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Revolutionizing HMI Systems: From Outdated Kernels to Long-Term Innovation
Keeping Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems secure, modern, and cost-efficient is no small task. By partnering with Lynx, a leading HMI manufacturer transitioned from outdated software to a secure, long-term supported Linux kernel, achieving cost savings, streamlined development, and accelerated time-to-market for its product families.

A Vision for Modern, Secure HMI Systems
Faced with fragmented software systems and growing security challenges, a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) manufacturer sought to upgrade their platform for long-term sustainability. They turned to Lynx for solutions that would reduce vendor dependency, modernize their Linux kernel, and unify board support packages (BSPs) across product families.
The result? A transformation that improved security, reduced costs, and provided a scalable foundation for future innovation.
About the Client
This leading HMI manufacturer specializes in creating interactive systems for both headless and premium display units. Their platforms are used across aerospace, IoT, and industrial sectors, requiring high reliability, security, and ease of maintenance.
- Industry: Embedded Systems and Human-Machine Interfaces
- Product Families: Platforms powered by Spear1340 and TI AM335x SoCs
Challenge
Navigating the Complexities of Modernization
The manufacturer’s challenges included:
- Security Risks: Relying on an outdated 3.x kernel left systems vulnerable to security threats.
- Inefficient Development: Fragmented BSPs across product families increased complexity and costs.
- Vendor Dependency: The lack of community support tied them to vendor-driven updates, restricting innovation.
These issues risked not only operational delays but also lost competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.
Solution
Lynx: Delivering Future-Proof HMI Solutions
Lynx developed a comprehensive modernization strategy tailored to the client’s needs:
- Linux Kernel Upgrade: Transitioned from kernel 3.x to 5.x, providing a long-term supported platform maintained by the open-source community until 2025.
- Unified BSPs: Consolidated board support packages across Spear1340 and TI AM335x families, simplifying development and maintenance.
- Custom Peripheral Drivers: Integrated customer-specific drivers to support unique HMI use cases.
- Automated Test Framework: Designed unit and system test frameworks to accelerate production release schedules while ensuring reliability.
These solutions reduced costs, improved system security, and allowed the client to shift focus toward innovation and market expansion.
Results
Achieving Tangible Benefits Across Product Families
Lynx’s partnership delivered measurable outcomes:
- Cost Savings: Reduced development and maintenance costs across multiple product families.
- Enhanced Security: Delivered a long-term supported kernel, maintained by the open-source community, removing vendor dependencies.
- Streamlined Development: Unified BSPs improved efficiency, saving time and reducing complexity.
- Accelerated Releases: Automated testing frameworks enabled faster production cycles, ensuring high-quality releases.
Secure Your Systems and Simplify Development Today
Lynx specializes in delivering tailored solutions for secure, modern HMI platforms. Don’t let outdated systems hold you back. Explore how our expertise can transform your products.