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Revision as of 15:08, 1 July 2022


DART-MX8M

Sections

Available dtbs

To allow Cortex M4 accessing shared resources without experiencing Linux kernel conflicts, a dedicated device tree must be loaded, by selecting the right version with the symbolic link in the /boot folder of the booting media.
These device trees contain m4 label in their name.


The below table lists an example dtb blob file name for DART-MX8M (on DT8MCustomBoard rev. 1.3 and higher) with support for M4 (and SD card and LVDS), for each kernel version / Yocto release:

File Name
Description
imx8mq-var-dart-dt8mcustomboard-m4-sd-lvds.dtb For kernel >= 5.4.85 (Yocto >= Dunfell)
imx8mq-var-dart-m4-sd-lvds.dtb For kernel = 5.4.24 (Yocto Zeus)
fsl-imx8mq-var-dart-m4-sd-lvds.dtb For kernel = 4.19.35 (Yocto Warrior)
Image.gz-fsl-imx8mq-var-dart-m4-sd-lvds.dtb For kernel = 4.14.98 (Yocto Sumo)

For the full list of device tree blob files, refer to the "Build Results" section in the appropriate wiki page for the specific Yocto/Debian release you are using.

Default M4 pins

Default M4 pins used by the demos are:

function pin
debug UART (UART2) RX: J12.6 / TX: J12.4
GPIO (GPIO4_IO03) LED7 for DT8CustomBoard 1.x
U43.2 / R228 for DT8CustomBoard >= 2.0 (Use Oscilloscope to observe output signal)
I2C (I2C3) SCL: J12.18 / SDA: J12.20
PWM (PWM2) J14.3

Available Demos

  • driver_examples/i2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/i2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/i2c/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/i2c/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/wdog
  • driver_examples/gpio/led_output (only for 1.x DT8CustomBoard)
  • driver_examples/tmu/tmu_monitor_report
  • driver_examples/pwm
  • driver_examples/uart/auto_baudrate_detect
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt_rb_transfer
  • driver_examples/uart/polling
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt_transfer
  • driver_examples/gpt/timer
  • driver_examples/gpt/capture
  • driver_examples/ecspi/ecspi_loopback
  • driver_examples/qspi/polling_transfer
  • driver_examples/rdc
  • driver_examples/sema4/uboot
  • rtos_examples/freertos_ecspi/ecspi_loopback
  • rtos_examples/freertos_hello
  • rtos_examples/freertos_queue
  • rtos_examples/freertos_sem
  • rtos_examples/freertos_generic
  • rtos_examples/freertos_uart
  • rtos_examples/freertos_tickless
  • rtos_examples/freertos_mutex
  • rtos_examples/freertos_event
  • rtos_examples/freertos_swtimer
  • rtos_examples/freertos_i2c
  • cmsis_driver_examples/i2c/int_b2b_transfer/slave
  • cmsis_driver_examples/i2c/int_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/uart/interrupt_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/ecspi/int_loopback_transfer
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_str_echo_rtos
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_pingpong_rtos/linux_remote
  • demo_apps/hello_world

NXP Memory types

The SDK allow linking using 2 different memory types: DDR, TCM.

Here is available a short summary of memory areas used by Cortex-M4 as described in related linker file.

memory type M4 memory area A53 memory area memory lentgh linker file
DDR 0x80000000-0x801FFFFF (code)
0x80200000-0x803FFFFF (data)
0x80400000-0x80FFFFFF (data2)
0x80000000-0x801FFFFF (code)
0x80200000-0x803FFFFF (data)
0x80400000-0x80FFFFFF (data2)
16MB (DDR) MIMX8MQ6xxxJZ_cm4_ddr_ram.ld
TCM 0x1FFE0000-0x1FFFFFFF (code)
0x20000000-0x2001FFFF (data)
0x80000000-0x80FFFFFF (data2)
0x007E0000-0x007FFFFF (code)
0x00800000-0x0081FFFF (data)
0x80000000-0x80FFFFFF (data2)
256kB (TCM) + 16MB (DDR) MIMX8MQ6xxxJZ_cm4_ram.ld

All linker files are locate in the armgcc folder of each demo.

The DDR reserved area must much the one declared in the kernel device tree: at least 2 GB of RAM is required on the SoM to allow Cortex-M4 accessing the range 0x80000000 - 0x80FFFFFF.

The RPMSG area is located at 0xB8000000: at least 3 GB of RAM is required on the SoM to allow Cortex-M4 accessing the RPMSG area. After launching the build_all.sh command the following folder will be created in the armgcc folder

  • ddr_debug: containing DDR binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • ddr_release: containing DDR binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)
  • debug: containing TCM binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • release: containing TCM binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)

Further details about memory mapping are available in i.MX 8M Applications Processors Reference Manual paragraphs:

  • 2.1.2 Cortex-A53 Memory Map
  • 2.1.3 Cortex-M4 Memory Map

Variscite Memory types

The SDK allow linking using 2 different memory types: DDR, TCM.

Here is available a short summary of memory areas used by Cortex-M4 as described in related linker file.

memory type M4 memory area A53 memory area memory lentgh linker file
DDR 0x7E000000-0x7E1FFFFF (code)
0x7E200000-0x7E3FFFFF (data)
0x7E400000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
0x7E000000-0x7E1FFFFF (code)
0x7E200000-0x7E3FFFFF (data)
0x7E400000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
16MB (DDR) MIMX8MQ6xxxJZ_cm4_ddr_ram.ld
TCM 0x1FFE0000-0x1FFFFFFF (code)
0x20000000-0x2001FFFF (data)
0x7E000000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
0x007E0000-0x007FFFFF (code)
0x00800000-0x0081FFFF (data)
0x7E000000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
256kB (TCM) + 16MB (DDR) MIMX8MQ6xxxJZ_cm4_ram.ld

All linker files are locate in the armgcc folder of each demo.

The DDR reserved area must much the one declared in the kernel device tree: at least 1 GB of RAM is required on the SoM to allow Cortex-M4 accessing the range 0x7E000000 - 0x7EFFFFFF. For some reason, Cortex-M4 is not able to access RAM locations below 0x60000000: SoMs with 512 MB of RAM are not suitable to use Cortex-M4.

The RPMSG area is located at 0x40000000: all SoMs allow Cortex-M4 accessing the RPMSG area.

After launching the build_all.sh command the following folder will be created in the armgcc folder

  • ddr_debug: containing DDR binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • ddr_release: containing DDR binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)
  • debug: containing TCM binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • release: containing TCM binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)

Further details about memory mapping are available in i.MX 8M Applications Processors Reference Manual paragraphs:

  • 2.1.2 Cortex-A53 Memory Map
  • 2.1.3 Cortex-M4 Memory Map

JTAG

The VAR-DT8MCustomBoard exports the DART-MX8M JTAG signals through J29, a standard 1.27" 10 pin header.

