Zephyr Project
UnclaimedBuild secure, connected, and future-proof devices with a proven RTOS ecosystem.
Visit WebsiteFreeVisit Website
TL;DR - Zephyr Project
- Open-source, scalable RTOS for resource-constrained embedded devices.
- Supports over 900 boards and multiple architectures (32-bit and 64-bit).
- Emphasizes security, connectivity (BLE, OpenThread), and modularity.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open-source and free to use for commercial and non-commercial solutions.
- Strong emphasis on security with a dedicated security development lifecycle and PSIRT.
- Highly scalable and modular, supporting a wide range of hardware from 8KB to GBs of memory.
- Extensive board support (900+) and multiple architectures (32-bit and 64-bit).
- Comprehensive connectivity features including BLE, OpenThread, and a native networking stack.
Cons
- Requires embedded development expertise.
- Initial setup and configuration might have a learning curve for new users.
Key Features
Real-time operating system (RTOS)Supports 900+ boardsHighly configurable and modular architectureCooperative and preemptive threadingMemory protection (stack overflow, kernel object permissions, thread isolation)Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE 4.2, 5.0) support802.15.4 and OpenThread compliantNative, fully featured and optimized networking stack
Pricing
Free
Zephyr Project is completely free to use with no hidden costs.
About Zephyr Project
By Toolradar Team·
Zephyr Project is an open-source, scalable, real-time operating system (RTOS) specifically optimized for resource-constrained embedded devices across multiple architectures. Hosted by the Linux Foundation, it provides a neutral platform for silicon vendors, OEMs, ODMs, ISVs, and OSVs to collaborate on technology development, reducing costs and accelerating time to market for connected devices. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple connected sensors and LED wearables to modems and small wireless gateways.
This RTOS is designed with a focus on security, featuring an in-depth security development lifecycle, frequent code reviews, and a dedicated security working group. It is highly configurable and modular, supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, and can run on systems with as little as 8 kB of memory while scaling up to gigabytes. Zephyr offers extensive connectivity options, including Bluetooth® Low Energy, 802.15.4, and OpenThread, along with a native networking stack. Developers benefit from its long-term support, certification readiness, and the ability to use custom toolchains and powerful configuration tools like Kconfig and Device Tree.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review Zephyr Project!
Best Zephyr Project Alternatives
Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.
Explore More
Zephyr Project FAQ
How does Zephyr Project ensure the security of embedded devices?
Zephyr employs an in-depth security development lifecycle that includes security validation, fuzz and penetration testing, frequent code reviews, static code analysis, and threat modeling. It also has a Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) and a security working group to manage vulnerabilities and ensure secure code development. Zephyr has achieved Level 1 certification in the Platform Security Architecture (PSA) scheme.
What is the minimum memory requirement for Zephyr RTOS, and how scalable is it?
Zephyr RTOS can run on systems with as little as 8 kB of memory. Its modular design allows it to scale up to systems with megabytes or even gigabytes of memory, supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, making it suitable for a wide range of resource-constrained to more powerful embedded devices.
Can I use my existing development tools and custom hardware with Zephyr?
Yes, Zephyr supports the use of custom toolchains and compiler optimizations, allowing developers to integrate their preferred tool suite. For hardware, while Zephyr supports over 900 boards out-of-the-box, adding support for a new board is designed to be simple if your specific board is not yet listed.
What are Kconfig and Device Tree, and how do they benefit Zephyr development?
Kconfig and Device Tree are powerful configuration tools integrated into the Zephyr platform. Kconfig allows developers to highly configure the RTOS by enabling or disabling specific features, tailoring the build to exact application needs. Device Tree enables building applications to target different boards and architectures efficiently, simplifying hardware abstraction and portability.
How does Zephyr Project facilitate collaboration and ensure commercial neutrality?
As a Linux Foundation hosted Collaboration Project, Zephyr operates under a commercially neutral governance model. This structure allows silicon vendors, OEMs, ODMs, ISVs, and OSVs to contribute technology and participate in the project's evolution without proprietary restrictions, fostering a collaborative environment for driving down costs and accelerating time to market for connected devices.
Source: zephyrproject.org