This issue records the latest news and shareable content about Zephyr, published in the last week of each month.
This magazine is open source (GitHub: lgl88911/Zephyr_Fans_Monthly[1]), and contributions, issue submissions, or recommendations for Zephyr content are welcome.
Project Data
Excluding merges, 314 authors have pushed 1,431 commits to the main branch and 1,486 commits to all branches. A total of 3,962 files have changed in the main branch, with 89,844 lines added and 42,027 lines deleted.
Recent Developments:
- Driver support for the PSI5 protocol[2]
- Driver support for the SENT transmission protocol[3]
- Long-term plan for a unified prefix common API[4]
- Added VIRTIO PCI driver[5]
- Delayed event management subsystem[6]
sig-Zephyr
- Providing a complete domestic mirror of Zephyr[7]: includes code for version 4.1.0, toolchain, and external modules
- Support for integrated builds and hybrid critical features of Zephyr and openEuler Embedded[8]
News & Events
1. Official release of Zephyr version 4.1[9]
The Zephyr RTOS version 4.1 has been officially released, focusing on performance optimization and toolchain expansion. The new version significantly improves system response speed and resource efficiency through enhancements in kernel scheduling algorithms, memory management, and thread priority mechanisms. Additionally, it introduces official support for the IAR toolchain, allowing developers to utilize IAR Compiler and debugging tools, enhancing development flexibility. Other updates include compatibility support for Arm Cortex-M85 architecture, RISC-V processors, and several new development boards (such as the Nordic nRF54 series), as well as strengthened functionality of the network protocol stack (such as CAN bus and OpenThread). This version also fixes previously existing vulnerabilities and optimizes the documentation structure to enhance the development experience. This upgrade aims to provide higher performance and more secure real-time operating system support for embedded and IoT devices.
2. Zephyr project holds offline events in China[10]
The Zephyr project will hold an offline technical exchange meeting at the NXP office in Shanghai on March 28, 2024, from 18:00 to 21:00, focusing on open-source technology, embedded system development, and Zephyr OS application cases, covering subsystem functionalities and new feature sharing. This event marks the first offline event of the Zephyr project in China, hosted by NXP, aimed at embedded developers (including beginners), primarily conducted in Chinese, providing opportunities for technical discussions and industry networking.
3. Silicon Labs expands support for Zephyr[11]
Silicon Labs has announced an expansion of its integration support for its wireless solutions with the open-source real-time operating system Zephyr RTOS. As a member of the Zephyr project (since 2021), the company will deepen support for multiple devices, particularly focusing on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), enabling developers to more easily develop IoT products based on the Zephyr platform.
4. Applications of Zephyr in science and education[13]
Navimatix, a German software company specializing in IoT and cross-industry customized software development, will hold a conference on September 23, 2025, to discuss the applications of Zephyr in science and education.
Abstracts & Opinions
1. CircuitPython 9.2.5 introduces preliminary support for Zephyr RTOS[14]
CircuitPython 9.2.5 begins to introduce preliminary support for Zephyr RTOS (alpha stage), covering hardware platforms such as Nordic, Renesas, and STM32. Although current functionality is not complete, it provides experimental integration options for developers through key fixes (such as serial output compatibility). Through Zephyr’s Porting layer, CircuitPython may further expand its development capabilities for multi-platform IoT applications in the future.
2. Linux Foundation series research reports reveal the broad status of CRA compliance readiness and standards[15]
The EU CRA (Cyber Resilience Act) aims to enhance the cybersecurity of digital products by reducing vulnerabilities, maintaining security throughout the product lifecycle, and establishing transparent standards, covering both hardware and software while clarifying manufacturers’ responsibilities. Some content of the CRA can be referenced at: https://www.huxiu.com/article/4146198.html
The Linux Foundation’s research report: https://www.linuxfoundation.org/hubfs/LF%20Research/lfr_cra_031725a.pdf?hsLang=en mentions best practices for Zephyr:
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Structured development practices: Version management based on GitHub, with new versions released every four months. Support windows for each version are provided, with a long-term stable version released every 2.5 years, supported for 2.5 years. Software release communications are conducted through multiple channels (such as repository tags, mailing list announcements, Discord notifications, and dedicated Q&A sessions). The release process is comprehensively documented in the project’s online documentation, ensuring transparency and auditability.
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Cybersecurity policies: Maintenance of extensive security documentation, including security overviews, secure coding guidelines, and threat models for sensor devices. As a CVE numbering authority, it has an established Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT). It provides voluntary vulnerability reporting channels and maintains a vulnerability registry containing remediation information.
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Collaboration with market surveillance authorities (MSA): As a CVE numbering authority, it communicates vulnerability notifications directly with PSIRT authorities. It maintains a responsive volunteer system, typically addressing security-related requests within one to two days.
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Security certification programs: Participation in the OpenSSF Scorecard and OpenSSF best practices badge programs to ensure ongoing compliance. Generation of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) in SPDX format for specific builds. Maintenance of a public dashboard displaying SBOM for a wide range of build targets.
