Understanding the Role and Function of 'Kernel' in Smartphone Software

Hi

I've been dealing with phones and repairs for quite a long time and now I'm starting to play with the software. For a long time I have been wondering what are these "kernels", because rom is different than in older "soft" models?

I would like to ask for a detailed explanation, for example on a given model, what this kernel is for and what function it performs.

For example: I took the first xperia x10 mini pro, rom I can upload it and everything comes out as it should, and what about the kernel? what is he for at all? In older phones, e.g. for the A2 platform of the SE C905, W995 type, only one soft (MBN and FBN + custom) was uploaded, and here in the newer ones it is too mixed up for me ;)

And how to upload such a "kernel"?
I use the flash tool program.

http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel

Android is linux and in linux you can change the system kernels.

The kernel manages the main components in the phone, CPU, GPU, battery, display, etc. They are different for different roms, modified for performance or energy saving, not all will work with all roms. And they are uploaded in the same way as roms, via recovery, in a zip package. Some, if not most, roms have a kernel in them. Sometimes it happens, for example, in Motorola Defy, the kernel could not be changed, because the factory bootloader was blocked ... PS. I covered my case here, I have a GT-I9000, so it may be different for Xpieria.

and these are the answers I expected and I already know where I stand :)

So I have to understand when, for example: I load a rom with a flashtool and the kernel.sin is also displayed as in the image, it already has a kernel in it?

Yes exactly.

thanked for the information :)

Regards