At Alif Semiconductor, we focus on empowering developers with cutting-edge tools and technologies that drive innovation, enhance security, and maximize efficiency. In July, we proudly joined the Zephyr Project, a collaboration that aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting open ecosystems and scalable development tools.
Today, we’re excited to announce that Zephyr RTOS support is now available for all Alifs MCU families.
Adding Zephyr support expands the possibilities for developers to create innovative applications while leveraging Alif’s next-generation microcontrollers. This article explores what makes Zephyr unique, why it’s a valuable tool for Alif customers, and how you can get started with it today.
What is Zephyr?
The Zephyr Project is an open-source real-time operating system (RTOS) designed to streamline development for a wide variety of applications, from IoT devices to complex industrial systems. Built with modularity and scalability at its core, Zephyr offers developers the flexibility to customize it to their specific needs.
Some standout features of Zephyr include:
- Security-first architecture: Built-in features like memory protection and secure boot.
- Cross-platform support: Zephyr runs on a wide range of hardware, including Alif’s AI/ML-enabled microcontrollers.
- Rich ecosystem: A growing community of contributors and strong backing from industry leaders such as our partner Arm
With the Long-Term Support (LTS) release, Zephyr provides a stable foundation for developers to build solutions that aren’t just functional but also future-proof.
Why Zephyr matters for Alif customers
We’ve seen growing demand from our customers for Zephyr support; it’s clear that developers value its open-source foundation, robust security, and flexible architecture. By adding Zephyr support to Alif’s Ensemble family of microcontrollers and fusion processors, we’re helping our customers unlock even greater potential.
Here’s how Alif and Zephyr work together to elevate your projects:
- Faster development cycles: Zephyr’s modular structure lets developers focus on building unique features without reinventing the wheel.
- Enhanced security: Combining Zephyr’s secure architecture with Alif’s advanced on-chip security solutions makes it easier to build reliable IoT and AI/ML applications.
- Optimized performance: Zephyr is well-suited for low-power, high-performance applications, aligning perfectly with Alif’s hardware capabilities.
Real-world applications
So, what can you build with Zephyr on Alif’s microcontrollers? The possibilities are endless. Here are a few examples:
- IoT security systems: Leverage Zephyr’s secure boot capabilities to develop devices that safeguard sensitive data in connected environments.
- Wearable devices: Develop low-power solutions for wearables that enable advanced features such as activity tracking, health monitoring, or voice recognition.
- Industrial applications: Design energy-efficient systems that require precise control, scalability, and seamless connectivity for modern industrial environments.
- Smart home devices: Build energy-efficient solutions with seamless integration into smart ecosystems.
By combining Alif’s scalable, power-efficient microcontrollers with Zephyr’s flexible RTOS, developers can tackle complex challenges in a wide range of embedded applications.
Why Zephyr is the future
The embedded systems landscape is evolving rapidly, with increasing demands for flexibility, security, and connectivity. Zephyr is well-positioned to become a dominant RTOS in the industry because of its open-source foundation and modular design, which allow developers to tailor it to a wide variety of applications. Its support from a diverse group of contributors ensures continuous improvement, innovation, and long-term reliability.
Alif is proud to be part of the Zephyr Project because it aligns with our customers’ needs and the industry trends we’re seeing. Developers today require tools that can adapt to emerging technologies while maintaining robust performance and security. Zephyr not only meets these demands but also fosters collaboration across the embedded systems community, making it a compelling foundation for building the next generation of scalable, secure, and efficient solutions.
Getting started with Zephyr on Alif microcontrollers
Ready to explore what Zephyr can do for your projects? Alif’s support for Zephyr is now publicly available, and we’ve made it easy to get started. Here’s how:
- Access alifsemi.com : If you are not registered for documentation access yet, visit alifsemi.com/login/register. Otherwise, go straight to alifsemi.com/login and log in to your account. This will give you access to our full library of documentation, software, and tools.
- Access GitHub: Navigate to https://github.com/alifsemi/zephyr_alif to access the port of the Zephyr project repo.
- Access the following repos:
- Join the community: Engage with other developers in the Zephyr and Alif ecosystems to share insights and tips.
- Start building: Use Zephyr to unlock the full potential of Alif’s Ensemble family for your next IoT or AI-enabled project.
Empowering innovation with Zephyr and Alif
The addition of Zephyr RTOS support is a significant milestone for Alif Semiconductor and our customers. By combining the strengths of Zephyr with our scalable, secure microcontrollers, we’re enabling developers to bring their ideas to life faster and more efficiently.
We can’t wait to see how you’ll use Zephyr and Alif’s hardware to innovate and push boundaries. Explore the possibilities today, and let’s build something incredible together.