Logo image
From simulation to hardware: A Raspberry Pi approach to operating system pragmatics
Thesis   Open access

From simulation to hardware: A Raspberry Pi approach to operating system pragmatics

John Spaugh
California State University, Sacramento
Master of Science (MS), California State University, Sacramento
08/17/2026
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12741/rep:14266

Abstract

Embedded systems Hardware-software integration Operating system implementation Raspberry Pi Systems programming Computer Architecture Information Technology
This report addresses the challenges of learning operating systems, as many concepts remain abstract when taught only through theory or simulation. Sacramento State University offers an operating system pragmatics course designed to give students hands-on experience. However, relying on simulation-based operating systems makes it difficult for students to understand the full complexity of the system and its underlying hardware. Thus, this project explores the use of the Raspberry Pi as a hands-on platform to enhance the operating systems pragmatics course. In this project, the xv6 operating system is re-implemented for ARM64, using QEMU for simulation and later deployed on Raspberry Pi 5 hardware. The Raspberry Pi is affordable, widely accessible, and based on the ARM64 architecture commonly used in modern devices. v This solution combines simulation with real hardware to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making operating system concepts more concrete and approachable for students.
pdf
SpaughJohn_Spring20262.01 MBDownloadView
Text Project Open Access

Metrics

1 Record Views

Details

Logo image