Operating Systems

SiMa.ai supports two Linux-based operating systems across its hardware platforms: Yocto Linux and eLxr Linux. Each platform ships with a different default OS image depending on the DevKit model and manufacturing date.

  • MLSoC DevKits ship with Yocto Linux preloaded.

  • Modalix DevKits shipped after mid-December 2025 come with eLxr Linux preloaded.

  • Earlier Modalix units (shipped before mid-December 2025) is preloaded with Yocto and can be converted to eLxr following the Convert to eLxr article.

Yocto Linux

Yocto Linux is a minimal, embedded-oriented distribution designed for deterministic behavior, small footprints, and tightly controlled build environments. It provides:

  • A highly optimized OS for MLSoC hardware

  • Reproducible builds and strict dependency control

  • A lightweight runtime image tailored for embedded workloads

eLxr Linux

eLxr is a Debian-based OS engineered for a more flexible developer experience on the Modalix platform. It offers:

  • Full Debian package management (apt)

  • A richer user-space environment for development and debugging

  • The ability to build and install tools directly on the device

Benefits of eLxr on Modalix

Modalix users gain a more developer-friendly environment, including:

  • Access to standard Debian packages

  • Faster iteration without cross-compilation

  • Simplified toolchain management

  • A broader ecosystem of libraries and frameworks