Course Description:
Embedded Linux is rapidly becoming an Operating System of choice
for many embedded developers. According to the LinuxDevices.com
website, the significant reasons are that the source code is available,
there are no runtime royalties and it is a robust reliable operating
system which has excellent networking support.
This course, like other Feabhas courses, teaches embedded skills
using an embedded environment. Unlike most Linux courses, that
use PC’s as the target, this course uses Power PC target hardware –
a true embedded environment.
Overview:
Linux has a world wide support database, and probably the largest
supported device driver base of any operating system. However, for
the Linux novice the choices can be bewildering and confusing (e.g.
what is the difference between Red Hat Linux and Blue Cat Linux?).
This course is unique in a number of areas. First it is not aimed at
Linux gurus; it is aimed at existing developers using traditional
RTOS’s in embedded environments. Second, it proposes that Linux
is not suitable for all applications. It is as important to understand
what Linux cannot do as much as what it can do. Third, and most
significant, it isn’t based on traditional x86 PC hardware. This course
uses a true embedded environment (a Power PC card) that does not
have a floppy or hard disk. An environment most embedded
engineers are familiar with.
This course demonstrates, through
extensive hands-on, how to build small, fast applications with
embedded Linux. Note, it does not promote any vendors tools.
Course Objectives:
• To get real-world exposure to embedded Linux
• To develop an application to run on an embedded Linux system
• To understand what is required to set-up a Linux cross
development environment
• To understand the different approaches to making Linux “realtime”
Delegates will learn:
• How to configure a standard Linux kernel for use in a cross
development system.
• The steps to write, compile, download and debug an embedded
Linux application with real hardware.
• How threaded applications fit into Linux.
Who Should Attend:
Software engineers who are developing applications for embedded
or real-time Linux. Engineers wishing to assess the suitability of
Linux for their next application.
Pre-Requisites:
• Good ‘C’ programming skills
• General knowledge of an RTOS or embedded operating
systems
• Knowledge of Linux or Unix will be useful, but not essential
• Be able to use basic Linux/Unix commands (e.g. ls, cat, vi).
Duration:
Five days.
Course Materials:
Student workbook.
Related Courses:
• EL-504 Developing Linux Device Drivers
• EL-301 Graphics for embedded Linux
Course Workshop:
The course presents embedded and real-time concepts applied to
Linux, using a Power PC development board as the target (TQ PPC
starter kit). The host development system will be a standard PC
running RedHat. We use the target as an example of a simple
embedded system which can control hardware via a simple digital
I/O interface.
Lab sessions follow a logical sequence, and result in “the world’s
first Linux-powered web-controlled washing machine”. A distinction
is made between the development host and the target throughout.
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Course Outline:
Introduction
- An overview of Linux’s
strengths and weaknesses
Setting up the development
environment
- What tools are needed, where
to get them and how to install
them.
Introduction to the Linux
kernel
- What is in the kernel?
- Configuring and booting the
kernel.
The root file system
- Root file directories, /bin /etc/lib
etc.
More about Linux file
systems
- Types of file system: Disk,
RAM, Flash, Network
Some debug techniques
- Syslog and strace. GDB and
DDD
TCP/IP Networking
- Network configuration and web
servers
Device control from user
space
- Accessing hardware directly
Multi processing on Linux
and Inter Process
Communication
- Linux process model and IPCs
Multithreading using
pThreads
- Threads vs. Processes and
pThreads
Linux and Real-Time
- Standard kernel problems and
patches
Real-time sub kernels
- RTLinux and RTAI
RTAI
- Using RTAI
Conclusion |
course list
