Is open source software for embedded systems ready for mission-critical applications?

Open source software is no longer just an alternative — it has become the foundation of professional embedded projects. In an era of rapidly evolving hardware architectures and constant pressure to optimize costs, open source tools enable developers not only to reduce time-to-market but also to maintain full control over their code. Engineers are increasingly choosing these systems to build high-performance, secure, and scalable solutions without the compromises of vendor lock-in. In this article, we’ll explore how open source is reshaping the embedded systems industry — and why it’s worth trusting when developing intelligent, future-ready solutions.

Why open source in embedded systems? Insights for decision makers

A lightweight, modular real-time operating system (RTOS) developed under the Linux Foundation. It supports architectures such as ARM Cortex-M, x86, RISC-V, and ARC, making it a versatile choice for IoT devices, wearables, and sensors. Zephyr includes built-in communication stacks (e.g., BLE, LoRa, IPv6), TLS support, and an integrated OTA (Over-the-Air) update system. Security is a priority — compliance with the MISRA standard and ISO 26262 (automotive) certification make it attractive for industrial applications.

FreeRTOS

FreeRTOS is one of the most widely adopted RTOS platforms globally, with an estimated 50 million deployments in embedded devices, from wearables to industrial controllers. The project sees over 10,000 downloads monthly, and its popularity has grown significantly. Its minimalist kernel allows it to run on microcontrollers with just a few kilobytes of RAM. It provides task management mechanisms, queues, semaphores, and tickless idle mode (for power saving). FreeRTOS is compatible with hundreds of microcontrollers and supported by AWS, making cloud service integration (e.g., AWS IoT Core) easier.

Yocto Project

Designed for more advanced embedded Linux applications, Yocto allows you to build your own custom OS distribution from scratch. Thanks to its layered structure, you can precisely select the kernel, standard library (e.g., musl, glibc), bootloader, and system packages. Yocto offers full control over system configuration, making it ideal for devices with complex hardware and software dependencies (e.g., automotive systems, HMIs, routers).

Buildroot

An alternative to Yocto — less complex but significantly easier to use. Perfect for creating minimalist Linux images, for example on single-board computers (SBCs) like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or STM32MP1. Buildroot enables fast generation of systems that run only the necessary components, making it ideal for resource-constrained applications.

Mbed OS

An Arm platform primarily aimed at Cortex-M microcontrollers. Mbed OS offers high-level APIs for handling GPIO, communication (UART, I2C, SPI), networking (TCP/IP, MQTT, TLS), and sensor integration. Its integration with Mbed Studio and the option to work in the cloud (Mbed Online Compiler) make it appealing for developers looking for a quick start in IoT development.

RIOT OS

A lightweight, modular RTOS designed for resource-constrained IoT devices. It supports various network stacks (6LoWPAN, RPL, CoAP) and IoT standards. RIOT OS is POSIX-compliant, allowing applications to be easily ported between desktop environments and embedded devices with minimal changes. It has an active academic community and is widely used in R&D projects.

Performance bottlenecks: challenges of free and open source software for embedded solutions

The integration of FOSS in embedded environments comes with specific challenges that require awareness, experience, and proper engineering practices. Therefore, before deciding to base a project on open source solutions, it’s worth understanding the most common limitations engineers are likely to face:

• Lack of long-term technical support
  Unlike commercial solutions, many open source projects can be abandoned or develop very slowly. In embedded environments, where product lifecycles can span 10–15 years, the absence of an active community or vendor support means companies often need to maintain and update the codebase themselves, increasing maintenance costs and the risk of unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Security issues and vulnerabilities
  Open source software does not always undergo rigorous security audits, and some vulnerabilities may go unnoticed for extended periods. In embedded systems — particularly those supporting IoT or industrial applications — an overlooked security flaw can lead to device hijacking, data breaches, or service disruption. However, as Rajiv Nair, Embedded Security Lead, emphasized: “Open source isn’t inherently insecure — it’s unmanaged open source that’s the problem. If you treat it like production-grade software from day one, you can build incredibly stable systems”.
• Complex licensing landscape
  Although open source implies free access to code, it doesn’t mean it’s free from restrictions. Using various libraries governed by GPL, LGPL, Apache, BSD, and other licenses requires a careful legal review to ensure compliance, especially in commercial products. Misunderstanding these licenses can lead to legal complications, including forced disclosure of proprietary source code or financial penalties.
• Difficulty adapting to specific hardware architectures
  Many open source solutions are developed for general-purpose platforms like ARM or x86 and not for custom microcontrollers or SoCs. Porting such software to a specific device may require deep knowledge of both the operating system and the hardware architecture, extending development time and increasing costs.
• Insufficient technical documentation and usage examples
  Many open source projects lack up-to-date and comprehensive documentation, making integration and customization more difficult. The absence of practical examples, block diagrams, or detailed API descriptions creates a barrier — particularly for teams new to a given framework or library.
• Inconsistent code quality
  Not all open source projects adhere to high code quality standards. This can lead to issues with code readability, a lack of unit testing, and unpredictable behavior. In embedded environments — where reliability and deterministic execution are crucial — poor code quality can significantly affect system stability.
• Challenges integrating with commercial components
  In real-world scenarios, embedded projects often require integrating open source components with commercial ones (e.g., drivers, firmware, or communication stacks). Such integration can be difficult due to license incompatibilities, architectural mismatches, or the absence of suitable integration interfaces.
• Lack of certification for industry standards
  In many sectors — such as automotive (ISO 26262), aviation (DO-178C), or healthcare (IEC 62304) — software compliance with safety standards is mandatory. Open source solutions rarely come with such certifications, forcing companies to conduct additional validation, documentation, and testing on their own.

More about challenges in embedded system design you can read here:

Solving Challenges in Embedded System Design: Practical Guide

Open source project architecture done right — trust InTechHouse

While open source brings significant value to embedded systems, its benefits only materialize within a well-structured, professionally managed development process. The mere fact that the software is “open” does not guarantee stability or security. Therefore, success depends not on the choice of open source software itself, but on the competence of the team and the maturity of the engineering process into which the software is integrated.

If you’re looking for a partner who combines deep engineering expertise with a practical approach to new technologies, InTechHouse is the right choice. For years, we have been supporting companies in designing and implementing advanced embedded, hardware, and software systems. Our team consists of experienced specialists who know how to translate business requirements into modern and secure technological solutions. Get in touch with us and see how we can help your project reach its full potential.

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