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I need a clean, maintainable way to throttle overall memory usage directly inside the Linux kernel running on a small embedded board. My goal is to guarantee that critical processes never starve for RAM while background tasks are gently reined in before the OOM-killer steps in. The exact board can still change—at the moment I am evaluating Raspberry Pi, Arduino-style MCU boards with Linux, and BeagleBone—but whichever one we settle on, I want a single patch or loadable module that can be ported with minimal tweaks. Upstream code quality matters more than quick hacks. What I am after: a kernel-space mechanism (cgroup tweaks, custom LRU hooks, or another elegant approach you prefer) that detects when overall usage crosses a threshold I define and then slows further allocations for selected processes until memory returns to a safe level. User-space wrappers are fine as helpers, yet the core logic must live in the kernel so it reacts fast and works even if userland is stuck. Deliverables • Patch or .ko module with clear comments • Simple config file or sysfs/proc interface for threshold tuning • Step-by-step build instructions and brief validation demo showing memory pressure before/after the throttle kicks in I will test on my side and merge it into our Yocto build once it compiles cleanly with no warnings. If you have prior work on cgroups, mm subsystem, or similar embedded memory governors, that will help us hit the finish line faster.
Project ID: 40713990
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20 freelancers are bidding on average $23 USD/hour for this job

With deep experience in both software and electronics, and a solid background in systems architecture, I am confident in my ability to create a high-quality kernel memory throttling solution for your embedded board. My 27-year career has been marked by an uncanny capacity for problem-solving and an unwavering focus on delivering scalable, maintainable systems, which aligns perfectly with your project requirements. Notably, my portfolio includes work on FPGAs, RF communication, and autopilot systemsーall with meticulous attention to detail and a robustness tailored to real-world applications. My proficiency in C programming paired with an extensive background in embedded systems and microcontrollers makes me uniquely qualified for this task. Having developed a deep understanding of working with ARM-based platforms, including STM32 and ESP32-S3, adapting to the specific board that you select will be smooth. Being well-versed in protocol implementation like the Zephyr RTOS & FreeRTOS deterministic task scheduling will enable us to meet your needs effectively. Moreover, I have brought my knack for meticulousness to bear even on independent projects like the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography for edge devices that proves my self-governance capabilities that would be beneficial as we navigate your project's unique specifications.
$20 USD in 40 days
7.0
7.0

Your goal is best served by a small, upstream-minded kernel component, not a frantic patch that merely outruns the OOM-killer. I can design and implement a portable Linux kernel module or focused patch that monitors configurable memory pressure and throttles selected processes before critical workloads are starved. The approach will favor existing kernel interfaces, such as cgroup memory controls, reclaim/pressure signals, and carefully chosen allocation-path hooks, so portability across Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, and comparable Yocto targets remains practical. Deliverables will include: • Clean, warning-free source with clear comments • A sysfs/proc or configuration interface for thresholds and target groups • Minimal user-space helpers where useful, without moving core enforcement out of kernel space • Yocto-friendly build instructions • A reproducible validation demo showing pressure, throttling, recovery, and protection of critical processes I’ll also document kernel-version assumptions and keep the implementation narrowly scoped, maintainable, and easy to review. The result should behave like a governor, not a kernel hostage situation.
$20 USD in 42 days
2.8
2.8

I have experience working with Linux kernel memory management, cgroups, embedded systems, and resource throttling, including kernel-level mechanisms for controlling memory pressure and protecting critical processes. I can develop a clean, portable patch or loadable module with configurable thresholds, sysfs/proc controls, Yocto-friendly build instructions, and a validation demo, while keeping the implementation maintainable and warning-free across supported ARM Linux boards. I can start immediately.
$20 USD in 40 days
2.5
2.5

