Building U-Boot and Running Custom C++ Code on Orange Pi Zero 2W
For one of my recent experiments, I needed to investigate how much the Linux operating system actually impacts hardware performance. To do this, I had to test the same algorithm in two different environments: under Linux control and in bare-metal mode (without an OS). Beyond the data, I was driven by pure curiosity—it was fascinating to compare programming for microcontrollers versus “grown-up” 64-bit multi-core processors. For these tests, I chose the Allwinner H618 SoC: Ubiquity and Accessibility : It’s incredibly easy to find. My home embedded lab has about a dozen devices powered by this chip, ranging from TV boxes to various SBCs (Orange Pi, Walnut Pi, etc.). Back in the summer of 2025, H618-based boards could be snatched up for $15-$20, though prices have noticeably climbed since then. The Power-Periphery Balance : With four Cortex-A53 cores, you can hardly call this processor “sluggish.” It’s snappy enough for serious tasks. Working with UART, SPI, I2C, or timers here is st...