Here is the pinout:

pin signal description pin signal description
1 JTAG_VREF JTAG IO reference voltage,
connects to SOM_NVCC_3V3.
2 JTAG_TMS JTAG Mode Select signal
3 GND Digital Ground 4 JTAG_TCK JTAG Clock signal,
requires 10K pull down.
5 GND Digital Ground 6 JTAG_TDO JTAG Data Out signal
7 GND Digital Ground 8 JTAG_TDI JTAG Data In signal
9 JTAG_NTRST_C JTAG Reset signal 10 NRST_CON Programmer Reset,
used to put the SOC in reset state.

Please refer to board schematics for further details.

Releases

mcuxpresso-2.5.1-mx8mq-v1.0

  • HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.5.1-mx8mq-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.5.1_V1.0_DART-MX8M
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.5.1
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.5.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/7-2018q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mq
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M_MEMORY-TYPES_NXP_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK i.MX 8M Devices.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MQ

mcuxpresso-2.5.1-mx8mq-v1.1

   *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.5.1-mx8mq-v1.1
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.5.1_V1.1_DART-MX8M
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.5.1
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.5.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/7-2018q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mq
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK i.MX 8M Devices.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MQ

mcuxpresso-2.8.0-mx8mq-v1.0

 *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.8.0-mx8mq-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.8.0_V1.0_DART-MX8M
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.8.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.8.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/9-2020q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mq
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MQ.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MQ

mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8mq-v1.0

 *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8mq-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.9.0_V1.0_DART-MX8M
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.9.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.9.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/9-2020q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mq
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MQ.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MQ
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = dunfell-fslc-5.4-2.1.x-mx8mq-v1.0

mcuxpresso-2.10.0-mx8mq-v1.0

 *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.10.0-mx8mq-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.10.0_V1.0_DART-MX8M
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.10.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.10.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/10-2020q4/gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mq
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MQ.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MQ
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = dunfell-fslc-5.4-2.1.x-mx8mq-v1.3
  • DEACTIVATE_LMEM_CACHE_PATCH = 0001-iMX8MQ-deactivated-the-LMEM-caches-to-debug-in-exter.patch
  • BOARD_SDK = dart_mx8mq

mcuxpresso-2.11.1-mx8mq-v1.0

 *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.11.1-mx8mq-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.11.1_V1.0_DART-MX8M
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.11.1
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.11.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/10.3-2021.07/gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mq
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MQ.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MQ
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = dunfell-fslc-5.4-2.1.x-mx8mq-v1.5
  • DEACTIVATE_LMEM_CACHE_PATCH = 0001-iMX8MQ-deactivated-the-LMEM-caches-to-debug-in-exter.patch
  • BOARD_SDK = dart_mx8mq

DART-MX8M-MINI

Sections

Available dtbs

To allow Cortex M4 accessing shared resources without experiencing Linux kernel conflicts, a dedicated device tree must be loaded, containing m4 label in the name, using the fdt_file environment variable in U-Boot.

This device tree disables some of the base device tree nodes in order to avoid conflicts between the main processor and Cortex M4.

File Name
Description
imx8mm-var-dart-dt8mcustomboard-m4.dtb DART-MX8M-MINI device tree blob for kernel >= 5.4.74 (Yocto Dunfell)
imx8mm-var-dart-m4.dtb DART-MX8M-MINI device tree blob for kernel 5.4.3 (Yocto Zeus) on SOM rev. > 1.0
fsl-imx8mm-var-dart-m4.dtb DART-MX8M-MINI device tree blob for in kernels < 5.4.3 on SOM rev. > 1.0
imx8mm-var-som-symphony-m4.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-MINI device tree blob for kernel >= 5.4.74 (Yocto Dunfell) on Symphony-Board 1.4a and above
imx8mm-var-som-symphony-legacy-m4.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-MINI device tree blob for kernel >= 5.4.74 (Yocto Dunfell) on Symphony-Board 1.4 and below
imx8mm-var-som-m4.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-MINI device tree blob for kernel 5.4.3 (Yocto Zeus) on SOM rev. > 1.0
imx8mm-var-som-rev10-m4.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-MINI device tree blob for kernel 5.4.3 (Yocto Zeus) on SOM rev. 1.0
fsl-imx8mm-var-som-m4.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-MINI device tree blob for in kernels < 5.4.3 on SOM rev. > 1.0
fsl-imx8mm-var-som-rev10-m4.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-MINI device tree blob for in kernels < 5.4.3 on SOM rev. 1.0


Default M4 pins

Default M4 pins used by the demos are:

function pin
debug UART (UART2) RX: J12.6 / TX: J12.4
GPIO (GPIO4_IO03) LED7
I2C (I2C4) SCL: J12.17 / SDA: J12.19
PWM (PWM2) J14.3

Default M4 pins v2

Default M4 pins used by the demos are:

function SoC balls DART-MX8M-MINI pins DT8MCB pins VAR-SOM-MX8M-MINI pins Symphony pins notes
UART3 RX/TX E18 / D18 J2.87 / J2.89 J12.11 / J12.13 J1.175 / J1.124 J18.5 / J18.3
GPIO4_IO03 AF15 J2.59 GPLED1 J1.84 J17.3
I2C4 SCL/SDA D13 / E13 J1.17 / J1.19 J12.17/ J12.19 J1.174 / J1.176 J16.10 / J16.12
PWM3 AF9 J3.36 J14.7 J1.69 J18.2
SPI1 CS0/SCK/SDI/SDO B6 / D6 / A7 / B7 J2.79 / J2.77 / J2.81 / J2.83 J16.4/ J16.2 / J16.8 / J16.6 J1.39 / J1.43 / J1.41 / J1.45 J16.4/ J16.2 / J16.6 / J16.8 enablind it SPI devices will be no longer visible from Linux

Available Demos

  • driver_examples/i2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/i2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/i2c/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/i2c/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/wdog
  • driver_examples/sdma/scatter_gather
  • driver_examples/sdma/memory_to_memory
  • driver_examples/gpio/led_output (only for 1.x DT8CustomBoard)
  • driver_examples/pwm
  • driver_examples/uart/auto_baudrate_detect
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt
  • driver_examples/uart/idle_detect_sdma_transfer
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt_rb_transfer
  • driver_examples/uart/sdma_transfer
  • driver_examples/uart/polling
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt_transfer
  • driver_examples/gpt/timer
  • driver_examples/gpt/capture
  • driver_examples/ecspi/ecspi_loopback
  • driver_examples/ecspi/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/ecspi/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/ecspi/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/ecspi/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/rdc
  • driver_examples/tmu_1/monitor_threshold
  • driver_examples/tmu_1/temperature_polling
  • driver_examples/sema4/uboot
  • rtos_examples/freertos_ecspi/ecspi_loopback
  • rtos_examples/freertos_hello
  • rtos_examples/freertos_queue
  • rtos_examples/freertos_sem
  • rtos_examples/freertos_generic
  • rtos_examples/freertos_uart
  • rtos_examples/freertos_tickless
  • rtos_examples/freertos_mutex
  • rtos_examples/freertos_event
  • rtos_examples/freertos_swtimer
  • rtos_examples/freertos_i2c
  • cmsis_driver_examples/i2c/int_b2b_transfer/slave
  • cmsis_driver_examples/i2c/int_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/uart/sdma_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/uart/interrupt_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/ecspi/int_loopback_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/ecspi/sdma_loopback_transfer
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_str_echo_rtos
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_pingpong_rtos/linux_remote
  • demo_apps/hello_world

Variscite Memory types

The SDK allow linking using 2 different memory types: DDR, TCM.

