[yocto] Development of Yocto Project Kernel outside of Intel?

[Bob Cochran]

On 12/23/2013 09:10 PM, Bruce Ashfield wrote:
> I can add a few thoughts.
>
> We obviously have the reference BSPs to represent the major architectures, and
> on the linux-yocto mailing list, we've been looking at BSPs from LSI as well as
> some other pending boards (I'm waiting on them to be submitted, so I
> won't mention
> them here). The xilinx boards also have some yocto-style support in
> their repository
> with us working to adopt and integrated version of them as we move
> into Yocto 1.6+.
>
> It's generally a slow process to get kernel versions aligned, but with
> the LF LTSI
> kernel(s), it helps create a neutral version that the Yocto project,
> OSVs, semis and
> others can use as a synchronization point. LTSI is part of the
> linux-yocto kernel
> trees as an integrated baseline, and LTSI has recently picked up more
> attention ..
> which has a byproduct of more BSPs being available in a similar
> format, version and
> configuration.
>
> Obviously we'd also love to see all relevant BSPs completely
> mainlined, with short
> stays in the Yocto tree (or others) as a BSP is developed, stabilized
> and eventually
> upstreamed.
>
> There's obviously a place for cutting edge trees, semi trees for the
> latest and greatest,
> stable trees .. and integrated staging grounds for all of the above.
> So navigating that
> mix, takes time, and we are getting there.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Bruce


Hi Bruce (& other yocto developers),

Thank you for the information.  Below is a related follow on question, 
as I try to sort out who's doing what with kernel patches for the 
varying embedded system chips / SoCs:

To what extent do kernel patches exist for Intel chip sets that are 
released to embedded Intel customers but aren't yet posted as patches in 
the yocto kernels?  I assume there are proprietary drivers for IP 
covered under NDA.  Is this the case?  Does an Intel customer find 
themselves picking some kernel patches from the linux-yocto branches and 
others from login protected Intel sites?

Thank you,

Bob