Understanding Open Source Licenses for µC/OS, FreeRTOS, RT-Thread, and ThreadX

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Author | strongerHuang

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Currently, there are many types of open source licenses on the market, such as:GPL, BSD, MIT, Mozilla, Apache, and LGPL etc.

When choosing an RTOS, factors such as open source, market share, supporting materials and examples, and supporting components are usually considered. The open source RTOS that is widely used in the market includes: µC/OS, RT-Thread, FreeRTOS, and ThreadX which are familiar to everyone.

With the open source of µC/OS and ThreadX, there are more and more RTOS options available for everyone to learn.

Next, let’s talk about the specific content of the open source licenses for µC/OS, FreeRTOS, RT-Thread, and ThreadX.

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µC/OS Open Source License

µC/OS uses the Apache 2.0 open source license.

µC and related components are provided under the allowed open source Apache 2.0 license model, under which developers seeking to use the components can download and use the software for free.

Address:

https://weston-embedded.com/micrium-licensing

The Apache license provides copyright and patent licenses to developers while allowing users the freedom to modify the code and republish.

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RT-Thread Open Source License

RT-Thread follows the GPL V2 + open source license agreement.

RT-Thread system is fully open source, versions 3.1.0 and earlier follow the GPL V2 + open source license agreement. From version 3.1.0 onwards, it follows the Apache License 2.0 open source license agreement, which can be used in commercial products for free without the need to disclose private code.

Address:

https://www.rt-thread.org/document/site/tutorial/quick-start/introduction/introduction/

Main features of the GPL open source license:

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FreeRTOS Open Source License

FreeRTOS uses the MIT open source license.

Including but not limited to the following rights: use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense and/or sell.

Address:

https://www.freertos.org/a00114.html

Differences between free and commercial version agreements:

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ThreadX Open Source License

ThreadX follows a “simple” open source license.

ThreadX’s license is “customized” by Microsoft, containing many provisions regarding sharing, deletion, modification, distribution, etc.

Address:

https://github.com/azure-rtos/threadx/blob/master/LICENSE.txt

Finally:

There are many open source licenses. To understand what specific open source licenses mean, you can refer to my previous shared content: What is an open source license? Is open source equal to free? How to choose an open source license?

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