Expanding Our Applications Processor Ecosystem with Support for Debian OS

We are pleased to announce the release of Debian 12 (based on the Linux® kernel 6.6.3) which is now available for select i.MX and Layerscape® evaluation kits. This is the first release of a planned semiannual release cadence. Debian is widely used in the embedded market for its stability (based on rigorous testing), its choice and control of a vast software repository with over 30,000 packages, long-term support with security updates for at least 5 years and high customizability for users who require closer control over their system.

“We are highly pleased that NXP is providing the long-term availability of a Debian distribution for selected i.MX and Layerscape applications processors. This allows our customers more direct access to the immense variety of pre-built software packages for Debian on the ARM64 architecture. For PHYTEC, a long-standing desire is coming true as NXP now offers a maintained complement to the established Yocto build process. Debian offers many advantages for customers lacking experience in Yocto or requiring rapid prototyping and can be an alternative or complementary approach to the traditional embedded software build process.”

Bodo Huber, Technical Chief Executive Officer, PHYTEC

Designing with Debian 12

Our latest Board Support Package (BSP) with the Debian root file system includes the following advantages to help developers get started quickly:

• A familiar desktop GUI that leverages NXP device’s display capabilities
• Simple package management using Debian’s Advance Package Tool, which enables adding software without recompiling the whole image
• Simple open-source licensing terms that enable easy modifications and distribution by both NXP and our customers
• NXP’s included Flexbuild application enables quick creation of an image on an SD card for the supported evaluation boards

“As a platinum NXP partner, Variscite  benefits from early access to the Debian release, enabling our customers to be the first to work with NXP’s official Debian release. This integration facilitates a seamless development experience, even for those new to Linux, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept projects.”

Ofer Austerlitz, VP Business Development and Sales, Variscite

Find the Right Software Package from NXP

In addition to the Debian release, NXP also offers several other software packages for our i.MX and Layerscape applications processors:

• Linux Factory is a Yocto-based build and root file system (see product brief). Yocto is the most widely-used build system by NXP customers managing their product software, due to its familiarity and easy-to-manage version control for i.MX and for Layerscape applications processors
• Real Time Edge, is derived from Linux Factory but includes the Linux real time patch for latency sensitive application

“Toradex offers Torizon OS, a minimal Linux system optimized for embedded devices, with robust deployment and management capabilities. By utilizing Debian in containers within Torizon, we combine the user-friendly nature of Debian with Torizon’s ability to support automotive-grade atomic secure OTA updates, device monitoring and remote access for large fleets of devices. This integration brings the best of both worlds. With NXP’s commitment to Debian, our proposal will receive a boost in quality, reliability and user experience.”

Stefano Viola, Torizon Group Engineering Manager and Software Architect, Toradex

Expanding the capabilities of our BSPs also provides developers and our partners with the necessary tools to design modern applications that adhere to evolving security standards.

“TQ is pleased to hear about the planned Debian release from NXP, as more and more customers are asking for a Debian-based Linux system. Specifically, Debian offers the availability of security updates, which are becoming increasingly important in the area of globalization. In particular, Debian offers the possibility to install or update tools directly on the target system, which will facilitate the development process enormously. As a Platinum NXP partner, TQ will also provide software solutions based on Debian for its embedded modules in order to support its customers with innovative solutions as usual.”

– Konrad Zoepf – Director, ARM Board and Modules, TQ Group

Get Started by Downloading Our Latest BSP

Support for Debian 12 is currently available for the following EVKs:

• i.MX 8M Plus EVK
• i.MX 93 EVK
• LS1043A-RDB
• LS1046A-RDB

Begin your next design by downloading the latest BSP release from GitHub or nxp.com:

• Download the latest engineering files from the NXP page on GitHub 
• Explore this release’s features and a (limited) user guide in the associated README text file

Look for our partner demos that showcase Debian support for i.MX and Layerscape processors at our upcoming Tech Day in Irvine, CA.