Embedded Bootloader Development from Ground Up™ from Udemy

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of bootloader development with this beginner level course of our bootloader development series on STM32 microcontrollers.

Throughout this beginner-friendly course, you will explore the fundamentals of bootloader development, from the build process to the memory model and beyond.

Through a number of bite-sized modules, you will learn how to create custom bootloaders that enable you to take control of your firmware and unlock the full potential of your STM32 microcontrollers. You will gain understanding of the embedded build process, the STM32F4 memory model, and the critical role of linkerscripts and the linking process.

In addition to theory, you will get hands-on experience working with the linkerscript; creating custom sections, and defining memory regions etc.

But that's not all - you'll also have the opportunity to get further hands-on experience with linkerscripts and design and develop your own bootloader. And in the final project, you'll apply your newfound knowledge to create a multi-slot memory system bootloader which is capable of storing multiple firmware applications on the same microcontroller, implement a push-button trigger for entering bootloader mode, and develop a simple communication driver for selecting different firmware applications stored in memory.

By the end of this course, you'll have the skills and knowledge needed to confidently develop custom bootloaders for STM32 microcontrollers, opening up new possibilities for firmware updates, recovery, security, and customization.

With the flexible online format, you can study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. Plus, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can enroll with confidence.

Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect to learn:

The Right Boot

What is a boot loader?
Why is it needed?

The Embedded Build Process and Memory Model

Overview of the Embedded Build Process
A closer look at the Embedded Build Process
Overview of the STM32F4 Memory Model
Understanding the Linkerscript and Linking Process
Analyzing the Linkerscript and Memory Layout

Working with the Linkerscript

Creating SECTIONS in the Linkerscript
Defining custom MEMORY Regions
Storing functions in Custom Sections

Bare-Metal Bootloader Development

Implementing the Jump-to-Application function
Implementing the Default Application
Sharing functions between the Bootloader and User Application

Multi-Slot Bootloader System

Receiving UART Commands
Designing the System
Implementing the Multi-Slot Bootloader System

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop a deep understanding of the fundamentals of bootloader development, including the embedded build process and memory layout.
Gain hands-on experience working with linker scripts, creating custom sections, defining memory regions, and storing functions in custom sections.

Develop a multi-slot bootloader system that allows you to store multiple application firmware in memory.
Build complex firmware solutions.

Develop a deep understanding of the fundamentals of bootloader development, including the embedded build process and memory layout.
Gain hands-on experience working with linker scripts, creating custom sections, defining memory regions, and storing functions in custom sections.
Develop a multi-slot bootloader system that allows you to store multiple application firmware in memory.
Build complex firmware solutions.

Syllabus

Downloading CubeIDE

Introduction

Installing CubeIDE

Getting the required documentation

Getting the required package for bare-metal development

Testing the project setup

The Right Boot

The Need for a Bootloader

Developing Some Generic Drivers

Important information about this section

Programming : Enabling the Floating Point Unit (FPU)

Programming : Developing a UART Driver - Analyzing the Documentation

Programming : Developing a UART Driver - Listing out the steps

Programming : Developing a UART Driver - Implementing the Init. function

Programming : Developing a UART Driver - Implementing the Write function

Programming : Developing a UART Driver - Testing the Driver

Programming : Developing the System Timebase - Analyzing the Documentation

Programming : Developing the System Timebase - Implementing the Init. function

Programming : Developing the System Timebase - The rest of the functions

Programming : Developing the System Timebase - Testing the Timebase

Programming : BSP : Listing the out the Required Functions

Programming : Writing the LED Driver

Programming : Writing the PushButton Driver

Programming : Testing the Board Support Package

The Embedded Build Process and Memory Model

Overview of the Embedded Build Process

A closer look at the Embedded Build Process

Overview of the STM32F4 Memory Model

Understanding the Linkerscript and Linking Process

Analyzing the Linkerscript and Memory Layout

Working with the Linkerscript

Source Code Download

Programming : Creating SECTIONS in the Linkerscript

Programming : Defining custom MEMORY regions

Programming : Storing functions in Custom Sections

Bare-Metal Bootloader Development

Programming : Implementing the Jump-to-Application function

Programming : Implementing the Default Application(Pt.1)

Programming : Implementing the Default Application(Pt.2)

Programming : Sharing functions between the Bootloader and User Application(Pt1)

Programming : Sharing functions between the Bootloader and User Application(Pt2)

Final Project- Multi-Slot Bootloader System

Programming : Receiving UART Commands

Programming : Designing the System

Programming : Implementing the Multi-Slot Bootloader System(Pt.1)

Programming : Implementing the Multi-Slot Bootloader System(Pt.2)

Programming : Implementing the Multi-Slot Bootloader System(Pt.3)

Closing

Closing Remarks

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides hands-on experience with linker scripts, which are essential for managing memory and code placement in embedded systems

Focuses on STM32 microcontrollers, which are widely used in embedded systems, making the skills directly applicable to real-world projects

Teaches bootloader development, a critical skill for firmware updates, security, and customization in embedded devices

Requires using STM32CubeIDE, which necessitates downloading and installing software, and may require familiarity with embedded development environments

Covers the embedded build process and memory model, which are fundamental concepts for understanding how embedded software is built and executed

Culminates in a multi-slot bootloader system project, allowing learners to apply their knowledge to a practical and complex embedded system design

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 Embedded Bootloader Development from Ground Up™ with these activities:

Review Embedded Systems Fundamentals

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Reinforce your understanding of embedded systems concepts, which are foundational to bootloader development.