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Cybersecurity practices that exceed CRA requirements: Implementation of embargo policies, supplementing structured PSIRT. Prevention of security regressions through automated tools (such as MISRA scanning) and providing dedicated security practice training for contributors.
3. Best open-source mechanical keyboard firmware[16]
The open-source mechanical keyboard ZMK, built on Zephyr, is listed. ZMK focuses on wireless efficiency and open-source flexibility; although its functionality is not yet comprehensive, its MIT license and Zephyr technology stack give it a unique advantage in the wireless keyboard field, suitable for developers seeking long battery life and future compatibility.
4. MCUXpress SDK Release[17]
The Release Note of NXP MCUXPress SDK mentions: Inspired by Zephyr’s software delivery management approach, MCUXpress SDK has begun using west for package management and delivery.
5. Sonitor Technologies is hiring Zephyr engineers[18]
Sonitor Technologies, a global leader in high-precision indoor real-time location systems (RTLS), has job requirements for embedded firmware engineers that include experience with Zephyr, indicating recognition of Zephyr across different industries.
Courses & Tutorials
1. NXP provides Zephyr resources[19]
Lists the series of chips supported by NXP for Zephyr and some introductory documents.
2. Running Zephyr on Arduino UNO R4 WiFi[20]
A guide article explaining how to run Zephyr on Arduino UNO R4 WiFi.
Products Using Zephyr
1. AquaPrecise Irrigation Controller[21]
AquaPrecise is a solar-powered all-in-one irrigation solution suitable for lawns, capable of irrigating areas up to 320 square meters. This product uses Zephyr, but no further detailed information related to Zephyr was found.
2. Google Chromebook[22]
Google’s notebook, whose EC (Embedded Controller) uses Zephyr. https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromiumos/platform/ec/+/HEAD/docs/zephyr/README.md
3. Voi Electric Scooter[23]
Voi is a European company dedicated to promoting green transformation in urban transportation through shared electric micro-mobility (such as electric scooters). Zephyr has been the preferred embedded system for all of the company’s vehicles over the past six years. Zephyr is used to control over 100,000 electric scooters.
Zephyr Monthly Knowledge
1. By adding <span>west build -t initlevels</span>, you can obtain the initialization order information of Zephyr devices, understanding the initialization sequence of devices at runtime.
References
[1]
lgl88911/Zephyr_Fans_Monthly: https://github.com/lgl88911/Zephyr_Fans_Monthly
[2]
Driver support for the PSI5 protocol: https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/issues/83982
[3]
Driver support for the SENT transmission protocol: https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/issues/83983
[4]
Long-term plan for a unified prefix common API: https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/issues/64627
[5]
Added VIRTIO PCI driver: https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/pull/83892
[6]
Delayed event management subsystem: https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/pull/83592
[7]
Providing a complete domestic mirror of Zephyr: https://gitee.com/src-openeuler/zephyr/tree/mirror/
[8]
Support for integrated builds and hybrid critical features of Zephyr and openEuler Embedded: https://gitee.com/openeuler/yocto-meta-openeuler/pulls/2509
[9]
Official release of Zephyr version 4.1: https://zephyrproject.org/zephyr-rtos-4-1-is-available/
[10]
Zephyr project holds offline events in China: https://www.zephyrproject.org/event/zephyr-project-meetup-shanghai-china/
[11]
Silicon Labs expands support for Zephyr: https://www.silabs.com/blog/silicon-labs-expands-support-for-zephyr-project
[13]
Applications of Zephyr in science and education: https://www.zephyr-sceduconf.org/en
[14]
CircuitPython 9.2.5 introduces preliminary support for Zephyr RTOS: https://blog.adafruit.com/2025/03/18/circuitpython-9-2-5-released/
[15]
Linux Foundation series research reports reveal the broad status of CRA compliance readiness and standards: https://openssf.org/press-release/2025/03/18/linux-foundation-research-reports-reveal-wide-spectrum-for-cyber-resilience-act-readiness-and-compliance/
[16]
Best open-source mechanical keyboard firmware: https://www.xda-developers.com/best-open-source-firmwares-custom-mechanical-keyboard/
[17]
MCUXpress SDK Release: https://mcuxpresso.nxp.com/mcuxsdk/latest/html/introduction/README.html
[18]
Sonitor Technologies is hiring Zephyr engineers: https://arbeidsplassen.nav.no/stillinger/stilling/5ca9cbe1-0e19-499e-a0a4-f6f3e6936bcc
[19]
NXP provides Zephyr resources: https://www.nxp.com.cn/design/design-center/software/embedded-software/zephyr-os-for-edge-connected-devices:ZEPHYR-OS-EDGE
[20]
Running Zephyr on Arduino UNO R4 WiFi: https://leonardocavagnis.medium.com/getting-started-with-zephyr-os-on-arduino-5b87a7ccbf4c
[21]
AquaPrecise Irrigation Controller: https://www.zephyrproject.org/portfolio/gardena-aquaprecise/
[22]
Google Chromebook: https://www.zephyrproject.org/portfolio/google-chromebook/
[23]
Voi Electric Scooter: https://www.zephyrproject.org/portfolio/voiager-v4-v5-v7-and-v8-scooters/