Full Linux now runs on Espressif's new ESP32-S31 microcontroller

[Abbie61]

A tiny microcontroller can now run proper Linux. Hackaday reports that the new ESP32-S31, a dual core RISC-V chip with Wi-Fi 6, is running a full Linux kernel thanks to a port by a developer called GrieferPig

The key is that the chip has a memory management unit, so it can run standard Linux rather than the cut down version used on simpler microcontrollers. Commenters say it runs at 320MHz

The project ports a 6.x kernel and is available on GitHub. One commenter links a separate Linux 7.3 image with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and SSH support

Hackaday warns that the available resources will not give it much computing power. No RAM or boot time figures were given, although commenters say the kernel uses about 11MB

Linux on a cheap microcontroller opens up lots of possibilities for makers who want familiar tools on tiny hardware. Wi-Fi 6 and SSH on such a small chip is impressive. It will not replace a Raspberry Pi, but it does not need to

What would you build with Linux on an ESP32? And is this more useful than a Raspberry Pi Zero?

Proper Linux, On An ESP32hackaday.com