Linux on LiteX: Building a RISC-V SoC with Buildroot on Tang Nano 20K

Introduction One of the most exciting milestones when working with embedded systems is running an operating system (OS). Among all options, Linux stands out as the premier choice—especially being free, open-source, and backed by a massive ecosystem of tools and community support. The ability to run Linux on custom FPGA-based SoCs opens up endless possibilities for prototyping, research, and production systems. In this guide, we’ll walk through the complete process of booting Linux on a Tang Nano 20K FPGA using LiteX to generate a RISC-V SoC and Buildroot to create a minimal Linux system....

June 12, 2025 · 10 min · Fabian Alvarez