Course Outline
Foundations of Embedded Linux and Platform Architecture
- Introduction to Embedded Linux
- Distinctions from desktop Linux distributions
- Applicable scenarios and system constraints
- Overview of i.MX6 platform architecture
- SoC components and boot sequence (ROM, SPL, U-Boot, kernel)
- Device Tree methodology and its application to i.MX6
- Hardware and Emulator configuration: board layout, interfaces, JTAG/serial, SD/eMMC boot
Build Environment and Yocto Project Fundamentals
- Introduction to the Yocto Project
- Poky and BitBake components
- Layer management
- Metadata handling (recipes, bbfiles)
- Configuration of host build environment
- System prerequisites
- Toolchain integration
- Repository synchronization
- Examination of Yocto directory structure
- meta layers
- poky components
- meta-classes definitions
Image Customization and Package Integration
- Understanding layer management
- BSP layers
- Board-specific configurations
- Application layers
- Incorporating packages into the image
- Development of basic recipes
- Integration into the final image
- Customization of system images
- Root filesystem sizing
- Service management
- Kernel module configuration
Kernel, Device Tree, and Board Support for i.MX6
- Kernel build workflow
- Configuration settings
- Cross-compilation processes
- Module management
- Device Tree implementation
- Formatting standards
- Node structure
- Overlay application
- Enabling peripherals on i.MX6
- BSP specifications for i.MX6
- Bootloader (U-Boot) configuration
- Board-specific patches
- Memory layout planning
Troubleshooting and Optimization Strategies
- Common build and boot failures and debugging methods
- Serial console analysis
- U-Boot debugging techniques
- Kernel oops investigation
- Root filesystem issue resolution
- Optimization recommendations
- Image size reduction
- Boot time improvement
- Power management fundamentals (Overview Only)
Course Conclusion
- Summary and final conclusions
- Key learning points
- Future directions for participants (driver development, advanced BSP tasks)
- Feedback collection and Q&A session
Requirements
Participants are expected to possess the following qualifications:
- Proficiency in Embedded C or C++ programming (mandatory)
- Fundamental familiarity with microcontroller and embedded systems concepts, including:
- UART, I2C, SPI, and GPIO interfaces
- Cross-compilation or toolchain usage (conceptual understanding required)
- Basic understanding of Linux as an end-user (preferred, not mandatory)
Note: Advanced Linux expertise is not required for enrollment; the curriculum begins with foundational Embedded Linux concepts.
Intended Audience
- Embedded engineers proficient in Embedded C++ who are new to Linux on embedded platforms.
- Engineers assigned to work on Linux-based systems utilizing i.MX6 or i.MX9 hardware for government operations.
- Team members preparing to build custom Linux images, configure kernels, manage BSPs, and deploy solutions on embedded boards for government use.
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
