Linux for Embedded Systems

Learning how the GNU/Linux is used in embedded systems. Gaining practical skills of building of dedicated Linux system for specific platforms and applications.

Prerequisites:

Programming (C)

Lecture:

1. Introduction - Linux as an operating system for embedded systems

2. The differences between a typical Linux system and an embedded system

3. Methods of creating Linux for embedded system

4. Linux compatible bootloaders - uboot, kexec.

5. Environments for building Linux for embedded systems (OpenWRT, Yocto Project and Buildroot)

6. Buildroot environment, compilation of system for emulated platform

7. Optimization of the Linux kernel for embedded system

8. Selection of file systems for embedded Linux

9. Selection of Buildroot packages for a system with required functionalities.

10. Adjustment of the Buildroot and kernel configuration for particular hardware platform.

11. Adding of own programs to the Buildroot.

12. User interface in embedded systems

13. Debugging of embedded Linux

14. Optimization of embedded system, reliability and security of the system.

Lab:

(10 3-hour sessions, 5 topics in 2 sessions – the 1st introductory, 2nd - evaluation)

1. Building of a basic Linux system in Buildroot environment and running it on the target platform

2. Implementation of the program with a simple hardware user interface. Adding own application to the Buildroot environment.

3. Implementation of an embedded system with an extended bootloader and "safe mode" functionality. Creating applications with complex browser-based user interface.

4. Implementation of a complex embedded system designed for specific functions (e.g. the media server, the image processing system, the Internet radio), cooperating with additional peripheral devices.

5. Implementation of the system from exercise 4 using OpenWRT or Yocto Project environments.

1.Ch. Simmonds, Mastering Embedded Linux Programming, Packt Publishing, 2015.

2. K. Yaghmour, J. Masters, G. Ben-Yossef, P. Gerum, Building Embedded Linux Systems, 2nd Edition, O’Reilly Media, 2008.

The final grade is determined by the total sum of points from laboratory (65 points – 5 assignments for 13 points) and an exam (35 points). The minimum required number of points from the laboratory is 30 points.

Attendance at lectures is not obligatory, but is desirable. Attendance on exams and labs is not required, but unjustified absence does not entitle the student to demand the restoration of the term (that is, writing a test or performing laboratory assignment in an additional lab session). There is one additional laboratory session in the semester in which a student may complete an assignment not completed due to absence on the standard session.