Browse courses on Embedded Systems

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Review microcontroller architecture and peripherals.
Study memory organization in embedded systems.
Practice basic embedded programming concepts.

Read 'Making Embedded Systems' by Elecia White

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Gain a broader understanding of embedded systems design principles, complementing the course's focus on bootloaders.

View Making Embedded Systems on Amazon

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Read the chapters on memory management and system architecture.
Study the design patterns for embedded software.
Reflect on how these concepts apply to bootloader development.

Practice Linker Script Exercises

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Solidify your understanding of linker scripts through hands-on exercises, which are crucial for bootloader development.

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Create custom sections in a linker script.
Define memory regions for different firmware components.
Experiment with placing functions in specific memory locations.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Implement a Simple UART Bootloader

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Apply your knowledge by building a basic bootloader that communicates over UART, reinforcing key concepts from the course.

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Set up a development environment for STM32 microcontrollers.
Implement a UART communication driver.
Write a bootloader that receives firmware over UART and flashes it to memory.
Test the bootloader by updating firmware on the microcontroller.

Read 'The Definitive Guide to ARM Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 Processors'

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Deepen your understanding of the ARM Cortex-M architecture, which is essential for working with STM32 microcontrollers.

View The Definitive Guide to ARM® Cortex®-M3 and... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on memory architecture and interrupt handling.
Study the details of the ARM instruction set.
Relate the concepts to the STM32 microcontroller used in the course.

Contribute to an Open-Source Bootloader Project

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Enhance your skills by contributing to a real-world bootloader project, gaining experience with collaborative development and advanced techniques.

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Find an open-source bootloader project on platforms like GitHub.
Study the project's codebase and documentation.
Identify a bug or feature to work on.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Write a Blog Post on Bootloader Security

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Solidify your knowledge by researching and writing about security considerations in bootloader development.

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Research common bootloader vulnerabilities.
Write a blog post explaining these vulnerabilities and how to mitigate them.
Publish the blog post on a platform like Medium or your personal website.

Career center

Learners who complete Embedded Bootloader Development from Ground Up™ will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Embedded Software Engineer

An Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software for embedded systems; this course helps them achieve this by offering knowledge about the embedded build process, the STM32F4 memory model, and the linkerscript. This role requires a thorough understanding of how software interacts with hardware, and this course helps build a foundation for that. The hands-on experience with linkerscripts, creating custom sections, and defining memory regions is directly applicable to the work of an Embedded Software Engineer, who often needs to manipulate memory layouts for optimal performance. The course's focus on creating custom bootloaders and multi-slot memory systems also makes this course particularly relevant to someone looking to excel as an Embedded Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Software Engineer

Firmware Engineer

A Firmware Engineer writes the low-level code that controls hardware devices. This course provides a great introduction to a Firmware Engineer's work since it dives deep into bootloader development for STM32 microcontrollers, which is a core aspect of firmware engineering. This coursework gives them hands-on experience with linkerscripts, memory models, and the build process of a system, which are all fundamental to the role. The ability to develop custom bootloaders and multi-slot memory systems, as taught in this course, is directly transferable to real-world firmware development challenges a Firmware Engineer might face. A prospective Firmware Engineer will find this course incredibly relevant due to its focus on practical application and hardware interaction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Internet of Things Engineer

An Internet of Things Engineer develops the embedded software and systems that connect everyday devices to the internet. The skills learned in this course are directly relevant to this role, as IoT devices often rely on efficient bootloaders for firmware updates and system management. This course provides a deep dive into bootloader development, which includes the understanding of memory models, linkerscripts, and custom section creation, all critical for this role. The development of a multi-slot bootloader taught within the course allows for the management of multiple firmware applications, directly aligning with the needs of a typical Internet of Things Engineer. IoT Engineers may find this course a key part of their preparation for a job in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Internet of Things Engineer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer works with the practical applications of robotics and can greatly benefit from the topics covered in this course. This course provides a strong foundation in bootloader development for STM32 microcontrollers, which is critical for creating embedded systems for robots to function correctly. The hands-on experience with linkerscripts, memory models, and multi-slot bootloaders, is directly useful for Robotics Engineers who need to manage firmware updates and memory allocation in their systems. This course directly relates to the kind of low-level development that is often crucial in robotics. Aspiring Robotics Engineers should take this course to gain the low level knowledge of hardware and software interactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer works with both the hardware and software aspects of computer systems. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of bootloader development for STM32 microcontrollers, which is essential for embedded systems. It covers the embedded build process, memory models, and hands-on experience with linkerscripts, all practical skills for a Computer Engineer. The course’s emphasis on creating custom bootloaders and multi-slot memory systems is directly applicable to many aspects of computer engineering. A Computer Engineer who wishes to specialize in embedded systems may find that this course offers useful benefits.

