This project aims to challenge the common belief that running Linux on a microcontroller is impossible. The board used in this project is based on an ATmega1284p, and it is capable of booting Linux 2.6.34. It can even support a full Ubuntu stack, including X and gnome. The board features an antique 30-pin SIMM memory module for RAM and uses an SD card for storage, which is accessed using bit-banging. The required 32-bit CPU and MMU are simulated using an ARM emulator. The system is not very fast, but it is usable and can be assembled at a low cost. The emulator is modular and can be extended for other SoCs and hardware configurations. The source code is available for non-commercial use. There is a video demonstrating the boot process of the Linux system on the board.
https://dmitry.gr/?r=05.Projects&proj=07.%20Linux%20on%208bit