Customizing Android BSPs for Embedded Projects
When developing an embedded product that runs Android—whether it’s a smart control panel, industrial HMI, or consumer device—one of the most critical components is the Android Board Support Package (BSP).
In this post, we explore what the Android BSP is, where customization is needed, and best practices for making Android work reliably on your custom hardware.
What Is an Android BSP?
An Android BSP is the foundation layer that adapts the Android operating system to your specific hardware. It typically includes:
- Bootloader (e.g., U-Boot)
- Linux Kernel and modules
- Device Tree files
- HALs (Hardware Abstraction Layers)
- Vendor-specific drivers and framework tweaks
This layer ensures the Android OS can boot and interact correctly with your SoC, memory, peripherals, and custom board layout.
Common BSP Customization Scenarios
Customizing the Android BSP is often necessary when working with:
- Custom Display Panels – including MIPI-DSI, LVDS, or RGB TFT modules.
- Touch Screens – such as capacitive panels with GT911, FT5316, or custom I2C controllers.
- Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Modules – Realtek, AP6256, or other chipsets often need firmware + driver integration.
- Backlight and GPIO Controls – including power sequences and LED control via GPIO/I2C.
- Custom Peripherals – barcode scanners, UART/I2C sensors, or KNX-based interfaces.
- Secure Boot and A/B OTA Update Support – for industrial-grade reliability.
Challenges in BSP Development
Some common challenges developers face include:
- Vendor SDK lock-in – You often rely on SoC vendor BSPs with limited documentation.
- Legacy kernel versions – Some BSPs are based on outdated kernels (e.g., 4.4 or 4.19).
- Complex DTS structure – Device Tree overlays and GPIO mapping can be error-prone.
- Slow build-test-debug cycles – Especially when modifying both kernel and Android framework layers.
Best Practices from Our Experience
To handle BSP-level development efficiently, we recommend:
- Reusing and trimming the vendor SDK – Strip out unused drivers and keep essential configs.
- Isolating board-specific changes – Keep your DTS, defconfig, and kernel patches modular.
- Using overlays and include files for Device Tree – Avoid duplication across boards.
- Automating build and flash processes – Save time by scripting repetitive tasks.
- Documenting everything – Even small changes in DTS or HALs can become hard to track.
Platform Support
We support BSP customization for several SoCs, including:
| SoC | Android Version | Linux Kernel | Build System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockchip PX30 | Android 8.1 – 11 | 4.4 / 4.19 | AOSP |
| RK3566 | Android 11 – 13 | 4.19 / 5.10 | AOSP + Buildroot |
| Allwinner R528 | Android 10 | 4.9 | Android SDK |
Need support for other platforms? Contact us to discuss your hardware.
Conclusion
Android BSP customization is the backbone of any successful embedded Android system. Whether you need to boot a custom display, integrate Wi-Fi modules, or enable OTA updates, mastering the BSP layer ensures a stable and production-ready system.
For those looking to outsource both hardware and BSP-level development, this custom embedded system design service offers a full-stack solution from board design to Android firmware integration.
At Embedded-SBC.com, we specialize in BSP-level customization for industrial and IoT products. Explore our case studies and contact us for tailored Android BSP solutions.
Written by the Embedded-SBC.com team