Bad to the Bone: Crafting Electronics Systems with Beaglebone and BeagleBone Black
This comprehensive book provides detailed materials for both novice and experienced programmers using all BeagleBone variants which host a powerful 32-bit, super-scalar TI Sitara ARM Cortex A8 processor. Authored by Steven F. Barrett and Jason Kridner, a seasoned ECE educator along with the founder of Beagleboard.org, respectively, the work may be used in a wide variety of projects from science fair projects to university courses and senior design projects to first prototypes of very complex systems. Beginners may access the power of the "Bone" through the user-friendly Bonescript examples. Seasoned users may take full advantage of the Bone's power using the underlying Linux-based operating system, a host of feature extension boards (Capes) and a wide variety of Linux community open source libraries. The book contains background theory on system operation coupled with many well-documented, illustrative examples. Examples for novice users are centered on motivational, fun robot projects while advanced projects follow the theme of assistive technology and image processing applications.
Key Features:
- Provides detailed examples for all BeagleBone variants, including the newest "next generation" BeagleBone Black
- BeagleBone is a low cost, open hardware, expandable computer first introduced in november 2011 by beagleboard
- BeagleBone variants, including the original BeagleBone and the new beaglebone black, hosts a powerful 32-bit, super-scalar arM Cortex A8 processor
- BeagleBone is small enough to fit in a small mint tin box
- "Bone" may be used in a wide variety of projects from middle school science fair projects to university courses and senior design projects to first prototypes of very complex systems
- Novice users may access the power of the bone through the user-friendly bonescript environment
- Seasoned users may take full advantage of the Bone's power using the underlying Linux-based operating system
- A host of feature extension boards (Capes) and a wide variety of Linux community open source libraries are available
- The book provides an introduction to this powerful computer and has been designed for a wide variety of users
- The book contains background theory on system operation coupled with many well-documented, illustrative examples
- Examples for novice users are centered on motivational, fun robot projects
- Advanced projects follow the theme of assistive technology and image processing applications
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a practical, project-driven path from powering up a BeagleBone Black to building real hardware/software systems under Linux. You will get hands-on recipes for GPIO, ADC, PWM, serial buses, expansion capes and using Bonescript/Node.js, plus guidance for moving from quick prototypes to production-style designs.
Who Will Benefit
Students, hobbyists, and embedded engineers who need to build or prototype ARM Linux–based systems with real-world hardware I/O and want approachable, project-focused guidance.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic Linux command-line familiarity, elementary electronics (ohms/laws, basic circuits), and some programming experience (scripting or C).
Key Takeaways
- Set up and configure BeagleBone/BeagleBone Black running Debian and manage its filesystem and network.
- Use Bonescript (Node.js) and shell scripts to control GPIO, PWM, ADC and timers for hardware interaction.
- Interface common buses (I2C, SPI, UART) and connect sensors, actuators, and displays to the board.
- Design and use capes (expansion boards) and understand pin muxing and hardware extensions.
- Debug hardware–software issues using the Linux toolchain, serial consoles, and common utilities.
- Prototype complete embedded Linux projects and move from proof-of-concept to more robust designs.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to the BeagleBone Family and AM335x Hardware
- Getting Started: Booting, SD Cards, and Debian Linux
- Linux Basics for Embedded Developers (shell, file system, networking)
- Bonescript and Node.js: Quick Start and Examples
- Digital I/O, PWM and ADC: Controlling the Physical World
- Serial: UART, I2C and SPI Peripheral Interfaces
- Expansion Capes, Pin Muxing and Power Management
- Device Drivers, Kernel Basics and Customization (overview)
- Interfacing Sensors, Displays and Actuators (practical projects)
- Embedded Networking, USB and Multimedia on the Bone
- Debugging, Testing and Deployment Strategies
- Example Projects and Course/Lab Exercises
- Appendices: Tools, Parts Lists, and Reference Material
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Covers similar beginner-to-intermediate, project-focused ground as Derek Molloy’s 'Exploring BeagleBone,' but Barrett & Kridner lean more toward quick-start examples and hardware interfacing with direct authoritativeness from the BeagleBoard project.
