Install the ARM cross compiler toolchain on your Linux PC

This article illustrates how to install on a Linux PC the complete toolchain to cross compile the Linux Kernel, device drivers and applications for the Acme Systems Linux board.

This procedure has been tested on: Ubuntu 18.04.4 LTS and Debian Buster 10

Install the Cross Compilers, utilities, etc.

Install the GCC, G++ cross compilers and support programs by typing:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install libc6-armel-cross libc6-dev-armel-cross binutils-arm-linux-gnueabi libncurses5-dev build-essential bison flex libssl-dev bc

If you are using an Acqua or RoadRunner board:

sudo apt install gcc-arm-linux-gnueabihf g++-arm-linux-gnueabihf

If you are using an Arietta, Aria or FOX G20 board:

sudo apt install gcc-arm-linux-gnueabi g++-arm-linux-gnueabi

Now you are ready to cross-compile on your PC all the source available for the Acme Boards based on Microchip MPUs.

Try the cross C compiler

Let's try to cross compile a Hello World example in C and running it on an Acme board.

This is the example:

#include "stdio.h"
 
int main(void) {
  printf("Hello world !\n");
  return 0;
}

Compile it by typing, if you are using an Arietta, Aria or FOX G20 board:

arm-linux-gnueabi-gcc hello.c -o hello

or, if you are using an Acqua or RoadRunner board:

arm-linux-gnueabihf-gcc hello.c -o hello

As you can see we are using the ARM version of gcc just installed on your PC. It will generate an executable file for your Linux board.

Copy the executable file on the board via ssh:

scp hello root@[your_board_ip]:/root

Then open a command session on your board and run the example:

~# ./hello
Hello world !

Try the cross C++ compiler

Let's try to cross compile a Hello World example in C++ and running it on an Acme board.