what can you tell about the non free software bl30 blob?

[renky]

https://libera.catirclogs.org/linux-amlogic/2023-11-18#

It appears the bl30 blob is the only non free software file required for the le potato. What can you tell about the bl30 blob? Can it get reverse engineered? Where can you get the bl30 file? Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 10 by renky

[Igor]

This is what AI tells:

 

Role of BL30

 

The BL30 component serves as the firmware for the Amlogic Secure Co-Processor (SCP). Its primary responsibilities include managing system-level operations such as Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) and handling suspend/resume functionalities. These tasks are crucial for optimizing power consumption and ensuring efficient thermal management within the system. lists.denx.de

In addition to BL30, there is a closely related component called BL301. BL301 acts as a board-specific firmware "plug-in" that provides customized parameters for DVFS and suspend/resume operations, tailored to the specific hardware configuration of the board. lists.denx.de

 

Integration into the Boot Process

 

The typical boot sequence in Amlogic devices follows this order: BL2 → BL30 → BL31 → BL33. Each stage is responsible for initializing specific aspects of the system, with BL30 focusing on power management and system control tasks. If any stage fails, the boot process may attempt to fall back to an alternative boot medium, although this behavior can vary depending on the specific SoC and its configuration. 7Ji’s Blog+1lists.denx.de+1

Understanding the role of BL30 is essential for developers and system integrators working with Amlogic platforms, especially when customizing firmware or troubleshooting boot-related issues.

 

On 5/10/2025 at 8:46 AM, renky said:

is the only non free software file required for

All Amlogic SoCs boards needs this. AFAIK here we don't have open source alternative.

 

On 5/10/2025 at 8:46 AM, renky said:

Where can you get the bl30 file?

Only from the owner of this file after you sign certain papers https://www.amlogic.com/#Company/Contact/index.html

 

On 5/10/2025 at 8:46 AM, renky said:

Can it get reverse engineered?

 

This is complex operation and possible where / when there is a big enough interest and when more people join in this common interest and are willing to sacrifice months of their precious private time. 

 

https://github.com/crust-firmware/crust
Here is an example of similar feature for some other SoC (allwinner). It works, but it's also not feature complete and probably never will. Many of those SoCs are already commercially obsolete, similar for the one you are asking.