SPI Device Driver Development. (P016)

Abstract:

The "Serial Peripheral Interface" (SPI) is a synchronous four wire serial link used to connect microcontrollers to sensors, memory, and peripherals. It's a simple "de facto" standard, not complicated enough to acquire a standardization body. It is a hardware and firmware communications protocol developed by Motorola and later adopted by everybody. The SPI Bus is used only on the PCB. SPI interfaces are available on popular communication processors such as the MPC8260 and microcontrollers such as the M68HC11. It is a synchronous serial data link that operates in full duplex (signals carrying data go in both directions simultaneously). Devices communicate using a master/slave relationship, in which the master initiates the data frame. When the master generates a clock and selects a slave device, data may be transferred in either or both directions simultaneously.

Introduction:

Linux SPI Device Driver Development: Live Online Course

This course is designed for embedded developers who understand the Linux kernel and have experience implementing basic character device drivers. The focus is on mastering the SPI protocol and implementing a complete Linux SPI device driver from scratch.

Training Objective:

Upon completion of this 20-session live online course, participants will be able to master the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol, including its timing, modes (CPOL/CPHA), and transaction mechanisms. They will gain the practical skills necessary to develop, debug, and maintain a complete Linux SPI device driver from scratch. This includes correctly utilizing the Linux SPI subsystem's structures (spi_driver, spi_device), interfacing with the Device Tree for configuration, and implementing robust I/O operations using synchronous and asynchronous transfer APIs, thereby confidently integrating new SPI hardware into the Linux kernel.

Pre-requisites:

→ Very good programming skills in c

→ Aspirant must have already completed these modules...

→ Linux Kernel Architecture and Internals. click to know more...

→ Character Device Driver Development. click to know more...

Agenda:

→ The Duration of Training is:

→ 20 Live online sessions followed by assignments

→ Considering 4 sessions and assignments per week,

→ it will take 5 weeks to understand and implement complete SPI driver.

Course Delivery

Online: Live interactive sessions via video conferencing platforms for theoretical lessons.
In-person: Hands-on labs and debugging sessions for practical, real-world application.
Hybrid: A combination of online theory classes and in-person or virtual lab sessions for comprehensive learning.

Training Methodology

Lectures: Presentations covering both foundational concepts and advanced topics in device driver development.
Hands-On Labs: Real-world programming exercises to develop and test device drivers on Linux.
Reading Assignments: Curated resources, including kernel documentation, programming books, and articles.
Videos: Visual content to supplement learning and demonstrate coding techniques and solutions.

Deliverables

→ Upon completion of the course, participants will have:

→ A strong foundation in Systems, C programming tailored to Linux kernel and device driver development.
→ Comprehensive knowledge of Linux based...

→ SPI bus device driver,

→ SPI master device driver,

→ SPI protocol device driver,

including how to develop, test, and debug them.

→ A completely implemented SPI device Driver.
→ A project showcasing their ability to create a real-world Linux-based character device driver.

→ Upon Completion of this training module,,, EmbLogic will issue certificate of completion.

Salient Features of this training program.

Protocol-to-Implementation: A deep, dedicated focus on the SPI protocol (CPOL/CPHA modes, timing, transactions) before transitioning to driver implementation.

Complete Driver Implementation: Participants will implement a Linux SPI device driver from scratch, moving beyond simple concepts and modifications.

Hands-on Kernel Architecture: Direct engagement with core Linux kernel structures: struct spi_driver, struct spi_device, spi_message, and spi_transfer.

Device Tree Integration: Practical instruction on reading and utilizing Device Tree (DT) nodes for configuring SPI device parameters (mode, speed, chip select).

Robust I/O Handling: Detailed coverage of both synchronous (spi_sync) and asynchronous SPI communication APIs for varied application needs.

Advanced Driver Topics: Includes critical production-level features like Interrupt Handling (IRQs), Power Management (PM) hooks, and multi-transfer messaging.

Debugging and Tooling: Dedicated sessions on effective debugging using dynamic_debug, kernel tracing (ftrace), and integration with hardware tools (logic analyzers).

Character Device Integration: Leverages the trainee's existing knowledge by integrating the SPI driver with the familiar character device (cdev) interface for user-space access.

Live, Interactive Format: 20 one-hour live online sessions allowing for real-time Q&A, coding support, and collaborative problem-solving.

Targeted for Embedded Professionals: Designed specifically for developers who already understand the Linux kernel and character driver basics, ensuring a fast-paced, high-value learning experience.

Training Resources. click here...

EmbLogic™ is an ISO 9001:2008(QMS) (Quality Management System) Certified Company.