COSCUP 2024

Leveraging RISC-V SBCs with Ubuntu
2024-08-04, 13:00–13:40 (Asia/Taipei), TR514

Explore the potential of RISC-V technology and its compatibility with Ubuntu in this presentation. We will provide an overview of RISC-V and its significance in the computing world, along with Ubuntu's support for RISC-V Single Board Computers (SBCs). The focus will be on VisionFive 2, a readily available RISC-V SBC, explaining how to install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on its SSD, including necessary modifications and the use of preinstalled versus live server images. Attendees will also learn about utilizing VisionFive 2's peripherals like cameras and HDMI with Ubuntu. This presentation aims to inspire exploration and appreciation of the possibilities within the open-source ecosystem. Ubuntu is a popular free operating system. We will show how Ubuntu supports RISC-V computers, especially the VisionFive 2 board. You will learn how to install Ubuntu on VisionFive 2 and use its features like cameras and HDMI. This presentation is for anyone interested in new computer technology and open-source software.


This presentation talks about using RISC-V technology with Ubuntu. RISC-V is a new kind of computer design that is open for anyone to use.

RISC-V, as an open-source instruction set architecture, has been gaining momentum for its potential to revolutionize the semiconductor industry by providing a customizable, free-to-use basis for designing processors. Ubuntu's compatibility with RISC-V SBCs marks a significant milestone in making this technology accessible to a broader audience. Our seminar will detail the current support landscape for RISC-V hardware within Ubuntu, specifically focusing on the VisionFive 2 SBC. The choice of VisionFive 2 is due to its availability and the rich set of features it offers, making it an ideal subject for demonstrating the practical application of Ubuntu on RISC-V based hardware.

The practical aspect of the seminar will guide attendees through the process of installing Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on the VisionFive 2, addressing the challenges and considerations involved in such a setup. This includes modifications to the U-Boot and SPL, crucial steps for ensuring compatibility and performance. The comparison between using preinstalled images and live server images aims to provide attendees with the knowledge to choose the best approach for their needs.

Moreover, the seminar will demonstrate the use of Ubuntu with VisionFive 2's peripherals, such as cameras and HDMI outputs, showcasing the practical utility of Ubuntu in enhancing the functionality of RISC-V SBCs. The inclusion of information on the support status of Milk-V series further broadens the seminar's scope, providing a comprehensive look at the current and future potential of RISC-V technology in conjunction with Ubuntu.

This presentation is designed to appeal to a wide range of attendees, mainly hobbyists , who are interested in the convergence of open-source software and hardware.

Mitsuya is a software engineer working in Japan, developing embedded devices and network devices while also contributing to FLOSS development. He is also a member of the Ubuntu Japanese Local Community Team and writes regular lolumns and articles related to Ubuntu for numerous IT magazines and technical websites.