Course Outline
Embedded Linux Fundamentals and Platform Architecture Overview
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Introduction to Embedded Linux Systems
- Distinctions between embedded and desktop Linux environments
- Operational use cases and system constraints for government applications
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i.MX6 Platform Architecture Overview
- System-on-Chip (SoC) components and the boot sequence (ROM, SPL, U-Boot, kernel)
- Device Tree methodology and its implementation within the i.MX6 architecture
- Hardware Configuration and Emulation Setup: board layout, interface connections, JTAG/serial debugging, and SD/eMMC boot procedures
Build Environment Configuration and Yocto Project Essentials
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Introduction to the Yocto Project Framework
- Overview of Poky and BitBake tools
- Structure and management of layers
- Metadata components, including recipes and bbfiles
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Host Build Environment Setup
- System prerequisites
- Configuration of cross-compilation toolchains
- Repository synchronization procedures
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Navigation of Yocto Directory Structure
- Meta layer organization
- Poky core components
- Meta-classes framework
Image Customization and Package Integration
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Understanding Layer Architecture
- Board Support Package (BSP) layer functions
- Board-specific configurations
- Application layer integration
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Integrating Packages into System Images
- Authoring basic recipes
- Methods for inserting packages into the root file system
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Image Customization Options
- Managing root file system size
- Configuring system services
- Integrating kernel modules
Kernel Management, Device Tree Configuration, and Board Support on i.MX6
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Kernel Compilation Workflow
- System configuration processes
- Cross-compilation procedures
- Kernel module handling
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Device Tree Management
- File formatting standards
- Node structure and hierarchy
- Utilization of overlays
- Procedure for enabling peripherals on i.MX6 hardware
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Board Support Package (BSP) Specifics for i.MX6
- Bootloader (U-Boot) configuration
- Application of board-specific patches
- Memory layout definitions
Troubleshooting and System Optimization
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Diagnosis of Common Build and Boot Failures
- Serial console logging analysis
- U-Boot debug techniques
- Kernel oops identification and resolution
- Root file system troubleshooting
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Optimization Strategies for Government Systems
- Reducing image footprint
- Minimizing boot latency
- Fundamentals of power management (overview only)
Course Conclusion and Next Steps
- Summary and Key Conclusions
- Primary learning outcomes
- Recommended pathways for participants (driver development, advanced BSP tasks)
- Feedback collection and Q&A session
Requirements
Applicants are expected to possess the following qualifications:
- Proficiency in Embedded C or C++ programming (required)
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Fundamental understanding of microcontroller and embedded systems principles, including:
- UART, I2C, SPI, and GPIO interfaces
- Cross-compilation processes and toolchain usage (conceptual knowledge sufficient)
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Basic user-level competency in Linux (preferred, but not required)
For instance, familiarity with terminal commands such as cd, ls, cp, mkdir, and chmod
Note: Advanced expertise in Linux is not a prerequisite; the curriculum begins with foundational concepts of Embedded Linux.
Intended Audience
- Embedded engineers skilled in Embedded C++ who require training on Linux environments for embedded platforms, designed specifically for government use cases.
- Technical staff tasked with maintaining Linux-based systems operating on i.MX6 or i.MX9 hardware.
- Personnel preparing to construct custom Linux distributions, configure kernels, manage Board Support Packages (BSPs), and deploy solutions on embedded hardware.
Testimonials (2)
I understood the process of the operating system and how do we link all factors together information of network as well so now I have an obvious and full picture about what is going on these computers how they communicate with each others ultimately gained knowledge about the most important operating system which is Linux and how do we implement our own embedded Linux
Rawda Alnaqbi - beamtrail
Course - Introduction to Embedded Linux (Hands-on training)
Practical excersises
