VULCAN Quickstart
RedBoot
RedBoot
What is RedBoot?
RedBoot is a complete bootstrap environment for embedded systems. Based on the
eCos Hardware Abstraction Layer, RedBoot inherits the eCos qualities of reliability,
compactness, configurability, and portability.
RedBoot enables download and execution of embedded applications via serial or
Ethernet, including embedded Linux and eCos applications. It can be used for both
product development (debug support) and in deployed products in the field (Flash
update and network booting).
Ethernet download and debug support is included. This means RedBoot can retrieve its
IP parameters via BOOTP or DHCP, and program images can be downloaded using
TFTP or HTTP. Images can also be downloaded over serial (using X- or Y-modem) or
loaded from a JFFS2 file system on the on-board Flash.
An interactive command-line interface is accessible via serial or Ethernet and allows
management of Flash images, image download, RedBoot configuration, etc. For
unattended or automated startup, boot scripts can be stored in Flash. This allows, for
example, loading of images from Flash or a TFTP server.
You cannot use the command-line interface via Ethernet if you have an
automatic boot script enabled which launches an application or another
operating system, since RedBoot does not stop to listen for TCP/IP activity.
The Arcom Embedded Linux (AEL) Technical Manual contains details of many of the
RedBoot commands that are useful when using RedBoot as a boot loader for another
operating system (such as Linux) or to launch an application. Full RedBoot
documentation is available in the eCos Reference Manual, which is in the /manuals/
folder on the development kit CD.
Default boot script:
The default boot script on the VULCAN loads a Linux kernel from the JFFS2 file system
and executes it:
mount
−
t jffs2
−
f filesystem
load
−
r
−
b %{FREEMEMLO} %{kernel}
exec
−
c %{cmdline}
%{FREEMEMLO}
is a predefined alias for the lowest address of available memory.
%{kernel}
is an alias for the full path name of the Linux kernel to boot.
%{cmdline}
is an alias for the kernel command line to use.
Refer to the AEL Technical Manual for further details.
© 2005 Arcom Issue D
13
