CGX Overview

MontaVista Linux CGX - A Robust Carrier Grade Embedded Linux Platform

Enhance your embedded device development with the Carrier Grade reliability, security, and real-time responsiveness of MontaVista® Linux® Carrier Grade eXpress (CGX).

As a cornerstone in MontaVista's product lineup, CGX is a purpose-built embedded Linux platform designed to deliver RTOS-like performance and Carrier Grade specifications. It ensures unparalleled security and serviceability across interconnected smart applications in telecom, industrial, medical, aerospace, and beyond.

Introducing MontaVista Linux CGX 5.0

MontaVista Linux CGX 5.0 is the 15th generation of MontaVista’s Carrier Grade Linux platform. It is built on the Yocto Project 5.0 LTS release and powered by the Linux Kernel 6.6 LTS. With the GCC 13 and CLANG 18 toolchains, CGX 5.0 provides a commercially supported embedded Linux distribution for building advanced embedded products across major CPU architectures: x86, ARM, PPC, MIPS, and RISC-V.

KEY FEATURES

RTOS-Ready Linux for Embedded Systems

Engineered as a Linux-based RTOS (Real-Time Operating System), CGX 5.0 is ideal for critical systems that demand deterministic behavior and ultra-low latency. Whether in control systems or real-time data processing applications, CGX ensures maximum efficiency and performance.

AI-Ready Embedded Linux

CGX 5.0 is optimized for AI and Machine Learning deployments with enhanced GPU and TPU support. This enables seamless integration of intelligent workloads on edge devices and complex industrial systems.

Secure Embedded Linux with CVE Scanning, OTA Updates & Software Embedded Protection

Security and stability are at the core of MontaVista CGX 5.0, designed with a Secure by Default configuration for hardened kernel settings and secure defaults out of the box.

Key security and lifecycle features include:

  • Continuous CVE scanning and automated CVE scan reporting for proactive vulnerability management
  • Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) generation for compliance and supply chain transparency
  • Built-in software embedded protection tools to safeguard systems throughout their lifecycle
  • Over-the-air (OTA updates) for seamless, reliable upgrades in the field
  • Continuous vulnerability patching and long-term support, with more than 10 years of commercial maintenance per version

With CGX 5.0, developers gain a secure, transparent, and future-ready Embedded Linux platform that ensures resilience from day one through end of life.

Why Leading Embedded Software Companies Choose CGX

MontaVista CGX meets the CGL specification version 5.0, adhering to the highest standards of availability, performance, and security. Organizations seeking Carrier Grade reliability and flexibility trust MontaVista as one of the most experienced embedded software companies in the industry.

Flexible Configuration for Embedded Linux Development

CGX provides a modular, configurable platform to meet specific product and industry requirements. Whether you need real-time operation, dynamic configuration for CI/CD pipelines, or portability across architectures, CGX enables embedded systems companies to scale efficiently.

Market-Based Profiles for Industry Customization

CGX is tailored to diverse markets:

  • Industrial IoT and automation
  • Medical electronics with high reliability needs
  • Networking and telecommunications platforms
  • Aerospace and defense requiring security and real-time performance

CGX Profiles enable you to accelerate time-to-market with feature sets optimized for specific use cases.

PetaLinux vs Yocto: Why CGX Leads

While PetaLinux offers a Yocto-based, targeted, solution for specific Xilinx SoCs, MontaVista CGX, also based on Yocto, delivers a flexible, scalable, and secure distribution for a wider range of embedded platforms while building on the same core functionality than Petalinux. Petalinux also does not have the same long-term maintenance capabilities as CGX. Choose CGX when long-term support and cross-architecture compatibility are critical.

Leverage CGX - Your Secure, Scalable RTOS Alternative

With over two decades of industry leadership, MontaVista Linux has powered millions of embedded devices. CGX combines the performance of a real-time RTOS, the security of an enterprise-grade Linux, and the flexibility of Yocto, making it the top choice among leading embedded software companies worldwide.

Experience carrier-grade embedded Linux for your next-generation systems Download the CGX Datasheet .

Get in touch with us by sending an email to sales@mvista.com or a contact request today!