
Abstract
Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) Protocol
The Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) protocol is a synchronous, multi-master, multi-slave, serial computer bus invented by Philips (NXP). It utilizes only two bidirectional open-drain lines: Serial Data (SDA) and Serial Clock (SCL), minimizing pin count and board complexity. I2C devices communicate using a master-slave relationship. The master initiates data transfer with a START condition, transmits a 7-bit or 10-bit slave address, and awaits an ACK acknowledgment. Data is transferred in 8-bit packets, followed by an ACK/NACK. Its simplicity and low-speed efficiency make it ubiquitous in embedded systems for interfacing low-bandwidth peripherals like EEPROMs, sensors, and real-time clocks (RTCs).
Introduction
Welcome to the hands-on live online course on Linux I2C Driver Development! This 20-hour program is designed to take you from protocol fundamentals to implementing a complete, production-ready I2C device driver from scratch. You'll master the I2C protocol's low-level signaling, bus arbitration, and data transfer mechanisms. We'll then dive deep into the Linux I2C Subsystem, learning the roles of the Adapter, Algorithm, Client, and Driver structures. The hands-on focus includes configuring the Device Tree, implementing kernel APIs, and writing the full I2C Client Driver to interact with a real sensor or memory chip, giving you essential embedded Linux expertise.
Training Objective
The primary objective of this course is to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to develop, debug, and maintain complex Linux I2C device drivers.
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
1. and troubleshoot I2C bus traffic using a logic analyzer;
2. Understand and navigate the entire Linux I2C subsystem architecture (Adapter, Algorithm, Client, Driver);
3. Integrate hardware using the Device Tree and kernel platform mechanisms; and
4. Implement a complete I2C Client Device Driver from initialization to user-space interfacing (ioctl), ensuring full compliance with kernel best practices.
This guarantees readiness for professional embedded Linux driver development roles.
Pre-requisites
→ Very good programming skills in c
→ Aspirant must have already completed these modules...
→ Hardware & Setup (Recommended for Hands-on Practice)
→ Development Board: An embedded Linux board like a Raspberry Pi (Model 3/4 or later) or BeagleBone Black (BBB) is recommended for practical lab sessions.
→ Host Environment: A Linux machine (Native or VM, e.g., Ubuntu) with at least 8GB RAM and the necessary toolchains for cross-compilation.
→ I2C Slave Device: An inexpensive external I2C device (e.g., an EEPROM, a simple sensor like an MPU6050, or an OLED display like SSD1306) for testing the developed driver.
Agenda
→ The Duration of Training is:
→ 20 Live online sessions followed by assignments
→ Considering 4 0r 5 sessions and assignments per week,
→ it will take 4 or 5 weeks to understand and implement complete I2C 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...
→ I2C protocol,
→ I2C device driver,
→ including how to develop, test, and debug drivers.
→ A completely implemented I2C device Driver.
→ A project showcasing their ability to create a real-world Linux-based I2C device driver.
→ Upon Completion of this training module,,, EmbLogic will issue certificate of completion.
Salient Features of this training program
→ Protocol to Driver Implementation: The course provides a complete end-to-end journey, starting with the low-level I2C Protocol fundamentals (Start/Stop, ACK/NACK, Timing) and concluding with a fully functional Linux Device Driver.
→ Driver From Scratch: Participants implement a complete Linux I2C Client Device Driver from the ground up, including kernel module setup, character device interface, and I2C API usage.
→ Controller (Adapter) Driver Insight: Unlike most courses, it dedicates sessions to implementing the I2C Controller/Adapter Driver, offering deep insight into how the physical bus is controlled via Memory-Mapped I/O (MMIO) and hardware registers.
→ Device Tree (DT) Understanding: Extensive coverage of the Device Tree (DT) mechanism, teaching students how to correctly instantiate I2C devices and controllers, which is mandatory in modern embedded Linux.
→ Hands-on Hardware Debugging: The curriculum strongly recommends using a Logic Analyzer for real-time debugging of SDA and SCL lines, a critical, high-value skill for embedded engineers.
→ 20-Session Live Format: The structure of 20 one-hour live sessions ensures focused learning, allows for direct instructor interaction, and makes the extensive content manageable.
→ Linux Subsystem Architecture: A thorough exploration of the Linux I2C Subsystem (Adapter, Algorithm, Client, Driver) provides the necessary context for correct driver integration.
→ Practical I/O Techniques: Focus on using kernel APIs like i2c_transfer and integrating with the user-space via the ioctl interface for device-specific commands.
→ Advanced Kernel Topics: Includes crucial advanced subjects like Interrupt Handling for controller drivers, Power Management hooks, and dynamic device management using sysfs.
→ Prerequisites: The detailed and demanding prerequisites ensure all participants have a strong foundation in C programming and Linux kernel modules, maximizing the learning pace and quality of practical work.
EmbLogic™ is an ISO 9001:2008(QMS) (Quality Management System) Certified Company.