STM32Fx Microcontroller Custom Bootloader Development from Udemy

Get started with Micro-controller Bootloader Development. This course will be suitable for beginners in the domain of embedded systems and programming.

This course is all about learning to develop a custom BootLoader for

In this course, I will guide you through a step-by-step procedures to develop your own BootLoader and we will explore many things related to BootLoader programming.

The BootLoader we are going to develop in this course will have the following features

1) It can do in-application programming(IAP). You can use the BootLoader to flash a given application binary

2) Read microcontroller-specific data

3) Flash related configurations like setting up read and write protections for different sectors

4) Flash sector erase

5) Mass erase of the user flash

6) Read and display the protection status of the flash memory

7) Jump to the specified address to execute the code

Along with custom BootLoader development, you will also understand

1) The different memory organization of a microcontroller

2) Memory aliasing and different boot modes of STM32

3) How MCU boots after power-up

4) Vector table mapping and vector table relocation use case of arm cortex mx processor.

5) Difference between In-system programming(ISP) and in-application programming(IAP)

6) Custom boot loader design flow chart

7) Host and Boot loader communication method

8) Implementation of different boot loader commands

You can also extend this BootLoader by giving the following features once you complete the course

1) Encrypt and Decrypt the firmware sent by the host using AES

2) Over-the-air programming by interfacing WIFI or Zigbee Modules

Hardware used in this course:

In this course

If you have any other board based on the STM32 microcontroller then also you can use the codes developed in the course with no or minor changes.

Software used:

1) KEIL-MDK-5 for WINDOWS

2) OpenSTM32 SystemWorkbench for (WINDOWS/LINUX/MAC OS)

Learning order of FastBit Embedded Brain Academy Courses,

If you are a beginner in the field of embedded systems, then you can take our courses in the below-mentioned order. This is just a recommendation from the instructor for beginners.

1) Microcontroller Embedded C Programming: absolute beginners(Embedded C)

2) Embedded Systems Programming on ARM Cortex-M3/M4 Processor(ARM Cortex M4 Processor specific)

3) Mastering Microcontroller with Embedded Driver Development(MCU1)

4) Mastering Microcontroller: TIMERS, PWM, CAN, RTC,LOW POWER(MCU2)

5) Mastering Microcontroller: STM32-LTDC, LCD-TFT, LVGL(MCU3)

6) Embedded System Design using UML State Machines(State machine)

7) Mastering RTOS: Hands-on FreeRTOS and STM32Fx with Debugging(RTOS)

8) ARM Cortex M Microcontroller DMA Programming Demystified(DMA)

9) STM32Fx Microcontroller Custom Bootloader Development(Bootloader)

10) Embedded Linux Step by Step using Beaglebone Black(Linux)

11) Linux device driver programming using Beaglebone Black(LDD1)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Write your own custom bootloader for your stm32fx microcontroller and test
Host bootloader communication implementation
Custom bootloader command packets
Different boot modes of the stm32 microcontroller
Boot loader flash handling implementation : sector erase/program/mass erase

Boot loader options bytes(ob) program handling implementation
Boot loader flash sector protection status handling implementation
Boot loader in application programming implementation (iap)
Vector table relocation of arm cortex mx processor

Write your own custom bootloader for your stm32fx microcontroller and test
Host bootloader communication implementation
Custom bootloader command packets
Different boot modes of the stm32 microcontroller
Boot loader flash handling implementation : sector erase/program/mass erase
Boot loader options bytes(ob) program handling implementation
Boot loader flash sector protection status handling implementation
Boot loader in application programming implementation (iap)
Vector table relocation of arm cortex mx processor

Syllabus

Course Overview

About the instructor

Important Note

Source Code Repository

Introduction

What is Boot-Loader and Why it is needed ?

MCU memory, Reset Sequence and Boot configs

MCU-Embedded Memory Organization

Understanding Reset Sequence and memory Aliasing of the MCU

Boot Configurations of the STM32 MCU.

Development board used in our courses

Note for the students

About MCU Development board

STM32F4 Discovery and Nucleo : Board Details

ST-Link Driver Installation

ST Link Firmware Upgrade

KEIL-MDK-5 IDE setup for ARM Cortex M based MCUs

KEIL-MDK-5 Installation

KEIL-MDK-5 Installation Contd.

