Program Overview

Offering a course in "Embedded Linux on ARM" processors involves a comprehensive curriculum that covers the fundamentals of embedded Linux, ARM architecture, and practical skills in system configuration, development, deployment and optimization.

This course aims to equip students with the skills needed to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot embedded Linux systems on ARM processors, preparing them for a variety of applications in industries such as IoT, automotive, and consumer electronics.

Target Audience

Embedded Systems Engineers: Professionals working in embedded systems who want to expand their skills into the Linux domain, especially those with a background in other real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal programming.

Software Developers: Software engineers with a background in C/C++ or other programming languages who are interested in transitioning to embedded systems development, particularly those focusing on Linux-based projects.

Electrical and Computer Engineers: Graduates or senior students specializing in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related fields who seek practical skills in embedded Linux to enhance their career opportunities in hardware/software integration roles.

Technical Project Managers: Managers overseeing embedded systems projects who need a deeper understanding of the technical aspects to better manage projects involving Linux on ARM processors.

IoT Developers: Individuals working on Internet of Things (IoT) devices and applications, where Linux is increasingly used for its flexibility and connectivity features on more capable hardware.

Hardware Designers: Hardware engineers looking to understand the software stack that runs on their designs, particularly those who are involved in designing ARM-based boards and need to ensure compatibility with Linux.

Academics and Researchers: Faculty members and researchers in computer science and engineering fields who are involved in teaching or developing projects related to embedded systems and seek to incorporate or update Linux and ARM content in their curriculum or research projects.

Hobbyists and Makers: Advanced hobbyists and members of the maker community who are interested in professional-level skills for complex projects that require running Linux on ARM-based single-board computers (SBCs) like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or custom-designed boards.

Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals with a keen interest in technology and a background in technical disciplines who are passionate about learning new skills in embedded systems, even if not directly related to their current profession.

This course is designed for those with a basic understanding of Linux, programming (especially in C), and a fundamental knowledge of computer architecture. It is suited for individuals looking to deepen their expertise in embedded Linux, system integration, and application development on ARM-based platforms.

Duration

* 20 working days

* 20 online sessions

* 20 Lab assignments

Learning Objective

It provides an in-depth understanding of developing embedded systems using Linux on ARM processors. It covers the fundamentals of embedded Linux, ARM architecture, cross-compilation, system configuration, porting and optimization techniques. Through hands-on projects, trainees would learn to port and configure embedded Linux on ARM-based boards, develop and debug applications, and meet real-time requirements in embedded systems.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Linux OS internals and command-line interface

Familiarity with C programming and Bash shell scripting

Understanding of basic computer architecture and operating systems concepts

Course Curriculum

Introduction to Embedded Linux and ARM Architecture

Overview of Embedded Systems and Linux's role

Introduction to the ARM architecture and its relevance in embedded systems

Challenges in porting Linux to new ARM-based boards

ARM Embedded Processors and Board Selection

Detailed exploration of ARM processor families

Selection criteria for ARM-based development boards for projects

Common issues in initial board bring-up

Building a Cross-Compiling Toolchain and Porting Basics

Setting up a cross-compiling toolchain for ARM

Basics of porting Linux to an ARM board: bootloader, kernel, and root filesystem

Common pitfalls and troubleshooting tips in the porting process

Bootloaders with a Focus on U-Boot and Porting

In-depth look at U-Boot functionalities and configurations for ARM boards

Step-by-step guide to porting U-Boot to a new ARM board, including patching and customizing

Debugging U-Boot issues and ensuring reliability

Linux Kernel Configuration, Compilation, and Porting

Detailed process of configuring, cross-compiling, and booting the Linux kernel on ARM boards

Kernel modifications required for specific ARM hardware

Strategies for diagnosing and resolving common kernel porting issues

Creating and Customizing Root Filesystems

Techniques for assembling a minimal root filesystem for embedded use

Customizing BusyBox configurations to suit specific ARM board requirements

Addressing filesystem compatibility and performance issues on ARM devices

Advanced Filesystem Considerations and Porting Challenges

Deeper dive into block and flash filesystems, focusing on optimization for ARM hardware

