Overview
 | The NXP i.MX95 Technical Guide documentation from RidgeRun is presently being developed. |
Introduction
Torizon OS is an embedded Linux platform developed by Toradex for their System on Modules. It is built on top of the Toradex Linux BSP layers and provides a minimal operating system designed to simplify application deployment, system updates, and device management on embedded devices.
The platform integrates a container runtime, secure update infrastructure, and development tooling that allow applications to be deployed, updated, and managed throughout the lifetime of a device.
Available Images
Toradex provides multiple Torizon OS image variants depending on the intended development workflow.
| Image | Intended Use |
|---|---|
| Torizon OS Easy Pairing | Evaluation image used to pair a device with Torizon Cloud and deploy evaluation containers. |
| Torizon OS | Pre-built operating system image that includes the container runtime for container-based application development. |
| Torizon OS Reference Minimal Image | Reference image intended for Yocto-based development workflows without container support. |
Pre-built images are commonly used as the starting point for customization rather than being deployed directly to production systems.
System Architecture
Torizon OS relies on the Toradex Linux BSP layers, which provide the bootloader, Linux kernel, and hardware enablement for Toradex modules.
Key characteristics of the system include:
- Pre-built binary images containing essential command-line utilities
- Linux kernel and bootloader maintained by Toradex BSP layers
- Hardware support integrated through the Toradex BSP
- No traditional package manager in the base system
The base operating system is intended to remain stable while applications are deployed independently.
Application Deployment with Containers
Applications on Torizon OS are typically deployed using Docker containers. Containers package applications together with their dependencies, allowing them to run consistently across development and deployment environments.
Important characteristics of the container-based workflow include:
- Docker engine runs on the device and manages container execution
- Applications and services are deployed as containers
- Containers can start automatically when the system boots
- Toradex provides Debian-based container images optimized for its modules
- Some container images include graphical environments with GPU support
This architecture allows applications to be developed, updated, and maintained independently from the base operating system.
System Updates
Torizon OS provides secure system update mechanisms based on two main technologies:
OSTree
- Delivers versioned filesystem trees to devices
- Allows reliable system upgrades and rollbacks
Aktualizr
- Client-side update manager implementing the Uptane security framework
- Handles device authentication and update installation
Together these components enable both secure offline updates and remote over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Root Filesystem Design
The root filesystem in Torizon OS is mounted as read-only to improve reliability and reduce the risk of system corruption.
Two directories remain writable:
- /etc – configuration files preserved during upgrades through a three-way merge
- /var – persistent application and runtime data
This structure allows safe system upgrades while maintaining device configuration and application data.
Development Approaches
Torizon OS supports two primary development approaches:
Container-based development
- Applications are developed and deployed as Docker containers
- Development tools such as the Torizon IDE Extension can be used for building and deploying applications
Yocto-based development
- The operating system can be rebuilt and customized using the Yocto Project
- The Torizon OS Reference Minimal Image provides the base system for this workflow
Both approaches can be combined when deeper operating system customization is required.