#018 - Zephyr RTOS with Brendon Slade

The Embedded Frontier

NXP's Brendan Slade discusses why major semiconductor companies are investing heavily in Zephyr RTOS, exploring how this open-source real-time operating system is transforming embedded development for IoT and edge computing applications. The conversation covers NXP's role as a founding platinum member of the Zephyr project, practical advice for developers evaluating RTOS options, and the collaborative ecosystem driving innovation in microcontroller software development.
Key Takeaways:
• Zephyr provides integrated middleware beyond just a kernel, unlike traditional RTOS options like FreeRTOS
• NXP was a founding platinum member of Zephyr project to drive strategic direction for microcontroller enablement
• Device tree configuration is the biggest learning curve hurdle, but once mastered, enables easy hardware portability
• The Zephyr project has ~50 members including major OEMs from automotive, industrial, and consumer sectors
• All code contributions require pull requests, tests, and peer review - no single company can force changes
• Power management infrastructure is built into Zephyr drivers, enabling faster development of low-power applications
• Training resources are available from multiple partners, and NXP offers Visual Studio Code extensions for easier development
• The MCX N947 Freedom board (~$30) provides an excellent platform for exploring Zephyr capabilities
• Future focus areas include AI enablement, cybersecurity compliance, and higher-level application frameworks
• Companies should invest in device tree training first, then start with evaluation boards to assess portability benefits