Here is available a short summary of memory areas used by Cortex-M4 as described in related linker file.

memory type M4 memory area A53 memory area memory lentgh linker file
DDR 0x7E000000-0x7E1FFFFF (code)
0x7E200000-0x7E3FFFFF (data)
0x7E400000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
0x7E000000-0x7E1FFFFF (code)
0x7E200000-0x7E3FFFFF (data)
0x7E400000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
16MB (DDR) MIMX8MM6xxxxx_cm4_ddr_ram.ld
TCM 0x1FFE0000-0x1FFFFFFF (code)
0x20000000-0x2001FFFF (data)
0x7E000000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
0x007E0000-0x007FFFFF (code)
0x00800000-0x0081FFFF (data)
0x7E000000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
256kB (TCM) + 16MB (DDR) MIMX8MM6xxxxx_cm4_ram.ld

All linker files are locate in the armgcc folder of each demo.

The DDR reserved area must much the one declared in the kernel device tree: at least 1 GB of RAM is required on the SoM to allow Cortex-M4 accessing the range 0x7E000000 - 0x7EFFFFFF. For some reason, Cortex-M4 is not able to access RAM locations below 0x60000000: SoMs with 512 MB of RAM are not suitable to use Cortex-M4.

The RPMSG area is located at 0x40000000: all SoMs allow Cortex-M4 accessing the RPMSG area.

After launching the build_all.sh command the following folder will be created in the armgcc folder

  • ddr_debug: containing DDR binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • ddr_release: containing DDR binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)
  • debug: containing TCM binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • release: containing TCM binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)

Further details about memory mapping are available in i.MX 8M-Mini Applications Processors Reference Manual paragraphs:

  • 2.1.2 Cortex-A53 Memory Map
  • 2.1.3 Cortex-M4 Memory Map

Releases

freertos-1.0.1-mx7-v1.0


mcuxpresso-2.5.0-mx8mm-v1.0

  • HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M-MINI
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.5.0-mx8mm-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.5.0_V1.0_DART-MX8M-MINI
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.5.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.5.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/7-2018q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mm
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for i.MX 8M Mini.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MM

mcuxpresso-2.5.0-mx8mm-v1.1

   *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M-MINI
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.5.0-mx8mm-v1.1
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.5.0_V1.1_DART-MX8M-MINI
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.5.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.5.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/7-2018q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mm
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_PINS_SECTION_V2
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for i.MX 8M Mini.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MM

mcuxpresso-2.8.0-mx8mm-v1.0

   *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M-MINI
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.8.0-mx8mm-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.8.0_V1.0_DART-MX8M-MINI
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.8.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.8.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/9-2020q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mm
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_PINS_SECTION_V2
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MM.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MM

mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8mm-v1.0

   *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M-MINI
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8mm-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.9.0_V1.0_DART-MX8M-MINI
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.9.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.9.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/9-2020q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mm
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_PINS_SECTION_V2
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MM.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MM
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = dunfell-fslc-5.4-2.1.x-mx8mm-v1.1

mcuxpresso-2.10.0-mx8mm-v1.0

   *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M-MINI
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.10.0-mx8mm-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.10.0_V1.0_DART-MX8M-MINI
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.10.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.10.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/10-2020q4/gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mm
  • DEACTIVATE_LMEM_CACHE_PATCH = 0001-iMX8M-MINI-deactivated-the-LMEM-caches-to-debug-in-e.patch
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_PINS_SECTION_V2
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MM.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MM
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = hardknott-fslc-5.4-2.3.x-mx8mm-v1.1

mcuxpresso-2.11.1-mx8mm-v1.0

   *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M-MINI
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.11.1-mx8mm-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.11.1_V1.0_DART-MX8M-MINI
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.11.1
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.11.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/10.3-2021.07/gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mm
  • DEACTIVATE_LMEM_CACHE_PATCH = 0001-iMX8M-MINI-deactivated-the-LMEM-caches-to-debug-in-e.patch
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_PINS_SECTION_V2
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M-MINI_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MM.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MM
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = hardknott-fslc-5.4-2.3.x-mx8mm-v1.4

VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO

Sections

Available dtbs

To allow Cortex M7 accessing shared resources without experiencing Linux kernel conflicts, a dedicated device tree must be loaded, containing m7 label in the name, using the fdt_file environment variable in U-Boot.

File Name
Description
imx8mn-var-som-symphony-m7.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO device tree blob for kernel >= 5.4.74 (Yocto Dunfell) on Symphony-Board 1.4a and above
imx8mn-var-som-symphony-legacy-m7.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO device tree blob for kernel >= 5.4.74 (Yocto Dunfell) on Symphony-Board 1.4 and below
imx8mn-var-som-m7.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO device tree blob for kernel 5.4.3 - 5.4.24 (Yocto Zeus) on som rev > 1.0
imx8mn-var-som-rev10-m7.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO device tree blob for kernel 5.4.3 - 5.4.24 (Yocto Zeus) on som rev 1.0
fsl-imx8mn-var-som-m7.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO device tree blob for kernel < 5.4.3 on som rev > 1.0
fsl-imx8mn-var-som-rev10-m7.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO device tree blob for kernel < 5.4.3 on som rev 1.0

This device tree disables some of the base device tree nodes in order to avoid conflicts between the main processor and Cortex M7.