Managing flash partitions and overcoming flash memory challenges

Best practices for filesystem porting and ensuring data integrity

Cross-Compiling Libraries and Applications for ARM

Advanced cross-compilation techniques for complex libraries and applications

Handling ARM-specific compilation issues, including hard-float vs. soft-float ABI concerns

Ensuring compatibility and performance of third-party code on ARM platforms

Embedded Build Systems and Porting Automation

Leveraging Buildroot and Yocto for automating the build and porting process for ARM boards

Customizing build configurations to address specific hardware constraints and requirements

Troubleshooting build system issues and optimizing build times

GUI Development and Performance Optimization on ARM

Developing efficient graphical applications for ARM devices using lightweight toolkits

Addressing performance bottlenecks and optimizing GUI responsiveness

Case study: Porting a graphical application to an ARM board and optimizing its performance

Debugging, Profiling, and Real-Time Considerations in Porting

Advanced debugging and profiling techniques for applications running on ARM

Implementing real-time requirements and addressing real-time issues in ported systems

Strategies for optimizing system performance, with a focus on ARM-specific optimizations

Porting Project and Course Wrap-Up

Final project: Porting Linux to an ARM-based board not previously covered in the course, including bootloader setup, kernel configuration, and application development

Presentation of porting projects, highlighting challenges faced and solutions implemented

Course review and discussion on future trends in ARM-based embedded development

Course Delivery

* Online: Utilize platforms like EmbLogic a wider reach.

* In-person: Conduct classes in a classroom setting, which is particularly beneficial for hands-on labs and real-time debugging sessions.

* Hybrid: Combine online theory sessions with in-person or virtual labs for flexibility and hands-on experience.

Training Methodology

* Lectures: Presentations and lecture notes that cover both theoretical concepts and practical applications.

* Hands-On Labs: Design lab exercises and projects that give students hands-on experience in writing, debugging, and testing drivers.

* Reading Assignments: Arranged a list of resources, such as Online Notes, kernel documentation and articles on driver development.

* Videos: Recorded video and tutorials to demonstrate key concepts and techniques.

Deliverables

After completing the "Embedded Linux Development for ARM Processors" course, trainees will have acquired a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge, enabling them to:

Understand Embedded Linux Systems: Have a solid understanding of the components and operation of embedded Linux systems, including the kernel, bootloader, filesystems, and user-space utilities.

ARM Architecture Proficiency: Gain familiarity with ARM architecture and its applicability in embedded systems, understanding the nuances of various ARM processor families.

Cross-Compilation Skills: Develop proficiency in setting up and using cross-compilation toolchains to build software for ARM-based systems from a different host system, such as x86.

Bootloader Configuration and Usage: Configure and deploy bootloaders, with a focus on U-Boot, to initialize hardware and load the Linux kernel on ARM boards.

Linux Kernel Customization: Customize, compile, and optimize the Linux kernel for specific ARM hardware, including adding or modifying device drivers to support new peripherals.

Filesystem Configuration: Create and manage root filesystems for embedded devices, including the use of BusyBox to create minimal environments suitable for various applications.

Embedded Development Tools Mastery: Utilize development and build automation tools like Buildroot or Yocto Project to streamline the development process and maintain consistency across projects.

Application Development: Cross-compile and debug applications and system services for embedded Linux environments, ensuring compatibility and performance on ARM hardware.

Real-Time Systems Understanding: Implement and configure real-time features within Linux to meet the deterministic response requirements of certain embedded applications.

System Optimization Techniques: Apply system-level optimizations to improve performance and reduce resource consumption, critical for constrained embedded environments.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Diagnose and troubleshoot common issues encountered when developing for embedded Linux systems, from hardware initialization to software application anomalies.

Porting Linux to New ARM Boards: Undertake projects to port Linux to new or custom ARM-based boards, involving configuring the bootloader, kernel, and device drivers to support the specific hardware.

Embedded System Design Insight: Gain insights into the design considerations and trade-offs when developing hardware and software for embedded Linux systems.

Professional Growth and Collaboration: Be prepared to contribute effectively to professional embedded Linux projects, collaborate with peers in the field, and engage with the broader open-source community to share knowledge and solutions.

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