Boot chain overview

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1. Generic boot sequence[edit source]

1.1. Linux start-up[edit source]

Starting Linux^® on a processor is done in several steps that progressively initialize the platform peripherals and memories. These steps are explained in the following paragraphs and illustrated by the diagram on the right, which also gives typical memory sizes for each stage.

1.1.1. ROM code[edit source]

The ROM code is a piece of software that takes its name from the read only memory (ROM) where it is stored. It fits in a few tens of Kbytes and maps its data in embedded RAM. It is the first code executed by the processor, and it embeds all the logic needed to select the boot device (serial link or Flash) from which the first-stage boot loader (FSBL) is loaded to the embedded RAM.
Most products require to trust the application that is running on the device and the ROM code is the first link in the chain of trust that must be established across all started components: this trust is established by authenticating the FSBL before starting it. In turn, the FSBL and each following component will authenticate the next one, up to a level defined by the product manufacturer.

1.1.2. First stage boot loader (FSBL)[edit source]

Among other things, the first stage boot loader (FSBL) initializes (part of) the clock tree and the external RAM controller. Finally, the FSBL loads the second-stage boot loader (SSBL) into the external RAM and jumps to it.

The Trusted Firmware-A (TF-A) and U-Boot secondary program loader (U-Boot SPL) are two possible FSBLs.

1.1.3. Second-stage boot loader (SSBL)[edit source]

The second-stage boot loader (SSBL) runs in a wide RAM so it can implement complex features (USB, Ethernet, display, and so on), that are very useful to make Linux kernel loading more flexible (from a Flash device, a network, and so on), and user-friendly (by showing a splash screen to the user). U-Boot is commonly used as a Linux bootloader in embedded systems.

1.1.4. Linux kernel space[edit source]

The Linux kernel is started in the external memory and it initializes all the peripheral drivers that are needed on the platform.

1.1.5. Linux user space[edit source]

Finally, the Linux kernel hands control to the user space starting the init process that runs all initialization actions described in the root file system (rootfs), including the application framework that exposes the user interface (UI) to the user.

1.2. Other services start-up[edit source]

In addition to Linux startup, the boot chain also installs the secure monitor and may support coprocessor firmware loading.

For instance, for the STM32MP15, the boot chain starts:

the secure monitor , supported by the Arm^® Cortex^®-A secure context (TrustZone). Examples of use of a secure monitor are: user authentication, key storage, and tampering management.
the coprocessor firmware, running on the Arm Cortex-M core. This can be used to offload real-time or low-power services.

The dotted lines in the diagram on the right mean that:

the coprocessor can be started by the second stage boot loader (SSBL), known as “early boot”, or Linux kernel

2. STM32MP boot sequence[edit source]

2.1. Diagram frames and legend[edit source]

The hardware execution contexts are shown with vertical frames in the boot diagrams:

the Arm Cortex-A secure context, in pink
the Arm Cortex-A non-secure context, in dark blue
the Arm Cortex-M context, in light blue

The horizontal frame in:

the bottom part shows the boot chain
the top part shows the runtime services, that are installed by the boot chain

The legend on the right shows how information about the various components shown in the frames, and which are involved in the boot process, is highlighted:

The box color shows the component source code origin
The arrows show the loading and calling actions between the components
The Cube logo is used on the top right corner of components that can be configured via STM32CubeMX
The lock show the components that can be authenticated during the boot process

2.2. STM32MP15 boot chain[edit source]

2.2.1. Overview[edit source]

Zoom out to STM32MPU Embedded Software

STM32MP15 boot chain uses Trusted Firmware-A (TF-A) as the FSBL in order to fulfill all the requirements for security-sensitive customers, and it uses U-Boot as the SSBL. Note that the authentication is optional with this boot chain, so it can run on any STM32MP15 device security variant (that is, with or without the Secure boot).
Refer to the security overview for an introduction of the secure features available on STM32MP15, from the secure boot up to trusted applications execution.

Note:

The STM32MP15 coprocessor can be started at the SSBL level by the U-Boot early boot feature or, later, by the Linux remoteproc framework, depending on the application startup time-targets.

2.2.2. ROM code[edit source]

The ROM code starts the processor in secure mode. It supports the FSBL authentication and offers authentication services to the FSBL.

2.2.3. First stage boot loader (FSBL)[edit source]

The FSBL is executed from the SYSRAM.
Among other things, this boot loader initializes (part of) the clock tree and the DDR controller. Finally, the FSBL loads the second-stage boot loader (SSBL) into the DDR external RAM and jumps to it.
The boot loader stage 2, so called TF-A BL2, is the Trusted Firmware-A (TF-A) binary used as FSBL on STM32MP15.

2.2.4. Second stage boot loader (SSBL)[edit source]

U-Boot is commonly used as a bootloader in embedded software and it is the one used on STM32MP15.

2.2.5. Linux[edit source]

Linux^® OS is loaded in DDR by U-Boot and executed in the non-secure context.

2.2.6. Secure OS / Secure Monitor[edit source]

The Cortex-A7 secure world can implement a minimal secure monitor (from TF-A SP-MIN or U-Boot) or a real secure OS, such as OP-TEE.

2.2.7. Coprocessor firmware[edit source]

The coprocessor STM32Cube firmware can be started at the SSBL level by U-Boot with the remoteproc feature (rproc command) or, later, by Linux remoteproc framework, depending on the application startup time-targets.