Embedded Linux with ARM - 6 weeks Program
A Project based Training Program
"Embedded Linux BSP with ARM" is an intensive, Hands-on, project based, training program for BE, B Tech, ME, M Tech from the streams of Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technologies, Instrumentation, BCA, MCA. This training aims at imparting, ingraining efficient embedded operating system configuration and porting skills and ability to configure toolchain and prepare bootloaders.
Embedded Linux is the use of Linux in embedded computer systems such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, media players, set-top boxes, and other consumer electronics devices, networking equipment, machine control, industrial automation, navigation equipment and medical instruments. According to survey conducted by Venture Development Corporation, Linux was used by 28% of embedded engineers.
Embedded Linux is the version of Linux running on processors with a Memory Management Unit (MMU). Processors without MMU can run a modified version of Linux called uClinux. The uClinux tab provides pre-built uClinux images for specific ARM processors
Key benefits of Linux on ARM
- Complete scalable operating system providing a reliable multi-tasking environment
- Based on an open source model (GPL)
- Leverage a wide range of UNIX and open source applications
- Early availability on ARM processor-based platforms
- Used in many ARM technology-based designs including networking and wireless space
- Broad support through open discussion forums
The power, stability, reliability, flexibility, and scalability of Linux, combined with its support for a multitude of microprocessor architectures, hardware devices, graphics support, and communications protocols have established Linux as an increasingly popular operating system platform for a vast array of projects, devices and products. Use of Linux spans the full spectrum of computing applications that are vastly scalable, from tiny Linux wrist watch, to hand-held devices like PDAs, cell phones and consumer entertainment systems, to Internet appliances, thin clients, firewalls, robotics, telephony infrastructure equipment, and even to cluster-based supercomputers.
Despite the origins of Linux as a PC architecture operating system, It is now ported to numerous non-x86 CPUs, with and without memory management units, including PowerPC, ARM, MIPS, 68K, and even microcontrollers. And there's more coming, all the time!
Salient Features of Training Program
Training Objective:
- This course is designed to ensure that students of Engineering College with academic capabilities will have the skill set needed to deal with the challenges involved in real-world embedded technologies to meet the needs of industries both today and in the future.
- The training considers configuration techniques which can help to ensure that single-processor embedded systems are reliable.
- The training is conducted mainly using the Linux, Embedded Linux with an ARM Board and PC emulated as an embedded device.
Pre-requisite:
- A prior knowledge of basic of Linux, Linux commands, general understanding about operating system, Microprocessors or Microcontrollers concepts are assumed.
Agenda:
- The Duration of training would be 6 weeks.
- There would be 20 Classroom Sessions of 2 hours each
- There would be 20 Lab of 4 hours each
Training Methodology:
- Hands on approach to training, behaviorial model of training would be practiced.
- During the training, the Trainee would implement a projects related to respective modules.
- Comitment to Individual growth and constant evaluation.
- Implementation of programming techniques through a Project.
Training Topics in Brief:
- Introduction to Linux
- Introduction to ARM Embedded Processor and its Architecture
- Introduction to Embedded Linux
- Shell Scripting using Bash
- Building a cross-compiling toolchain for ARM
- Bootloaders.
- Configuring Packages
- Creating a simple, BusyBox based root filesystem from scratch
- Block filesystems
- Flash filesystems – Manipulating flash partitions
- Cross compiling and booting a Linux kernel
- Cross-compiling libraries and applications
- Embedded system building tools
- Porting Linux onto ARM based Board using storage
- Porting Linux onto ARM based Board using Network
- Developing and debugging applications for the embedded system
- Implementing realtime requirements
- Hotplugging
- System optimizations
- Understand ARM Embedded Microprocessor Architecture
- Write shell scripts using Bash
- Understand Linux kernel Architecture
- Build a cross compiled toolchain
- configure bootloader U-boot
- Configure kernel internals, (cross)compile and boot a Linux kernel
- Port Embedded Linux kernel on ARM based board
- Create a simple, BusyBox based root filesystem from scratch
- understand block filesystems
- Create Flash filesystems – Manipulating flash partitions
- Cross-compile libraries and applications
- Use Embedded system building tools
- Configure, port and install an Embedded Linux Operating System on ARM based Device
- Develop and debug applications for the embedded system
- Do system optimizations
Prospects:
It was hard to get people to pay attention to Linux, now Sony is putting Linux into almost everything. Linus Torvalds wanted Linux to be a desktop operating system but that he saw the embedded space as the big growth area.
Usage of Linux in embedded development projects crossed a threshold in the year 2008, with more than 50% of the professionals saying that they are currently using it. Usage of Linux has been growing year over year, but didn't cross the halfway mark until 2008. More than 61% believed their company would be using Linux within the next two years.
The ARM family of processors has continued its growth with 30% of the readers using it, while 25% are using x86 variants. ARM overtook x86 three years ago; that trend looks to be continuing with respondents seeing 31% ARM versus 23% x86 over the next two years. Kingman said that he thinks Intel is trying to reverse that trend because spending on consumer devices is predicted to "outstrip IT spending".
EmbLogicTM is an ISO 9001:2008(QMS) (Quality Management System) Certified Company