Default M7 pins

Default M7 pins used by the demos are:

function SoC balls VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO pins Symphony pins notes
UART3 RX/TX E18 / D18 J1.175 / J1.124 J18.5 / J18.3
GPIO4_IO23 AC24 J1.21 J16.5
I2C4 SCL/SDA D13 / E13 J1.174 / J1.176 J16.10 / J16.12
PWM3 AF9 J1.69 J18.2
SPI1 CS0/SCK/SDI/SDO B6 / D6 / A7 / B7 J1.39 / J1.43 / J1.41 / J1.45 J16.4/ J16.2 / J16.6 / J16.8 enablind it SPI devices will be no longer visible from Linux

Available Demos

  • driver_examples/i2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/i2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/i2c/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/i2c/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/wdog
  • driver_examples/sdma/scatter_gather
  • driver_examples/sdma/memory_to_memory
  • driver_examples/gpio/led_output
  • driver_examples/pwm
  • driver_examples/uart/auto_baudrate_detect
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt
  • driver_examples/uart/idle_detect_sdma_transfer
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt_rb_transfer
  • driver_examples/uart/sdma_transfer
  • driver_examples/uart/polling
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt_transfer
  • driver_examples/gpt/timer
  • driver_examples/gpt/capture
  • driver_examples/ecspi/ecspi_loopback
  • driver_examples/ecspi/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/ecspi/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/ecspi/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/ecspi/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/rdc
  • driver_examples/tmu_1/monitor_threshold
  • driver_examples/tmu_1/temperature_polling
  • driver_examples/sema4/uboot
  • rtos_examples/freertos_ecspi/ecspi_loopback
  • rtos_examples/freertos_hello
  • rtos_examples/freertos_queue
  • rtos_examples/freertos_sem
  • rtos_examples/freertos_generic
  • rtos_examples/freertos_uart
  • rtos_examples/freertos_tickless
  • rtos_examples/freertos_mutex
  • rtos_examples/freertos_event
  • rtos_examples/freertos_swtimer
  • rtos_examples/freertos_i2c
  • cmsis_driver_examples/i2c/int_b2b_transfer/slave
  • cmsis_driver_examples/i2c/int_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/uart/sdma_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/uart/interrupt_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/ecspi/int_loopback_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/ecspi/sdma_loopback_transfer
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_str_echo_rtos
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_pingpong_rtos/linux_remote
  • demo_apps/hello_world

Memory types

The SDK allow linking using 2 different memory types: DDR, TCM.

Here is available a short summary of memory areas used by Cortex-M7 as described in related linker file.

memory type M7 memory area A53 memory area memory lentgh linker file
DDR 0x7E000000-0x7E1FFFFF (code)
0x7E200000-0x7E3FFFFF (data)
0x7E400000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
0x7E000000-0x7E1FFFFF (code)
0x7E200000-0x7E3FFFFF (data)
0x7E400000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
16MB (DDR) MIMX8MN6xxxxx_cm7_ddr_ram.ld
TCM 0x00000000-0x0001FFFF (code)
0x20000000-0x2001FFFF (data)
0x7E000000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
0x007E0000-0x007FFFFF (code)
0x00800000-0x0081FFFF (data)
0x7E000000-0x7EFFFFFF (data2)
256kB (TCM) + 16MB (DDR) MIMX8MN6xxxxx_cm7_ram.ld

All linker files are locate in the armgcc folder of each demo.

The DDR reserved area must much the one declared in the kernel device tree: at least 1 GB of RAM is required on the SoM to allow Cortex-M7 accessing the range 0x7E000000 - 0x7EFFFFFF. For some reason, Cortex-M7 is not able to access RAM locations below 0x60000000: SoMs with 512 MB of RAM are not suitable to use Cortex-M7.

The RPMSG area is located at 0x40000000: all SoMs allow Cortex-M7 accessing the RPMSG area.

After launching the build_all.sh command the following folder will be created in the armgcc folder

  • ddr_debug: containing DDR binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • ddr_release: containing DDR binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)
  • debug: containing TCM binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • release: containing TCM binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)

Further details about memory mapping are available in i.MX 8M Applications Processors Reference Manual paragraphs:

  • 2.1.2 Cortex-A53 Memory Map
  • 2.1.3 Cortex-M7 Memory Map

JTAG

VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO exposes JTAG signals on a header (not assembled by default) on the SOM top left side.

Here is the pinout:

pin signal description pin signal description
1 JTAG_VREF JTAG IO reference voltage,
connected to SOM_3V3_PER via 150 Ohm.
2 JTAG_TMS JTAG Mode Select signal
3 GND Digital Ground 4 JTAG_TCK JTAG Clock signal,
include PD of 8.2K Ohm.
5 GND Digital Ground 6 JTAG_TDO JTAG Data Out signal
7 GND Digital Ground 8 JTAG_TDI JTAG Data In signal
9 JTAG_TRST_B JTAG Reset signal,
active low signal
10 POR_B Programmer Reset,
used to put the SOC in reset state.

Please refer to SoM datasheet for further details.

Releases

mcuxpresso-2.7.0-mx8mn-v1.0

   *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • SOC_HAS_M7 = true
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.7.0-mx8mn-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.7.0_V1.0_VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.7.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.7.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/8-2019q3/RC1.1/gcc-arm-none-eabi-8-2019-q3-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-8-2019-q3-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-8-2019-q3-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/som_mx8mn
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_MEMORY-TYPES
  • JTAG_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MN.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MN

mcuxpresso-2.8.0-mx8mn-v1.0

 *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • SOC_HAS_M7 = true
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.8.0-mx8mn-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.8.0_V1.0_VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.8.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.8.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/9-2020q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/som_mx8mn
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_MEMORY-TYPES
  • JTAG_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MN.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MN

mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8mn-v1.0

 *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • SOC_HAS_M7 = true
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8mn-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.9.0_V1.0_VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.9.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.9.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/9-2020q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/som_mx8mn
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_MEMORY-TYPES
  • JTAG_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MN.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MN
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = dunfell-fslc-5.4-2.1.x-mx8mn-v1.1

mcuxpresso-2.10.0-mx8mn-v1.0

 *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • SOC_HAS_M7 = true
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.10.0-mx8mn-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.10.0_V1.0_VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.10.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.10.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/10-2020q4/gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/som_mx8mn
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_MEMORY-TYPES
  • JTAG_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MN.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MN
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = dunfell-fslc-5.4-2.1.x-mx8mn-v1.6

mcuxpresso-2.11.1-mx8mn-v1.0

 *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • SOC_HAS_M7 = true
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.11.1-mx8mn-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.11.1_V1.0_VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.11.1
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.11.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/10.3-2021.07/gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/som_mx8mn
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8M-NANO_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_MEMORY-TYPES
  • JTAG_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8MN_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MN.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MN
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = dunfell-fslc-5.4-2.1.x-mx8mn-v1.8

DART-MX8M-PLUS

Sections

Available dtbs

To allow Cortex M7 accessing shared resources without experiencing Linux kernel conflicts, a dedicated device tree must be loaded, containing m7 label in the name, using the fdt_file environment variable in U-Boot.

This device tree disables some of the base device tree nodes in order to avoid conflicts between the main processor and Cortex M7.

