Drivers running on Kernel mode and User mode. (WoA BSP on i.MX8M)

[Norihiro]

Hello NXP team,

In WoA BSP for visual studio driver projects, I can find drivers running on Kernel mode and User mode.

For example, imaud (audio driver) is running on Kernel mode and WM8960codec(codec drive) is running on User mode.

Could you advise us criterial how NXP selected the kernel mode and the user mode for Windows drivers?

I think there is reason to select the kernel space or user space where a driver is running.

Regards,

Norihiro Michigami
AVNET

[Norihiro]

Hello Jorge, 

Thank you for your asnwer. I understood the difference between Kernel and User space for driver.

Do you know why your developper selected the kernel mode driver for specific device driver if there are any specific intention?

Regards,

Norihiro Michigami
AVNET

[JorgeCas · Accepted solution]

Hello,

The implementation level and priviliges needed for each driver.

Best regards.

[JorgeCas]

Hello,

The main differentiator is the level implementation and privileges.

On kernel mode drivers, encapsulates many of the OS programming aspects that driver developers must relate.

While user mode drivers, are being executed on operating system.

Best regards.