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Control Systems Engineer

A Control Systems Engineer designs and implements systems that regulate the behavior of other systems, and this course may be useful to them because it deals with the development of bootloaders for microcontrollers, components used in control systems. A Control Systems Engineer needs to understand the basics of embedded systems, firmware, and low level programming. This course on bootloader development, teaches how to interact with memory, configure linkerscripts, and build systems for microcontrollers, all while giving hands on experience. Control Systems Engineers may benefit from this course by gaining a deeper grasp of how software interfaces with the hardware in embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer

Automation Engineer

An Automation Engineer designs and implements automated systems, often using microcontrollers and embedded software, making this course a potentially helpful addition to their education. This course teaches bootloader development, including manipulating linkerscripts, memory models and multi-slot bootloaders, which gives a useful understanding of the low-level software that supports automation hardware. An Automation Engineer who studies bootloaders can better control and debug automated systems at a low level. This course may be useful because it provides hands-on experience, and practical knowledge of embedded systems, crucial for the automation profession.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer

Hardware Engineer

A Hardware Engineer's work is often interwoven with software, and this course provides insights into how software interacts with hardware, making this course quite relevant for entry level Hardware Engineers. Although a Hardware Engineer does not focus on writing code, they need to have a basic understanding of the embedded build process, memory models, and linkerscripts to effectively design and test hardware. The knowledge of bootloader development, especially relating to memory management and system startup, can help them better understand the hardware implications of their designs. Studying the bootloader development process, as covered by this course, will help a Hardware Engineer know how to design with software in mind which is crucial for system integration. A Hardware Engineer may find this course extremely helpful in broadening their understanding of how software fits into hardware.

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Applications Engineer

An Applications Engineer provides technical support and solutions to clients using a company's products. This course may be useful for an Applications Engineer who supports products that use microcontrollers, as the course provides a deep dive into bootloader development. This includes practical experience with linkerscripts and memory management. Specifically, the course focuses on using STM32 microcontrollers and gives hand on experience with configuring their bootloaders, which will help an Applications Engineer troubleshoot problems. This course may be useful for those who wish to provide technical support for embedded systems.

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Product Development Engineer

A Product Development Engineer is involved in the design and development of new products and this course may provide valuable knowledge on bootloaders, which are essential for the functionality of embedded systems within many products. This course will help a Product Development Engineer understand the embedded build process and memory models, making system design and integration more effective. The practical experience with linkerscripts, custom memory settings, and multi-slot bootloaders will help engineers develop product specific solutions. A Product Development Engineer may find this course useful because it provides the skills to influence the embedded aspects of new product development.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design and build aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. This role may benefit from this course since it covers the fundamentals of bootloader development for STM32 microcontrollers, which are often used in embedded systems within aerospace applications. The skills developed by this course, such as working with linkerscripts and understanding memory layouts, can be beneficial for an Aerospace Engineer needing to work on embedded systems. The course's focus on developing multi-slot bootloaders is useful since aerospace systems often require reliable firmware updates and redundancy. An Aerospace Engineer may find that this course helps them better understand embedded systems and software integration.

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Research Engineer

A Research Engineer works on developing new technologies and systems. This course may be useful to a Research Engineer because it provides a deep dive into bootloader development for STM32 microcontrollers, which are commonly used in research. The hands-on experience with linkerscripts, memory models, and custom bootloader design provided by this course can help the Research Engineer with practical skills. The course also teaches the development of multi-slot memory systems, which are useful for testing and experimentation. A Research Engineer may find this course useful for implementing innovative solutions based on embedded systems.

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Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer works on the overall design and integration of complex systems, and this course can be valuable for a person in this role by enhancing their understanding of the embedded systems within complex projects. Systems Engineers require a broad view of how different components work together, and the focus on bootloader development in this course provides important insight into the low-level details of software and hardware. The course's exploration of the embedded build process and memory models can better equip a System Engineer to make informed decisions about system architecture and integration. Systems Engineers may find that this course deepens their understanding of underlying system functionality.

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Test Engineer

A Test Engineer verifies the quality and functionality of software and hardware products. For Test Engineers working with embedded systems, this course may help them better understand the low-level processes of bootloaders, memory management, and the embedded build process. This course will give the Test Engineer the ability to test systems at a level they may not have had access to before. The experience of the course, with linkerscripts and memory layouts, may help the Test Engineer create effective test cases. A prospective Test Engineer may find that this course helps them understand the systems they are testing, so they can do their job more effectively.

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Software Architect

A Software Architect designs the high level structure of a software system. While this role is typically high level, this course may help a Software Architect, as understanding bootloaders and embedded firmware is useful when designing systems that interact with hardware. This course goes into the low level details of the embedded build process, the memory model, and linker scripts, and teaches how to build custom bootloaders, which provides foundational knowledge that a Software Architect may find useful. The ability to understand these details can equip a Software Architect to make informed decisions. A Software Architect may find this course useful for a deeper understanding of the underlying software that interfaces with hardware.

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Embedded Bootloader Development from Ground Up™

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Activities

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