File Name
Description
imx8mp-var-dart-dt8customboard-m7.dtb DART-MX8M-PLUS device tree blob for kernel >= 5.4.70 (Yocto Zeus) on DT8MCustomBoard 2.x
imx8mp-var-dart-dt8mcustomboard-legacy-m7.dtb DART-MX8M-PLUS device tree blob for kernel >= 5.4.70 (Yocto Zeus) on on DT8MCustomBoard 1.x
imx8mp-var-som-symphony-m7.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS device tree blob for kernels >= 5.4.70 (Yocto Zeus) on on Symphony-Board
imx8mp-var-som-symphony-2nd-ov5640m7.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS device tree blob for kernels >= 5.4.70 (Yocto Zeus) on on Symphony-Board with 2nd OV5640


Default M7 pins v1

Default M7 pins used by the demos are:

function SoC balls DART-MX8M-PLUS pins DT8MCB pins VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS pins Symphony pins notes
UART3 RX/TX AE6 / AJ4 J2.87 / J2.89 J12.11 / J12.13
UART4 RX/TX AH5 / AJ5 J1.115 / J1.171 J18.9 / J18.7
GPIO3_IO14 R26 J1.79 J17.10
GPIO4_IO03 AF10 J2.59 GPLED1 on DT8MCB rev 1.x
J11.20 on DT8MCB rev 2.x
I2C3 SCL/SDA AJ7 / AJ6 J3.46 / J3.42 J12.18/ J12.20
I2C4 SCL/SDA AF8 / AD8 J1.92 / J1.90 J16.13 / J16.15 enabling it SPI devices will be no longer visible from Linux
PWM2 D8 J1.69 J18.2
PWM3 AE18 J3.36 J14.7
SPI1 CS0/SCK/SDI/SDO AE20 / AF20 / AD20 / AC20 J2.79 / J2.77 / J2.81 / J2.83 J16.4/ J16.2 / J16.8 / J16.6 enabling it SPI devices will be no longer visible from Linux
SPI2 CS0/SCK/SDI/SDO AJ22 / AH21 / AH20 / AJ21 J1.39 / J1.43 / J1.41 / J1.45 J16.4/ J16.2 / J16.6 / J16.8 enabling it SPI devices will be no longer visible from Linux

Available Demos

  • driver_examples/i2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/i2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/i2c/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/i2c/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/wdog
  • driver_examples/sdma/scatter_gather
  • driver_examples/sdma/memory_to_memory
  • driver_examples/gpio/led_output
  • driver_examples/pwm
  • driver_examples/uart/auto_baudrate_detect
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt_rb_transfer
  • driver_examples/uart/polling
  • driver_examples/uart/interrupt_transfer
  • driver_examples/gpt/timer
  • driver_examples/gpt/capture
  • driver_examples/ecspi/ecspi_loopback
  • driver_examples/ecspi/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/ecspi/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/ecspi/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/ecspi/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/rdc
  • driver_examples/tmu/monitor_threshold
  • driver_examples/tmu/temperature_polling
  • driver_examples/sema4/uboot
  • rtos_examples/freertos_ecspi/ecspi_loopback
  • rtos_examples/freertos_hello
  • rtos_examples/freertos_queue
  • rtos_examples/freertos_sem
  • rtos_examples/freertos_generic
  • rtos_examples/freertos_uart
  • rtos_examples/freertos_tickless
  • rtos_examples/freertos_mutex
  • rtos_examples/freertos_event
  • rtos_examples/freertos_swtimer
  • rtos_examples/freertos_i2c
  • cmsis_driver_examples/i2c/int_b2b_transfer/slave
  • cmsis_driver_examples/i2c/int_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/uart/interrupt_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/ecspi/int_loopback_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/ecspi/sdma_loopback_transfer
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_str_echo_rtos
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_pingpong_rtos/linux_remote
  • demo_apps/hello_world
  • driver_examples/uart/idle_detect_sdma_transfer
  • driver_examples/uart/sdma_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/uart/sdma_transfer

Variscite Memory types

The SDK allow linking using 2 different memory types: DDR, TCM.

Here is available a short summary of memory areas used by Cortex-M7 as described in related linker file.

memory type M7 memory area A53 memory area memory lentgh linker file
DDR 0x80000000-0x801FFFFF (code)
0x80200000-0x803FFFFF (data)
0x80400000-0x80FFFFFF (data2)
0x80000000-0x801FFFFF (code)
0x80200000-0x803FFFFF (data)
0x80400000-0x80FFFFFF (data2)
16MB (DDR) MIMX8MN6xxxxx_cm7_ddr_ram.ld
TCM 0x00000000-0x0001FFFF (code)
0x20000000-0x2001FFFF (data)
0x80000000-0x80FFFFFF (data2)
0x007E0000-0x007FFFFF (code)
0x00800000-0x0081FFFF (data)
0x80000000-0x80FFFFFF (data2)
256kB (TCM) + 16MB (DDR) MIMX8MN6xxxxx_cm7_ram.ld

All linker files are locate in the armgcc folder of each demo.

The DDR reserved area must much the one declared in the kernel device tree: at least 1 GB of RAM is required on the SoM to allow Cortex-M7 accessing the range 0x80000000 - 0x80FFFFFF.

The RPMSG area is located at 0x40000000: all SoMs allow Cortex-M7 accessing the RPMSG area.

After launching the build_all.sh command the following folder will be created in the armgcc folder

  • ddr_debug: containing DDR binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • ddr_release: containing DDR binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)
  • debug: containing TCM binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • release: containing TCM binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)

Further details about memory mapping are available in i.MX 8M-Plus Applications Processors Reference Manual paragraphs:

  • 2.2 Cortex-A53 Memory Map
  • 2.3 Cortex-M7 Memory Map

JTAG

The VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS exposes JTAG interface via an optional 10-pin header, on the SOM top left side.
The DART-MX8M-PLUS exports JTAG interface via an optional 10-pin header, on the DT8MCustomBoard top side.

Here is the pinout:

pin signal description pin signal description
1 JTAG_VREF JTAG IO reference voltage,
connected to SOM_3V3_PER via 150 Ohm.
2 JTAG_TMS JTAG Mode Select signal
3 GND Digital Ground 4 JTAG_TCK JTAG Clock signal,
include PD of 8.2K Ohm.
5 GND Digital Ground 6 JTAG_TDO JTAG Data Out signal
7 GND Digital Ground 8 JTAG_TDI JTAG Data In signal
9 JTAG_TRST_B JTAG Reset signal,
active low signal
10 POR_B Programmer Reset,
used to put the SOC in reset state.

Please refer to SoM datasheet for further details.

