How to write ports to new CPU and architecture?

How to write ports to new CPU and architecture?

[Meng Sun]

Hi all,

What should I do for implement Linux kernel on a new CPU and target
board? I just read FAQ but it's just general information. Could you
please tell me which documents(except CPU datasheets and target board
documents) I should read?

Cheers,

Re: How to write ports to new CPU and architecture?

[Matthew Wilcox]

On Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 03:35:46PM +0300, Meng Sun wrote:
> What should I do for implement Linux kernel on a new CPU and target
> board? I just read FAQ but it's just general information. Could you
> please tell me which documents(except CPU datasheets and target board
> documents) I should read?

Is it an existing processor such as PowerPC or MIPS?  If so, you should
approach that port directly and ask for advice (since it will differ
greatly from one architecture to another).

Is it a new processor that we don't currently have support for in the
kernel tree?  That's a much larger undertaking, normally a multi-year
project First, you're going to need a toolchain that targets your CPU --
GCC, binutils and so on.  Then you can start porting Linux.  It's
probably best to start by copying an existing architecture and modify it
piecemeal.

I can't really be more specific since your question is so vague.

-- 
Matthew Wilcox				Intel Open Source Technology Centre
"Bill, look, we understand that you're interested in selling us this
operating system, but compare it to ours.  We can't possibly take such
a retrograde step."