13:45 - 16:45 Workshop
Embedded Linux: a practical approach
Feabhas
This three hour session shows how to build a working embedded Linux system, using a Power PC development board as the target. Topics covered include cross-development tools, kernel configuration and compilation and the essential components of a root file system. The combination of theory and practice will give delegates an insight into the working of Linux in embedded environments. The workshop is 50% practical and 50% theory.
Workshop Outline
Introduction
- An overview of Linux’s strengths and weaknesses
- Typical embedded platforms
Introduction to the Linux kernel
- What is in the kernel?
- Board support packages
- Configuring and building the kernel.
- Booting Linux: u-boot
The root file system
- Essential files for a root file system
- Standard Linux directory
lay-out
- Busybox and Tinylogin
- Using NFS to mount the root file system
Device drivers
- Separation between user and kernel space
- Writing drivers as modules
- Loading and unloading
modules
- Writing a driver to access the LEDs on the target board
Linux applications
- Calling drivers from program code: device files are file operations
Conclusion