Releases

mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8mp-v1.0

   *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M-PLUS
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8mp-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.9.0_V1.0_DART-MX8M-PLUS
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.9.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.9.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/9-2020q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mp
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MP.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MP
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = zeus-fsl-5.4.70_2.3.2-mx8mp-v1.1
  • SOM_CAN_SUPPORT_1GB_DDR = yes

mcuxpresso-2.10.0-mx8mp-v1.0

   *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M-PLUS
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.10.0-mx8mp-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.10.0_V1.0_DART-MX8M-PLUS
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.10.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.10.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/10-2020q4/gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10-2020-q4-major
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mp
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MP.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MP
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = hardknott-fsl-5.10.52_2.1.0-mx8mp-v1.2
  • SOM_CAN_SUPPORT_1GB_DDR = yes

mcuxpresso-2.11.1-mx8mp-v1.0

   *HARDWARE_NAME = DART-MX8M-PLUS
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.11.1-mx8mp-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.11.1_V1.0_DART-MX8M-PLUS
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.11.1
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.11.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/10.3-2021.07/gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.07
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/dart_mx8mp
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_MEMORY-TYPES_VAR_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = DART-MX8M-PLUS_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8MP.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = EVK-MIMX8MP
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = hardknott-fsl-5.10.52_2.1.0-mx8mp-v1.2
  • SOM_CAN_SUPPORT_1GB_DDR = yes

VAR-SOM-MX8X

Sections

Available dtbs

To allow Cortex M4 accessing shared resources without experiencing Linux kernel conflicts, a dedicated device tree must be loaded, containing m4 label in the name, using the fdt_file environment variable in U-Boot.

This device tree disables some of the base device tree nodes in order to avoid conflicts between the main processor and Cortex M4.

File Name
Description
imx8qxp-var-som-symphony-sd-m4.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8 device tree blob for kernel >= 5.4.85 (Yocto Dunfell)
imx8qxp-var-som-symphony-m4.dtb VAR-SOM-MX8 device tree blob for kernel >= 5.4.85 (Yocto Dunfell)


Default M4 pins

Default M4 pins used by the demos are:

function pin
debug UART (UART2) RX: J18.5 / TX: J18.3
I2C (I2C3) SCL: J16.10 / SDA: J16.12
M4 GPIO (M40_GPIO0_IO00) J16.3
M4 PWM (M40_TPM0_CH0) J16.7

Available Demos

  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpi2c/int_b2b_transfer/slave
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpi2c/int_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpi2c/edma_b2b_transfer/slave
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpi2c/edma_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpuart/edma_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpuart/interrupt_transfer
  • demo_apps/hello_world
  • driver_examples/edma/scatter_gather
  • driver_examples/edma/memory_to_memory
  • driver_examples/intmux
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/edma_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/edma_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/read_accel_value_transfer
  • driver_examples/lpit
  • driver_examples/lpuart/edma_transfer
  • driver_examples/lpuart/interrupt_rb_transfer
  • driver_examples/lpuart/polling
  • driver_examples/lpuart/interrupt_transfer
  • driver_examples/rgpio/led_output
  • driver_examples/sema42/uboot
  • driver_examples/tpm/input_capture
  • driver_examples/tpm/dual_edge_capture
  • driver_examples/tpm/timer
  • driver_examples/tpm/simple_pwm
  • driver_examples/tpm/output_compare
  • driver_examples/tstmr
  • driver_examples/wdog32
  • mmcau_examples/mmcau_api
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_pingpong_rtos/linux_remote
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_str_echo_rtos
  • rtos_examples/freertos_hello
  • rtos_examples/freertos_queue
  • rtos_examples/freertos_sem
  • rtos_examples/freertos_generic
  • rtos_examples/freertos_tickless
  • rtos_examples/freertos_mutex
  • rtos_examples/freertos_event
  • rtos_examples/freertos_swtimer

Additional demos are available as reference code, but require HW/SW customization.

NXP Memory types

The SDK allow linking using 2 different memory types: DDR, TCM.

Here is available a short summary of memory areas used by Cortex-M4 as described in related linker file.

memory type M4 memory area A35 memory area memory lentgh linker file
DDR 0x88000000-0x881FFFFF (code)
0x88200000-0x883FFFFF (data)
0x88400000-0x8FFFFFFF (data2)
0x88000000-0x881FFFFF (code)
0x88200000-0x883FFFFF (data)
0x88400000-0x8FFFFFFF (data2)
128MB (DDR) MIMX8QX6xxxFZ_cm4_ddr_ram.ld
TCM 0x1FFE0000-0x1FFFFFFF (code)
0x20000000-0x2001FFFF (data)
0x88000000-0x8FFFFFFF (data2)
0x34FE0000-0x34FFFFFF (code)
0x35000000-0x3501FFFF (data)
0x88000000-0x8FFFFFFF (data2)
256kB (TCM) + 128MB (DDR) MIMX8QX6xxxFZ_cm4_ram.ld

All linker files are locate in the armgcc folder of each demo.

After launching the build_all.sh command the following folder will be created in the armgcc folder

  • ddr_debug: containing DDR binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • ddr_release: containing DDR binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)
  • debug: containing TCM binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • release: containing TCM binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)

Further details about memory mapping are available in i.MX 8DualXPlus/8QuadXPlus Applications Processor Reference Manual paragraphs:

  • 2.2 System Memory Map
  • 2.2.9 Cortex-M4 Memory Map

JTAG

The VAR-SOM-MX8X exposes JTAG interface via an optional 10-pin header

Here is the pinout:

pin signal description pin signal (ball) description
1 JTAG_VREF JTAG reference voltage (3.3V) 2 JTAG_TMS (AG35) JTAG Mode Select
3 GND Digital Ground 4 JTAG_TCK (AE31) JTAG Clock
5 GND Digital Ground 6 JTAG_TDO (AF32) JTAG Data Out
7 RTCK JTAG Return clock 8 JTAG_TDI (AH34) JTAG Data In
9 JTAG_TRST_B_CONN JTAG TAP reset 10 JTAG_SRST_B JTAG System reset

Please refer to SOM datasheet for further details.


Releases

mcuxpresso-2.5.2-mx8qx-v1.0

       *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8X
  • SOC_HAS_SCU = true
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.5.2-mx8qx-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.5.2_V1.0_VAR-SOM-MX8X
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_LINK = RELEASE_SUMO_V1.2_VAR-SOM-MX8X
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.5.2
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.5.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/7-2018q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-7-2018-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/som_mx8qx
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_MEMORY-TYPES_NXP_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for i.MX 8QuadXPlus.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = IMX8QXP-MEK
  • SCFW_SOC = = mx8qx_b0
  • SCFW_PATCH_URL = = ftp://customerv:Variscite1@ftp.variscite.com/VAR-SOM-MX8X/Software/SCFW
  • SCFW_M4_PATCH = = 0002-mx8qxp-var-som_scfw-1.2.2_sample-M4-customization.diff
  • IMX_MKIMAGE_SOC = = iMX8QX

