The laptop manufacturer Framework Computer, a proponent of granting users the right to repair their devices, and striving to make their products as user-friendly for disassembly, upgrades, and component replacement as possible, announced the publication of the source code for the Embedded Controller (EC) firmware used in the Framework Laptop. The code is open under the BSD license.
The main idea of the Framework Laptop is to provide the ability to assemble the laptop from modules, similar to how users can build a desktop computer from individual components that are not dictated by a specific manufacturer. The Framework Laptop can be ordered as parts and assembled into a final device by the user themselves. Each component in the device is clearly labeled and easy to remove. If necessary, the user can quickly replace any module and, in the event of a malfunction, attempt to repair their device independently using the instructions and videos provided by the manufacturer regarding assembly/disassembly, component replacement, and repair.
In addition to replacing the memory and storage, there is an option to replace the motherboard, chassis (different color options are available), keyboard (various layouts), and wireless adapter. Through the Expansion Card slots, up to four additional modules can be connected to the laptop without disassembling the case, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, and a second drive. This feature allows the user to select the necessary set of ports and replace them at any time (for example, if more USB ports are needed, the HDMI module can be replaced with USB). In case of a malfunction or for upgrades, components such as the screen (13.5” 2256×1504), battery, touchpad, webcam, keyboard, sound card, chassis, fingerprint sensor board, hinges for screen attachment, and speakers can be purchased separately.
The opening of the firmware will additionally allow enthusiasts to create and install alternative firmware. The EmbeddedController firmware supports motherboards for the 11th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, and is responsible for performing low-level operations with hardware, such as initializing the processor and chipset, managing backlighting and indicators, interacting with the keyboard and touchpad, power management, and organizing the initial boot stage. The firmware code is based on work from the open project chromium-ec, within which Google develops firmware for devices in the Chromebook family.
Future plans include continued work on creating open firmware for components that are still tied to proprietary code (for example, wireless chips). Based on user-submitted recommendations and wishes, a series of step-by-step installation guides for Linux distributions such as Fedora 35, Ubuntu 21.10, Manjaro 21.2.1, Mint, Arch, Debian, and Elementary OS is being developed. Fedora 35 is recommended as the Linux distribution, as it provides full support for the Framework Laptop out of the box.
Source: opennet.ru
