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Azure RTOS became Eclipse ThreadX after Microsoft contributed the technology to the Eclipse Foundation. The project identifies MIT as its open-source license, and its first Foundation-governed release, ThreadX 6.4.1, was described by Microsoft as functionally equivalent to Azure RTOS 6.4. The change is chiefly one of stewardship, name and licensing—not a replacement of the underlying real-time operating system.
What happened to Azure RTOS?
Microsoft announced on November 21, 2023 that it would contribute Azure RTOS to the Eclipse Foundation. The contribution was completed in 2024. Microsoft’s April 4, 2024 announcement said Eclipse ThreadX 6.4.1 was available and functionally equivalent to Azure RTOS 6.4. Microsoft’s transition announcement describes the completion; the Eclipse Foundation’s project retrospective dates the 6.4.1 release to February 28, 2024 and identifies it as the first release under the Foundation’s development process.
“Azure RTOS” was a Microsoft brand and could not be transferred, so the project is now called Eclipse ThreadX, usually shortened to ThreadX. The Eclipse ThreadX FAQ explains the naming and licensing: ThreadX FAQ.
What does the MIT license cover?
The Eclipse ThreadX project identifies MIT as its license, and Microsoft said previous 6.x versions were available under MIT. MIT is a permissive open-source license, but that statement should not be extended automatically to unrelated components or third-party dependencies bundled with a particular product. Check the license notices for the exact source and dependencies you plan to use.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Open-source code access is also distinct from access to safety documentation. Some functional-safety artifacts, including manuals, are offered under separate access and licensing terms through the ThreadX Alliance; the source code’s MIT license does not make those materials automatically available.
What is included in Eclipse ThreadX?
The contribution includes an embedded operating system and a broader set of middleware and developer tools. The project FAQ describes these components:
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ThreadX | Real-time operating system for deeply embedded applications, with SMP support identified in the FAQ. |
| NetX Duo | TCP/IP networking stack for embedded and IoT applications, including an MQTT client. |
| FileX | FAT-compatible filesystem integrated with ThreadX. |
| GUIX | Embedded graphical user interface library. |
| USBX | USB host, device and OTG stack integrated with ThreadX. |
| LevelX | Flash wear-leveling software for FileX and standalone use. |
| GUIX Studio | Design environment for GUIX graphics. |
| TraceX | Graphical analysis of real-time system events. |
These descriptions reflect the scope listed in the official FAQ; verify component-specific versions and dependencies in the repositories before adopting them.
What does Eclipse Foundation governance mean for developers?
ThreadX is part of the Eclipse Foundation’s IoT portfolio and is governed through Foundation processes rather than as a Microsoft-branded Azure RTOS product. Developers can contribute without their employers joining the Foundation or the Alliance, according to the project FAQ. Contributors need an Eclipse Foundation account and must sign the Eclipse Contributor Agreement.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The Foundation announced the ThreadX Alliance on October 8, 2024, to support sustainability, development, adoption and continued certification. The Alliance is also the route described for access to certain safety artifacts; some artifact licenses carry additional fees. See the Eclipse Foundation’s Alliance announcement for its description of the initiative and benefits.
What should developers know about safety certification?
The project FAQ lists IEC 61508-3:2010, IEC 62304:2015, ISO 26262-8:2018 and EN 50128:2011, and names SGS-TÜV Saar as the certification body. The announcement FAQ says Azure RTOS core components had been certified to IEC 61508 SIL 4 requirements and that functional-safety artifacts would be maintained through the ThreadX working group.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Certification is version-specific. The FAQ directs developers to use only component versions for which a certificate is available. Confirm the certificate for the exact component and version intended for a project; the cited materials do not establish a complete current version-to-certificate matrix.
- A component certificate does not certify a finished product. A device manufacturer still has to address the applicable system-level safety requirements and assessment.
- Safety artifacts may require separate access. The FAQ describes manuals and other safety materials as available to ThreadX Alliance subscribers under license, with additional fees possible.
For current certificate availability and access terms, consult the ThreadX FAQ and the Alliance directly rather than assuming every release or component has the same status.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How widely is ThreadX used?
In its October 8, 2024 Alliance announcement, the Eclipse Foundation reported that ThreadX had powered more than 12 billion devices since its launch in 1997. This is the Foundation’s reported cumulative figure, not an independently audited count or a stated measure of currently active devices.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Is ThreadX a good fit for a new embedded project?
The transition makes ThreadX an MIT-licensed, Foundation-governed option with a kernel and a range of embedded middleware. Whether it suits a particular device depends on target-specific evidence rather than the project’s former Microsoft branding. Evaluate the supported processor and board ecosystem, required middleware, measured memory use and timing on your target, debugging and support arrangements, and the exact safety evidence and access costs needed for your application. The available project information does not establish comparative performance, footprint, safety, or cost rankings against other RTOS options.
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