Can TorizonCore builder be used to include Acontis atemsys into a custom Torizon OS image?

[Gideon1]

I wish to modify the standard Torizon OS to include Acontis atemsys for EtherCAT as well as making various other modifications. Can this be done with TorizonCore BUilder or will I have to go to a full yocto build?

[ToradexAI]

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Hello! Thank you for your question.

You can customize Torizon OS to include the Acontis atemsys kernel module using either TorizonCore Builder or a full Yocto build, but the best approach depends on the extent of your required modifications:

• TorizonCore Builder is suitable if you mainly want to add the atemsys kernel module and make basic customizations (like adding Docker containers or minor configuration adjustments). TCB allows you to build and integrate external kernel modules into a Torizon OS image. You can find more about TCB and its capabilities here:
  TorizonCore Builder Overview | Toradex Developer Center

• Full Yocto Build is recommended if you need to make deeper kernel modifications, work with in-tree kernel modules, or manage complex dependencies that go beyond the scope of TCB. Yocto provides you with more control over the kernel source and integration process, which can be important for advanced use cases.
  Learn more about Yocto customization for Torizon OS here:
  TorizonCore Builder Overview | Toradex Developer Center

Additionally, some community experiences highlight that while it is technically possible to integrate the atemsys module using TCB, handling its dependencies and certain configurations may be more straightforward with a full Yocto build:

Best practices for adding kernel-module recipes?

There’s some long-winded background to this question, so here goes: I’ve been preparing to integrate the Acontis EtherCAT stack in our Torizon builds. Naturally this seems to involve a kernel-module-atemsys recipe to provide a kernel-land shim to take over network interfaces, repurpose them for EtherCAT, and provide access for a userland EtherCAT stack. My first try was to enable building the meta-toradex-bsp-common/recipes-kernel/kernel-module-atemsys/kernel-module-atemsys_1.3.08.bb recipe… b…

Summary:

• Use TorizonCore Builder if your changes are limited to adding the atemsys module and basic customizations.
• Switch to a Yocto build if you require advanced kernel changes or have complex requirements.

Best regards,
Toradex AI Assistant.

[joaom.tx]

Hello @Gideon1 !

Regarding the Acontis atemsys kernel driver, in some cases it is possible to integrate out-of-tree kernel modules using TorizonCore Builder. You can find an example of this workflow in our documentation here.

However, could you clarify what you mean by “various other modifications”? TorizonCore Builder is well-suited for user customizations such as adding containers, configuration files, overlays, and minor kernel tweaks. However, if your requirements include deeper integration work, you may need a full Yocto Project build.