Hi, I’m a mechanical/electronics and embedded systems engineer with experience developing and debugging embedded Linux systems, firmware, and low-level hardware/software interfaces. For this project, I can develop a kernel-space memory throttling mechanism designed to be portable across Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, and similar Yocto-based Linux platforms. My proposed approach would be to evaluate the existing cgroup/memory controller and Linux MM mechanisms first, using the most upstream-friendly solution possible rather than introducing invasive custom LRU changes. The mechanism would: - Monitor system/cgroup memory pressure against configurable thresholds - Identify selected background processes/cgroups for throttling - Gradually restrict allocation/CPU progress before OOM conditions - Keep critical processes protected from memory starvation - Provide configurable sysfs/proc or cgroup parameters - Be implemented as a clean kernel patch or loadable module where practical - Include logging/debug information for validation and tuning Deliverables 1. Clean, commented kernel patch or ".ko" module 2. Threshold/configuration interface 3. Build instructions for the target kernel/Yocto environment 4. Test procedure and before/after memory-pressure demonstration 5. Documentation explaining the architecture and portability considerations Best regards,
$25 USD in 50 days
1.1
1.1

With my deep technical experience in C Programming, Embedded Systems, and Microcontrollers, I am your ideal candidate for this project. I have successfully executed projects that demand robustness, efficiency, and maintainability - qualities critical for your venture. Your need for a cleanly built, easily maintainable kernel solution is right up my alley as demonstrated by my ability to build AI systems with 99.9% uptime and <1% error rates for demanding financial clients. On the technical side, your detailed requirements don't faze me; intricate problem-solving is what I do best. My AI Agent Systems expertise in precise multi-step reasoning dovetails well with your need for a kernel-space mechanism capable of detecting memory threshold crossing and dynamically reallocating resources to ensure no process is starved. Above all these technical inclinations, I am dedicated to delivering meaningful value to my clients' businesses in every project I tackle. My commitment to detail can be seen in complied directives, step-by-step instructions and clear comments within the patch or module I will provide you with. You can expect comprehensive accompanying documentation that not only makes the code understandable but also enables any future software engineer on your team to pick up and modify it when necessary. I look forward to using my tested skills to deliver a solution that you will be happy to integrate into your Yocto build
$50 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

Hi, With a decade of software development experience and a deep understanding of embedded systems, I am confident in my ability to provide the customized kernel memory throttling solution you need. Over the course of my career, I've tackled diverse problems that required efficient coding, performance optimization, and scalable architectures. These skills align perfectly with your project, as you require both a clean, maintainable solution and upstream code quality. In regard to your specific needs, I possess direct experience with cgroups and mm subsystems - two tools at the core of effective memory management. My familiarity with these components not only enables me to create an elegant approach tailored to your precise requirements but also ensures a fast-reacting kernel-based solution that functions reliably even if userland is stuck. Last but not least, I understand the value of concise documentation in software projects, especially when merging into another build system like Yocto. You can expect comprehensive and easy-to-follow build instructions along with a brief validation demo that showcases the before-and-after effect of the throttle in action. When selecting me for your project, you are choosing a seasoned professional who commits to delivering what they promise.
$18 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

The first thing I would verify is whether this needs a custom MM patch at all. Linux cgroup v2 already provides kernel-level primitives very close to your requirement: protected memory for critical workloads and allocation throttling/reclaim pressure for background groups. I would first reproduce the pressure condition on the target Yocto/kernel build, then implement critical/background cgroups with explicit protection and throttle boundaries, instrumenting memory pressure and throttle events so the before/after behavior is measurable. If your global-threshold behavior cannot be expressed cleanly through memcg, I would then add the smallest kernel-side extension necessary rather than introducing invasive LRU/allocator hooks prematurely. The result would include configuration through sysfs/cgroup interfaces, repeatable stress tests, clean build instructions and Yocto integration notes. Rate: $25/hour. Initial engagement: 32 hours over 6 working days. I can start immediately after award once the target kernel version, Yocto branch and board candidate are available.
$25 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

Crest Hill, United States
Member since Sep 13, 2026
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