mcuxpresso-2.8.0-mx8qx-v1.0

     *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8X
  • SOC_HAS_SCU = true
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.8.0-mx8qx-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.8.0_V1.0_VAR-SOM-MX8X
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_LINK = RELEASE_SUMO_V1.2_VAR-SOM-MX8X
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.8.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.8.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/9-2020q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/som_mx8qx
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_MEMORY-TYPES_NXP_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for MEK-MIMX8QX.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = IMX8QXP-MEK
  • SCFW_SOC = = mx8qx_b0
  • SCFW_PATCH_URL = = ftp://customerv:Variscite1@ftp.variscite.com/VAR-SOM-MX8X/Software/SCFW
  • SCFW_M4_PATCH = = 0002-mx8qxp-var-som_scfw-1.2.2_sample-M4-customization.diff
  • IMX_MKIMAGE_SOC = = iMX8QX
  • SDK_GIT_TAG = som-mx8qx_mcuxpresso-2.8.0_v10
  • RELEASE_DATE = 02/18/2021
  • SUPPORTED_REV_SOM = v1.1 and higher
  • SUPPORTED_REV_CARRIER = v1.1 and higher
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = dunfell-fslc-5.4-2.1.x-mx8x-v1.0

mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8qx-v1.0

     *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8X
  • SOC_HAS_SCU = true
  • RELEASE_NAME = mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8qx-v1.0
  • RELEASE_LINK = MCUXPRESSO_2.9.0_V1.0_VAR-SOM-MX8X
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_LINK = RELEASE_SUMO_V1.2_VAR-SOM-MX8X
  • MCUXPRESSO_VERSION = 2.9.0
  • SDK_PATH = ~/var-mcuxpresso
  • SDK_GIT_URL = https://github.com/varigit/freertos-variscite
  • SDK_GIT_BRANCH = mcuxpresso_sdk_2.9.x-var01
  • TOOLCHAIN_URL = https://developer.arm.com/-/media/Files/downloads/gnu-rm/9-2020q2/gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_BZ2_NAME = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update-x86_64-linux.tar.bz2
  • TOOLCHAIN_FOLDER = gcc-arm-none-eabi-9-2020-q2-update
  • BOARD_FOLDER = boards/som_mx8qx
  • DOCS_FOLDER = docs
  • PINS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_PINS_SECTION
  • DEMOS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_DEMOS_SECTION
  • DTBS_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_DTBS_SECTION
  • MEMORY_TYPES_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_MEMORY-TYPES_NXP_SECTION
  • JTAG_SECTION = VAR-SOM-MX8X_JTAG_SECTION
  • NXP_USER_GUIDE = Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for MEK-MIMX8QX.pdf
  • NXP_REFERENCE_KIT = IMX8QXP-MEK
  • SCFW_SOC = = mx8qx_b0
  • SCFW_PATCH_URL = = ftp://customerv:Variscite1@ftp.variscite.com/VAR-SOM-MX8X/Software/SCFW
  • SCFW_M4_PATCH = = 0002-mx8qxp-var-som_scfw-1.2.2_sample-M4-customization.diff
  • IMX_MKIMAGE_SOC = = iMX8QX
  • SDK_GIT_TAG = som-mx8qx_mcuxpresso-2.9.0_v10
  • RELEASE_DATE = 03/04/2021
  • SUPPORTED_REV_SOM = v1.1 and higher
  • SUPPORTED_REV_CARRIER = v1.1 and higher
  • YOCTO_RELEASE_TAG = dunfell-fslc-5.4-2.1.x-mx8x-v1.0

VAR-SOM-MX8

Sections

Available dtbs

To allow Cortex M4 accessing shared resources without experiencing Linux kernel conflicts, a dedicated device tree must be loaded, containing m4 label in the name, using the fdt_file environment variable in U-Boot.

This device tree disables some of the base device tree nodes in order to avoid conflicts between the main processor and Cortex M4.

File Name
Description
imx8qm-var-som-symphony-dp-m4.dtb DTB file for VAR-SOM-MX8 with DP display and Cortex-M4 on Symphony Board for kernel >= 5.10.72 (Yocto Hardknott)
imx8qm-var-som-symphony-hdmi-m4.dtb DTB file for VAR-SOM-MX8 with HDMI display and Cortex-M4 on Symphony Board for kernel >= 5.10.72 (Yocto Hardknott)
imx8qm-var-som-symphony-lvds-m4.dtb DTB file for VAR-SOM-MX8 with LVDS display and Cortex-M4 on Symphony Board for kernel >= 5.10.72 (Yocto Hardknott)
imx8qm-var-spear-sp8customboard-dp-m4.dtb DTB file for SPEAR-MX8 with DP display and Cortex-M4 on SP8CustomBoard for kernel >= 5.10.72 (Yocto Hardknott)
imx8qm-var-spear-sp8customboard-hdmi-m4.dtb DTB file for SPEAR-MX8 with HDMI display and Cortex-M4 on SP8CustomBoard for kernel >= 5.10.72 (Yocto Hardknott)
imx8qm-var-spear-sp8customboard-lvds.m4.dtb DTB file for SPEAR-MX8 with LVDS display and Cortex-M4 on SP8CustomBoard for kernel >= 5.10.72 (Yocto Hardknott)
imx8qm-var-som-dp-m4.dtb DTB file for VAR-SOM-MX8 with DP display and Cortex-M4 on Symphony Board for kernel = 5.4.142 (Yocto Dunfell)
imx8qm-var-som-hdmi-m4.dtb DTB file for VAR-SOM-MX8 with HDMI display and Cortex-M4 on Symphony Board for kernel = 5.4.142 (Yocto Dunfell)
imx8qm-var-som-lvds-m4.dtb DTB file for VAR-SOM-MX8 with LVDS display and Cortex-M4 on Symphony Board for kernel = 5.4.142 (Yocto Dunfell)
imx8qm-var-spear-dp-m4.dtb DTB file for SPEAR-MX8 with DP display and Cortex-M4 on SP8CustomBoard for kernel = 5.4.142 (Yocto Dunfell)
imx8qm-var-spear-hdmi-m4.dtb DTB file for SPEAR-MX8 with HDMI display and Cortex-M4 on SP8CustomBoard for kernel = 5.4.142 (Yocto Dunfell)
imx8qm-var-spear-lvds-m4.dtb DTB file for SPEAR-MX8 with LVDS display and Cortex-M4 on SP8CustomBoard for kernel = 5.4.142 (Yocto Dunfell)


