we were able to have SDG custom tailor a distribution which fit our unique needs." - Paul Falbe, Cassens Transport

Device Drivers and Integrations

Device Driver Expertise

Many individuals and companies are building custom ROMs for consumer handsets. While these skills are impressive, it takes another level of skills to port Android or Linux from scratch to a new device. We can do that because we've been porting Linux since 2001, and Android since 2009. Our expertise also includes barcode scanning, RFID (HF, UHF and LF), communication devices (WiFi, Bluetooth, Cellular), cameras, GPS, touchscreens and more.

Systems Integration

We have experience with a variety of Linux and Android development systems. If you’re using a custom board, or an off-the-shelf board like PandaBoard, WandBoard or others, we can provide the integration development services to turn your hardware and software requirements into a full solution. Some of our experience includes the following hardware components and software add-ons:

  • Processors: Marvell (PXA), TI (OMAP), Freescale (i.MX), Samsung (Exynos)
  • Wi-Fi: Broadcom, Atheros, Marvell, Laird (Summit)Series 40 and 45.
  • Bluetooth: Broadcom, CSR, TI
  • Cameras: Aptina, OmniVision, Samsung
  • Cellular: Gemalto (Cinterion), Siemens
  • Audio: Wolfson Micro
  • Barcode scanning: Motorola, Honeywell, Intermec; 1D & 2D; hardware and software decoding (e.g. SNAPI)
  • RFID: SCSPro, ThingMagic, IDRO, HIDGlobal
  • GPS: SiRF, U-Blox
  • LCDs, capacitive and resistive touchscreens
  • Buttons and triggers
  • SDIO, CompactFlash (CF), USB (host and client), Serial (UART)
  • Accelerometer, Gyro
  • Compass
  • Printers
  • Military Radio communication
  • Kiosk Mode
  • and other system components (RAM, NAND Flash, etc.)
  • Web / Cloud technologies (Amazon Web Services, Google, JSON, XML, SOAP, etc.)

Contact us to learn more about how we can help with your project. Our blog also has more information about some of our work. E.g.