Overview Bootloader

In an embedded system, Bootloader runs before the Operating System (OS) kernel runs. Bootloader is used to initialize hardware devices (including the Console port, Ethernet port, and flash), and set up memory space mapping to bring the hardware and software of the system to a proper state. Finally, it prepares a proper environment for booting the OS kernel.  In the embedded system, there is no such firmware program as BIOS, so the booting of the entire system is implemented by the Bootloader.

The Bootloader system mainly provides the following functions:

• Sets startup parameter to load the image program, and select the loading mode of the Image program.
• Upgrades the Bootloader program.
• Backs up the bootloader program.