Table of Contents
Microcontrollers
Similar to the Computers page, but instead for microcontrollers. They're usually ARM, MIPS, or RISC based, although not always. Some will be m68k or PPC based, and there will be many other obscure architectures found in this field. Operating systems will be even more varied, and cannot easily be generalized.
AT Mega series
Operating Systems (ATmega/other 8-bits)
Contiki
uses the CTK VNC server instead of a regular screen.
Unlike Linux, this is running natively on the ATMega chip. Capable of interfacing with Ethernut hardware and prefers remote screen (VNC) over any other display output.
http://hitmen.c02.at/html/tools_contiki.html
https://github.com/contiki-os/contiki/tree/master/platform/avr-atmega128rfa1
Linux 2.6.34, plus Ubuntu & X
boots Linux 2.6.34. It can even bring up a full Ubuntu, including (if you have the time) X/Gnome
An astonishing feat, done by emulating an ARM chip on this tiny little 8-bit chip. This conceivably could be done on any 8-bits. It does not even require a printed circuit board. Furthermore, upon booting (which takes ages), the system is actually quite usable!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm0POwEtiqE
https://dmitry.gr/?r=05.Projects&proj=07.%20Linux%20on%208bit
Aria G25 SoM
Operating Systems (ARM9 AT91SAM9G25)
Linux 2.6.39
a 1GB or greater microSD card
A manufacturer-provided demonstration of putting the Linux kernel on these little chips. The manufacturer also sells SD cards that already have a bootable Linux image.
https://www.acmesystems.it/aria (Chip info)
https://www.acmesystems.it/pricelist?category=aria (Purchase here)
ARM Cortex-M4s
Operating Systems (varies)
Linux
This is just a writeup outlining the technical characteristics of a Linux 2.6.33 port to a hypothetical Cortex microcontroller. Good for reference.
Texas Instruments MSP430
Operating Systems (MSP430)
Contiki
a virtual desktop which only is 120×56 pixels large due to the severly limited RAM
Despite being a port to the MSP430, this port of Contiki is more specifically aimed at the “FU Berlin” sensor boards, which happen to run the MSP430 microcontroller. Stunningly, Contiki manages a full TCP/IP stack, desktop environment, and web browser in only 2KB of RAM!
http://hitmen.c02.at/html/tools_contiki.html
https://github.com/adamdunkels/contiki-1.x/tree/master/contiki-msp430