KEIL-MDK-5 Pack Installation

Locating Pack Installation files

Creating a KEIL Project

Creating a LED Toggling App using Board BSP APIs

Creating a LED Toggling App using Board BSP APIs-Nucleo

Installing OpenSTM32 System-Workbench

Downloading and Installing OpenSTM32 System-Workbench

STM32CubeMX

STM32CubeMX Installation

Exploring STM32 Native Bootloader

Activating ST’s Bootloader Part-1

Activating ST’s Bootloader Part-2

Activating ST’s Bootloader Part-3

Activating ST’s Bootloader Part-4

Custom Bootloader Communication with HOST

Bootloader Transport

Bootloader code placement

Bootloader Supported Commands

Host – Bootloader Communication

Boot-Loader Project Creation

Bootloader Project Exploration Part-1

Boot-Loader UART Testing

Command UART testing

Debug UART Testing

Boot-loader Jumping to User Code

Boot-loader Jumping to User application Part-1

Boot-loader Jumping to User application Part-2

Boot-loader Jumping to User application Part-3

Flash Code Placement using OpenSTM32 System Workbench

Vector Table offset Register(VTOR) use case

Boot-loader Jumping to User application Part-4

Boot-loader Read Commands from Host

Boot-loader command format

Boot-loader read commands implementation

Command Handle Functions Implementation

Implementing BL_GET_VER Command

Boot-loader Command Handling Flow-Chart

BL_GET_VER Handle Function Implementation

Boot-Loader ACK/NACK Implementation

Boot-Loader Verify CRC

Sending BL_GET_VER_CMD Reply

BL_GET_VER_CMD Testing Part-1

Python Installation on Host

Python Pyserial module installation

BL_GET_VER_CMD Testing Part-2

BL_GET_VER_CMD Debugging

Implementing BL_GET_HELP_CMD

BL_GET_HELP_CMD Implementation and Testing

Implementing BL_GET_CID_CMD

BL_GET_CID_CMD Implementation and Testing

Implementing BL_GET_RDP_LEVEL_CMD

Understanding Flash Read Protection Levels

BL_GET_RDP_LEVEL Command Testing

Implementing BL_GET_GO_TO_ADDR_CMD

BL_GO_TO_ADDR Command Implementation

BL_GO_TO_ADDR Command Testing

Implementing BL_FLASH_ERASE_CMD

BL_FLASH_ERASE Command Implementation

BL_FLASH_ERASE Command Implementation contd.

Testing Flash Sector Erase

Testing Flash Mass Erase

Implementing BL_MEM_WRITE_CMD

BL_MEM_WRITE Commadn Implementation

BL_MEM_WRITE Command Testing

Options Bytes and Flash Sector Protection

Options Bytes Programming

Implementing Flash Sector Protection Commands

Summary of the commands

Exploring HOST Application

HOST application Source files and Details

Procedure to Add your own command

BONUS LECTURE

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for beginners in embedded systems and programming

This course offers a step-by-step guide to bootloader development

Provides hands-on implementation of different bootloader commands

Covers essential topics like memory organization and boot modes of STM32 microcontrollers

Offers the opportunity to extend the bootloader with features like encryption and over-the-air programming

Recommended as part of a comprehensive learning path for embedded systems development

Reviews summary

Well-explained bootloader development

According to students, this course is great for learners who already work with embedded systems. Kiran presents the material in a clear and engaging manner. Learners say that they are looking forward to taking more of Kiran's courses in the future.

Learners are interested in taking more of the instructor's courses.

"I'm looking for his next courses in the future"

Course is relevant to embedded systems engineers.

"I'm Engineer and professional in Embedded systems"

Instructor is clear and engaging.

"Kiran explains it very well"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in STM32Fx Microcontroller Custom Bootloader Development with these activities:

Review the basics of microcontrollers

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This activity will refresh your knowledge of the basics of microcontrollers which will be beneficial for this course.

Browse courses on Embedded Systems

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Review your notes from an introductory course on microcontrollers.
Watch a few videos on microcontrollers.
Complete a few practice quizzes on microcontrollers.

Refresh your C programming skills

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This activity will refresh your knowledge of C programming, which is essential for this course.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Review your notes from a previous C programming course.
Take a practice quiz on C programming.
Complete a few coding exercises in C.

