Course Outline
Embedded Linux Fundamentals & Platform Overview
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Introduction to Embedded Linux
- Differences compared to desktop Linux.
- Use cases and constraints.
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Overview of i.MX6 platform architecture
- SoC blocks and boot process (ROM, SPL, U-Boot, kernel).
- The concept of Device Tree and its application to i.MX6.
- Hardware/Emulator setup: board layout, interfaces, JTAG/serial connectivity, and SD/eMMC boot.
Build Environment & Yocto Project Basics
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Introduction to Yocto Project
- Poky and BitBake.
- Layers.
- Metadata (recipes, bbfiles).
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Setting up the host build environment
- Prerequisites.
- Toolchains.
- Repository sync.
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Exploring the Yocto directory structure
- meta.
- poky.
- meta-classes.
Customizing Images & Adding Packages
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Understanding layers
- BSP layer.
- Board-specific layers.
- Application layer.
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Adding packages to the image
- Writing simple recipes.
- Integrating into the image.
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Customizing the image
- Rootfs size management.
- Services configuration.
- Kernel modules.
Kernel, Device Tree & Board Support on i.MX6
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Kernel build flow
- Configuration.
- Cross-compilation.
- Modules.
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Device Tree
- Formatting.
- Nodes.
- Overlays.
- Enabling peripherals on i.MX6.
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BSP specifics for i.MX6
- Bootloader (U-Boot).
- Board-specific patches.
- Memory layout.
Troubleshooting and Optimization
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Common build/boot failures and debugging strategies
- Serial console diagnostics.
- U-Boot debugging.
- Kernel oops analysis.
- Rootfs issues.
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Optimization tips
- Image size reduction.
- Boot time improvement.
- Power management basics (Overview Only).
Wrap Up
- Summary and Conclusion.
- Key takeaways.
- Next steps for participants (driver development, advanced BSP work).
- Feedback & Q&A.
Requirements
Participants are expected to have:
- Solid proficiency in Embedded C or C++ programming (mandatory).
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Fundamental familiarity with microcontroller and embedded systems concepts, such as:
- UART, I2C, SPI, and GPIO interfaces.
- Cross-compilation or toolchains (conceptual understanding at minimum).
- Basic Linux user experience (preferred, but not mandatory), such as the ability to use terminal commands like cd, ls, cp, mkdir, and chmod.
Note: Advanced Linux expertise is not required, as the course begins with Embedded Linux fundamentals.
Audience
- Embedded engineers proficient in Embedded C++ who are new to Linux on embedded platforms.
- Engineers tasked with working on Linux-based systems using i.MX6/i.MX9 hardware.
- Team members preparing to build custom Linux images, configure kernels, manage BSPs, and deploy on embedded boards.
Testimonials (3)
The trainer's presentation and way of communicating.
Gianpiero Arico - Urmet Spa
Course - Embedded Linux Systems Architecture
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)
The knowledge of the trainer. He was able to answer all of my questions, even questions about our platform. He also continued to help until we all understood the material.
