PS3Compatibility

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 * '''Packages affected''':  * '''Packages affected''': linux-image-ps3 and the like
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The PowerPC version of Ubuntu should be made compatible with the Cell processor so it can run on the PlayStation 3. The PowerPC version of Ubuntu can easily be made compatible with the Cell processor so it can run on the PlayStation 3.
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The Linux kernel on the PS3 runs on the top of a hypervisor. Devices and other system resources are virtualized and Linux device drivers should be created/modified so that they can work with virtualized devices. The Linux kernel on the PS3 runs on the top of a hypervisor. Devices and other system resources are virtualized and Linux device drivers are created/modified so that they can work with virtualized devices.
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Sony provides a special "Other OS Installer". This installer installs a patched [http://kboot.sourceforge.net/ kboot] boot loader onto the PS3's Flash ROM. This kboot image must be prepared specificaly for Ubuntu.
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The following things need to be done, in order of priority:
  1. Apply the Cell compatibility patches to the Ubuntu kernel source.
  2. Compile an PowerPC kernel build optimized for the CELL.
  3. Prepare the bootloader.		 The following things need to be done:
  * Patch and compile a PowerPC kernel build optimized for the PS3.
  * Patch and prepare the kboot bootloader image.
  * Write proper documentation on how to install Ubuntu on the PS3

We could just patch the main Ubuntu kernel sources but I don't think that would be very good idea since I have no idea if the PS3 patches introduce any recessions.

In any case, the Sony developers are working with the Linux kernel developers at having these patches included in the kernel source.
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  * Patches for kernel 2.6.19 can be found here: http://dl.qj.net/Patches-for-Linux-kernel-2.6.19-Linux-Tools-PlayStation-3/pg/12/fid/11257/catid/514
  * Sources can be found here: http://dl.qj.net/Patches-for-bootloader-for-the-PS3-Linux-Tools-PlayStation-3/pg/12/fid/11258/catid/514		   * PS3 Patches for kernel 2.6.19 can be found here: http://dl.qj.net/Patches-for-Linux-kernel-2.6.19-Linux-Tools-PlayStation-3/pg/12/fid/11257/catid/514
  * Kboot bootloader patches can be found here: http://dl.qj.net/Patches-for-bootloader-for-the-PS3-Linux-Tools-PlayStation-3/pg/12/fid/11258/catid/514
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Please check the status of this specification in Launchpad before editing it. If it is Approved, contact the Assignee or another knowledgeable person before making changes.

Summary

The PlayStation 3 has an interesting feature that allows users to install a third-party OS, through the PlayStation 3 Open Platform. (http://www.playstation.com/ps3-openplatform/)

The PowerPC version of Ubuntu can easily be made compatible with the Cell processor so it can run on the PlayStation 3.

Rationale

This is an big opportunity for Linux in general and Ubuntu in particular to gain some userbase, and introduce Linux to a whole new group of users: Gamers. It can also help make the PS3 more than just a games machine, making it suitable for Desktop applications as well.

Use cases

David wants to do more with his PS3 than just play games... So he connects his monitor, USB keyboard and USB mouse and installs Ubuntu to make full use of his 1+ TeraFLOPS powerhorse.

Jack wants to play homebrew and/or open source games on his PS3. He installs Xubuntu so he can discover a whole new range of original and free games like Warsow, Tremulous and PlaneShift.

Scope

Design

All the information about running Linux on the PS3 can be found here: http://felter.org/wesley/files/ps3/linux-20061110-docs/

The Linux kernel on the PS3 runs on the top of a hypervisor. Devices and other system resources are virtualized and Linux device drivers are created/modified so that they can work with virtualized devices.

The Linux kernel has access to some devices directly (e.g. USB host controller). Other devices are virtualized by the hypervisor and device service is provided via hypervisor call. For example, storage service hypervisor calls are available.

Sony provides a special "Other OS Installer". This installer installs a patched [http://kboot.sourceforge.net/ kboot] boot loader onto the PS3's Flash ROM. This kboot image must be prepared specificaly for Ubuntu.

Implementation

The following things need to be done:

  • Patch and compile a PowerPC kernel build optimized for the PS3.
  • Patch and prepare the kboot bootloader image.
  • Write proper documentation on how to install Ubuntu on the PS3

We could just patch the main Ubuntu kernel sources but I don't think that would be very good idea since I have no idea if the PS3 patches introduce any recessions.

In any case, the Sony developers are working with the Linux kernel developers at having these patches included in the kernel source.

Code

Unresolved issues

BoF agenda and discussion

CategorySpec

PS3Compatibility (last edited 2008-08-06 16:26:02 by localhost)