Embedded Systems: Design and Implementation by Jonathan Valvano

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems design and implementation and will supplement what you learn in this course.

View Real-Time Bluetooth Networks on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction.
Review the chapters on microcontrollers and embedded systems.
Complete the exercises and projects in the book.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Form a study group with other students in the course

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This activity will provide you with the opportunity to connect with other students and learn from each other.

Browse courses on Peer Support

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Find other students who are taking the same course.
Schedule regular study sessions with your group.
Discuss the course material, work on assignments together, and quiz each other.

Write C code to configure the UART peripheral

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This activity will test your understanding of how to configure the UART peripheral on the STM32 microcontroller.

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Create a new project in your preferred development environment.
Add the necessary header files for the UART peripheral.
Write the code to configure the UART peripheral.
Upload the code to the microcontroller and test it using a terminal program.

Build a simple bootloader using the knowledge gained from the course

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This activity will challenge you to apply what you have learned in this course by creating your simple bootloader for the STM32 microcontroller.

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Design the architecture of your bootloader.
Write the code for the bootloader.
Test the bootloader on a microcontroller.
Document your bootloader.

Career center

Learners who complete STM32Fx Microcontroller Custom Bootloader Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Embedded Systems Software Engineer

An Embedded Systems Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software for embedded systems. Embedded systems are computer systems that are designed to perform a specific task and are often found in devices such as cars, appliances, and medical equipment. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, are essential for a successful Embedded Systems Software Engineer. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of embedded systems and how to develop software for them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Embedded Systems Hardware Engineer

An Embedded Systems Hardware Engineer designs and develops hardware for embedded systems. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, are essential for a successful Embedded Systems Hardware Engineer. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the hardware architecture of embedded systems and how to design and develop hardware for them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Hardware Engineer

Firmware Engineer

A Firmware Engineer designs, develops, and maintains firmware for embedded systems. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, are essential for a successful Firmware Engineer. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the firmware development process and how to design and develop firmware for embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Microcontroller Programmer

A Microcontroller Programmer designs, develops, and maintains software for microcontrollers. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, are essential for a successful Microcontroller Programmer. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the architecture of microcontrollers and how to develop software for them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microcontroller Programmer

embedded systems architect

An Embedded Systems Architect designs and develops the architecture of embedded systems. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, are essential for a successful Embedded Systems Architect. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the principles of embedded systems architecture and how to design and develop embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for embedded systems architect

Embedded Systems Test Engineer

An Embedded Systems Test Engineer tests and verifies the functionality of embedded systems. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, are essential for a successful Embedded Systems Test Engineer. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the testing process for embedded systems and how to test and verify their functionality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Test Engineer

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, may be useful for a Software Developer who wants to work on embedded systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of software development and how to design and develop software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer designs, develops, and maintains computer systems. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, may be useful for a Computer Engineer who wants to work on embedded systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of computer engineering and how to design and develop computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and maintains electrical systems. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, may be useful for an Electrical Engineer who wants to work on embedded systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of electrical engineering and how to design and develop electrical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Electronics Engineer

An Electronics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains electronic systems. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, may be useful for an Electronics Engineer who wants to work on embedded systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of electronics engineering and how to design and develop electronic systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer

A Mechatronics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains mechatronic systems. Mechatronic systems are systems that combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, may be useful for a Mechatronics Engineer who wants to work on embedded systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of mechatronics engineering and how to design and develop mechatronic systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains robots. Robots are machines that are capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, may be useful for a Robotics Engineer who wants to work on embedded systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of robotics engineering and how to design and develop robots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

An Artificial Intelligence Engineer designs, develops, and maintains artificial intelligence systems. Artificial intelligence systems are systems that are capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, may be useful for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer who wants to work on embedded systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of artificial intelligence engineering and how to design and develop artificial intelligence systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, may be useful for a Data Scientist who wants to work on embedded systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of data science and how to collect, analyze, and interpret data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and maintains machine learning systems. Machine learning systems are systems that are capable of learning from data and making predictions. The skills and knowledge learned in this course, such as memory organization, boot modes, and vector table relocation, may be useful for a Machine Learning Engineer who wants to work on embedded systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of machine learning engineering and how to design and develop machine learning systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer