Linux for Embedded and Real-Time Applications (Embedded Technology)
In this applications-oriented reference, Doug Abbott shows how to put Linux to work in embedded and real-time applications. Among the topics Abbott discusses include memory management, device drivers, interrupt handling, kernel instrumentation, boatloaders, embedded networking, inter-task communications, periodic vs. "one shot" timing, POSIX threads, hardware abstraction layers, and program debugging. Abbott uses numerous real-world examples to show how implement a variety of embedded applications using Linux. Abbott discusses the strengths and weaknesses for embedded applications of different implementations of Linux, and he also examines the different real-time extensions for Linux. This book incorporates many programming exercises with solutions. All code listings are provided on the accompanying CD-ROM, as well as an electronic version of the text.
*Fully describes the use of Linux operating system for embedded and real-time applications
*Covers advanced topics such as device drivers, kernel implementation, POSIX threads
*The CD accompanying the book includes an electronic version of the book as well as related software tools and code listings
Why Read This Book
You will get a practical, systems-level guide to applying Linux in embedded and real-time projects, with concrete examples on device drivers, timing, and boot sequences. The book explains tradeoffs between standard Linux and various real-time extensions and gives hands-on exercises that help bridge theory and working firmware.
Who Will Benefit
Firmware and embedded software engineers (with some C and Linux experience) who need to port or design embedded systems using Linux or evaluate real-time Linux options.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: C programming, basic Linux userland familiarity, and general embedded-systems fundamentals (interrupts, memory, I/O).
Key Takeaways
- Implement device drivers and kernel modules to interface hardware with Linux
- Analyze Linux memory management and scheduling behavior for embedded workloads
- Configure and evaluate different real-time Linux approaches and patches
- Design and debug embedded boot sequences and bootloaders for Linux systems
- Integrate embedded networking and inter-process communications for real-time tasks
- Use kernel instrumentation and debugging techniques to diagnose timing and concurrency issues
Topics Covered
- Introduction: Linux in Embedded and Real-Time Roles
- Linux Kernel Architecture and Building for Embedded Targets
- Memory Management and Resource Constraints in Embedded Systems
- Process Scheduling, Timing, and Real-Time Concepts
- POSIX Threads and Inter-Task Communication
- Interrupt Handling and Device Driver Fundamentals
- Writing Kernel Modules and Device Drivers
- Bootloaders and Bringing Up Embedded Linux
- Embedded Filesystems, Storage, and Flash Considerations
- Embedded Networking and Networked Applications
- Real-Time Linux Extensions and Patchsets (overview)
- Kernel Instrumentation, Debugging, and Performance Tuning
- Case Studies, Exercises, and Example Applications
- Appendices: Toolchains, Cross-Compilation, and Reference Material
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Broader and more application-focused than Jonathan Corbet et al.'s Linux Device Drivers (which concentrates on driver APIs), but older and less up-to-date on modern kernels than later books like Embedded Linux Primer or Yaghmour's Building Embedded Linux Systems.
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