On this Rock I Will Build My System - Why Open-Source Firmware Matters

Explore the importance of open-source firmware in modern embedded systems through this 31-minute conference talk by Lucas Stach from Pengutronix. Delve into the increasing complexity of embedded systems and the shift of functionality from higher layers like the Linux kernel to pre-OS system software. Examine the reasons behind this shift, the associated risks of reduced kernel control, and how open-source firmware can mitigate these risks while building robust systems. Learn about topics such as PSCI, Trusted Firmware, SCMI, and complex firmware in asymmetric SoCs. Gain insights from Stach's extensive experience in low-level embedded systems, graphics-related topics, and his work maintaining the Etnaviv GPU kernel driver.

Intro
About me
Old model - the good
Old model - the bad
Enter PSCI
Trusted Firmware
PSCI - collision with reality
Down the rabbit hole: SCMI
Complex Firmware
Asymetric SoCs
Takeaways