A team of Polish engineers has developed the Linux Platform Kit, a versatile, 3D-printable handheld device powered by STMicroelectronics' STM32MP157 chip. Designed as an open-source tool for developers, it combines computing power with extensive connectivity options. The creators emphasize its potential for customization and learning embedded Linux.
The Linux Platform Kit emerged from an unlikely collaboration among a small group of Polish engineers who connected through online comments. As the project's founders describe, "We are a small group of engineers who met completely by chance in a comment section, united by a random desire to build something cool that we actually needed." Their aim extends beyond hardware creation: "Our goal wasn't just to build hardware, but to gain a ton of knowledge in the process and eventually pass that on to others as an Open Source project." They sought a portable development device that serves as a versatile, personalizable tool.
At its core lies the STMicroelectronics STM32MP157 system-on-chip, featuring two Arm Cortex-A7 cores clocked up to 800MHz for applications, a Cortex-M4 core at up to 209MHz for real-time tasks, and a 3D graphics processor. Supporting this is 4GB of DDR3 memory. The device sports a 4.1-inch ultra-wide display with 1080×480 resolution in a phone-like form factor, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but no cellular connectivity. Storage comes via a microSD card slot, while a multi-functional external connector exposes interfaces like Ethernet, CAN, UART, RS485, I2C, I2S, SPI, timer outputs, and GPIO pins. A physical keyboard module is under development to complement the touchscreen.
The team positions the kit as indispensable for embedded engineers and innovators: "We see it as an essential tool for embedded engineers, thinkers, and anyone who loves to model or develop custom solutions." It also suits learners of embedded Linux, from Yocto complexities to Debian simplicity. Project details, including sources and hardware files, are shared on GitHub under various licenses, with further discussion on Reddit.