In a world dominated by increasingly powerful devices, with dedicated graphics cards, multi-core processors, and operating systems that demand ever more resources, initiatives like the one developed by engineer Dimity Grinberg seem to go against the grain, but they also open up new avenues of exploration. He has managed to design a functional computer capable of running Linux using only three basic electronic components.
This unique computer fits in the palm of your hand and, although it is not intended to replace traditional computers, it offers tangible proof of how far you can go in terms of hardware optimization and efficiencyThe commitment to reducing physical elements to a minimum without sacrificing functionality highlights the potential of Linux in contexts where space and resources are extremely limited. To explore more about systems like this, check out our guide on the LinuxCNC software.
A minimalist design on a tiny plate
The project, which Grinberg himself has named “8pinLinux”, is based on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designed to integrate only three chips with 8-pin SOIC packaging each. These chips are not particularly powerful, but each one fulfills a fundamental function within the system.
First of all, the processor used is a model STM32G0 with architecture ARM Cortex-M0 +, a more than modest option but sufficient for the purposes of the project. It also includes a memory 8MB PSRAM, also in an 8-pin package, which acts as the system RAM. Rounding out the trio of chips is a USB controller. PL2303GL, which provides connectivity and regulated 3.3V power with a 100mA output. For those looking for specific performance in similar devices, it's worth checking out The best CAM software for Linux.
In addition, the board integrates a microSD card slot, used as an external storage system. This small detail is crucial, as it allows you to store the operating system and some temporary files, although speed and capacity limitations remain.
Using emulation to overcome hardware restrictions
In order to run Linux on such limited hardware, Grinberg employed techniques of MIPS architecture emulation. This allows you to use the Linux kernel, adapting it to an environment for which it was not originally intended. The chosen operating system has been Debian, which although it starts and works, it does so with a noticeable slowness due to the limited capabilities of the configuration.
One of the biggest technical challenges was getting the different elements to share the same data bus without interference. To achieve this, a filtering solution was implemented that allows separate SPI signals of different frequencies, so that both the SD card and USB connection could operate simultaneously without conflicts. If you're interested in emulation and using limited hardware, we recommend reading about Pine64, a free mini computer.
The entire design has been optimized down to the millimeter. Although the exact dimensions of the board have not been revealed, it is estimated that it could be smaller than the 3 3 cm x cm, that is, a tiny fraction compared to a standard Raspberry Pi, which is around 8.5 cm x 5.6 cm.
A technical demonstration, not a commercial product
This mini-computer does not aspire to be a real replacement for current systems, not even for the most modest mini PCs available on the market. It is more of a a technical and conceptual exercise, with the aim of showing how far efficiency can go if the available hardware is squeezed to the maximum.
The initiative is somewhat reminiscent of other educational and experimental projects, such as the use of microcontrollers to emulate basic network environments, retro video games, or industrial control systems. Here, the value lies in demonstrating that The Linux kernel can be adapted even to platforms with extremely limited capabilities. For those interested in software development in these environments, it is useful to explore Arduino IDE on Raspberry Pi.
These types of advances can also have practical implications in environments where size, energy consumption, and cost are critical factors. Consider, for example, Internet of Things (IoT) projects, where having A functional Linux base with such little hardware could be interesting for very specific tasks..
Although it is currently more suitable as a proof of concept, it is not ruled out that in the future these ideas will be applied to industrial, educational or research platforms, opening the door to more accessible, sustainable and efficient developments.
The result is a combination of flexible software and minimal hardware, an idea that challenges traditional concepts of what it takes to run a complete and useful operating system.
It could be said that this type of project acts as a testing ground for new generations of hardware and software designers and developers. If such a complex system can be run on such a limited configuration, it opens up many possibilities for remote environments, embedded systems, and disposable devices with specific functions. An approach that can also be related to the project of Noodle Pi, a curious handheld project.
The “8pinLinux” experiment, despite not being especially powerful or fast, manages to make it clear that there is room to rethink how technology is designed and distributed, assessing not only performance, but also the efficiency, accessibility and technological sustainability.
It still reinforces the image of Linux as an extremely malleable operating system, which can be adapted to almost any context, from supercomputers to experimental pocket projects.
