Linux on Quick Turnaround Projects - Embedded Systems for Phased Array Antennas

Explore a conference talk detailing the use of Linux in quick turnaround projects at Ball Aerospace, specifically focusing on its application in modern phased array antennas. Discover how Linux running on Xilinx Zynq FPGAs was utilized to control and monitor antenna systems, offering advantages in maintainability and understandability compared to custom bare metal or proprietary RTOS solutions. Gain insights into the decision-making process for hardware and software choices, their impact on hardware integration and maintenance, and the challenges of making Linux work with FPGAs. Learn from the speaker's experiences across nine projects, covering topics such as system architecture, FPGA basics, Linux selection rationale, and key lessons learned in embedded engineering. Understand the advantages of using Linux in aerospace applications and gather valuable tips for embedded development, including the importance of autogenerated files, SPI chain configuration, and effective collaboration with technicians.

Intro
Overview
Why am I here
Projects
Im not an expert
Ive worked on 9 projects
My first projects
Phase Arrays
How Phase Arrays Work
The System I Worked With
What is an FPGA
Hardware Overview
What did I need
Why did I choose Linux
Concerns with Linux
Why are we locked in
Things I learned
Autogenerated files
Linux doesnt know your SPI chain
Developers will argue about everything
Its not always about Linux
Be nice to your techs
Burn flash
Embedded engineering
Hardware will disappear
Linux testability
Keep a log
Advantages of Linux
Thank you
Questions