Default M4 pins

Default M4 pins used by the demos are:

function SoC balls VAR-SOM-MX8 pins Symphony pins SPEAR-MX8 pins SP8CustomBoard pins notes
M40_UART0 RX / TX AM44 / AU51 N/A N/A J3.32 / J3.38 J40 SP8CustomBoard requires SW8 ON, SW9 OFF
DMA_UART2 RX / TX BE35 / BE37 J1.175 / J1.124 J18.5 / J18.3 J1.80 / J1.82 J26.19 /J26.17
DMA_UART4 RX / TX AR47 / AU53 J1.115 / J1.171 J18.9 / J18.7 J3.34 / J3.29 J20.2 / J20.4 SPEAR-MX8 demos do not refer it
FLEXCAN0 RX/TX C5 / H6 J1.46 / J1.44 J16.18 / J16.20 J4.79 / J4.80 J26.1 / J26.3
M41_I2C0 SCL/SDA AR45 / AU49 N/A N/A J1.9 / J3.36 J20.18 / J20.20
DMA_I2C0 SCL/SDA BN9 / BN7 J1.174 / J1.176 J16.10 / J16.12 J2.88 / J1.90 J26.2 / J26.4
DMA_SPI0 CS0 / SCK / SDI / SDO BC1 / BB4 / BA5 / AY6 J1.79 / J1.75 / J1.77 / J1.70 J17.10 / J17.6 / J17.8 / J17.4 J2.78 / j2.74 / J2.72 / J2.76 J20.7 / J20.1 / J20.5 / J20.3
ADC_IN6 AL9 J1.39 J16.4 J4.62 J29.16 VAR-SOM-MX8 requires enabling a buffer (refer to the datasheet)
M40_TPM0 0 / 1 AR47 / AU53 J1.115 / J1.171 J18.9 / J18.7 J3.34 / J3.29 J20.2 / J20.4 pins are share with with DMA_UART4
GPIO3_IO06 BA3 J1.40 J17.2 J2.80 J20.9

Available Demos

  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpi2c/int_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpi2c/int_b2b_transfer/slave
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpi2c/edma_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpi2c/edma_b2b_transfer/slave
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpuart/edma_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpuart/interrupt_transfer
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpspi/edma_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpspi/edma_b2b_transfer/slave
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpspi/int_b2b_transfer/master
  • cmsis_driver_examples/lpspi/int_b2b_transfer/slave
  • demo_apps/hello_world
  • driver_examples/canfd/loopback_transfer
  • driver_examples/canfd/loopback
  • driver_examples/canfd/interrupt_transfer
  • driver_examples/edma/scatter_gather
  • driver_examples/edma/memory_to_memory
  • driver_examples/flexcan/loopback_edma_transfer
  • driver_examples/flexcan/loopback_transfer
  • driver_examples/flexcan/loopback
  • driver_examples/flexcan/interrupt_transfer
  • driver_examples/intmux
  • driver_examples/lpadc/interrupt
  • driver_examples/lpadc/polling
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/edma_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/edma_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpi2c/read_accel_value_transfer
  • driver_examples/lpspi/edma_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpspi/edma_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpspi/interrupt_b2b/master
  • driver_examples/lpspi/interrupt_b2b/slave
  • driver_examples/lpspi/interrupt_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpspi/interrupt_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpspi/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpspi/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpspi/polling_b2b_transfer/master
  • driver_examples/lpspi/polling_b2b_transfer/slave
  • driver_examples/lpit
  • driver_examples/lpuart/edma_transfer
  • driver_examples/lpuart/interrupt_rb_transfer
  • driver_examples/lpuart/polling
  • driver_examples/lpuart/interrupt_transfer
  • driver_examples/lpuart/interrupt
  • driver_examples/gpio/led_output
  • driver_examples/rgpio/led_output
  • driver_examples/sema42/uboot
  • driver_examples/sema42/dual_core
  • driver_examples/tpm/timer
  • driver_examples/tpm/simple_pwm
  • driver_examples/tpm/pwm_twochannel
  • driver_examples/tpm/output_compare
  • driver_examples/tpm/input_capture
  • driver_examples/tpm/dual_edge_capture
  • driver_examples/tpm/combine_pwm
  • driver_examples/tstmr
  • driver_examples/wdog32
  • mmcau_examples/mmcau_api
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_pingpong_rtos/linux_remote
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_str_echo_rtos
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_pingpong_rtos/sdk_remote
  • multicore_examples/rpmsg_lite_pingpong_rtos/sdk_master
  • rtos_examples/freertos_hello
  • rtos_examples/freertos_queue
  • rtos_examples/freertos_sem
  • rtos_examples/freertos_generic
  • rtos_examples/freertos_tickless
  • rtos_examples/freertos_mutex
  • rtos_examples/freertos_lpuart
  • rtos_examples/freertos_event
  • rtos_examples/freertos_swtimer
  • rtos_examples/freertos_lpi2c
  • rtos_examples/freertos_lpspi_b2b/master
  • rtos_examples/freertos_lpspi_b2b/slave
  • rtos_examples/freertos_lpspi

Additional demos are available as reference code, but require HW/SW customization.


NXP Memory types

The SDK allow linking using 2 different memory types: DDR, TCM.

Here is available a short summary of memory areas used by Cortex-M4 as described in related linker file.

memory type M4 if M4 memory area memory lentgh linker file
DDR 0 0x88000000-0x881FFFFF (code)
0x88200000-0x883FFFFF (data)
0x88400000-0x887FFFFF (data2)
8MB (DDR) MIMX8QM6xxxFF_cm4_core0_ddr_ram.ld
DDR 1 0x88800000-0x88BFFFFF (code)
0x88C00000-0x88FFFFFF (data)
0x89000000-0x8FFFFFFF (data2)
120MB (DDR) MIMX8QM6xxxFF_cm4_core1_ddr_ram.ld
TCM 0 0x1FFE0000-0x1FFFFFFF (code)
0x20000000-0x2001FFFF (data)
0x88000000-0x887FFFFF (data2)
256kB (TCM) + 8MB (DDR) MIMX8QM6xxxFF_cm4_core0_ram.ld
TCM 1 0x1FFE0000-0x1FFFFFFF (code)
0x20000000-0x2001FFFF (data)
0x88800000-0x8FFFFFFF (data2)
256kB (TCM) + 120MB (DDR) MIMX8QM6xxxFF_cm4_core1_ram.ld

All linker files are locate in the armgcc folder of each demo.

After launching the build_all.sh command the following folder will be created in the armgcc folder

  • ddr_debug: containing DDR binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • ddr_release: containing DDR binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)
  • debug: containing TCM binaries compiled in debug mode (not stripped: symbols available)
  • release: containing TCM binaries compiled in release mode (stripped: no symbols available)


JTAG

The VAR-SOM-MX8 and SPEAR-MX8 exposes JTAG interface via an optional 10-pin header

Here is the pinout:

pin signal description pin signal (ball) description
1 JTAG_VREF JTAG reference voltage (3.3V) 2 JTAG_TMS (AG35) JTAG Mode Select
3 GND Digital Ground 4 JTAG_TCK (AE31) JTAG Clock
5 GND Digital Ground 6 JTAG_TDO (AF32) JTAG Data Out
7 RTCK JTAG Return clock 8 JTAG_TDI (AH34) JTAG Data In
9 JTAG_TRST_B_CONN JTAG TAP reset 10 JTAG_SRST_B JTAG System reset

Please refer to SOM datasheet for further details.

Releases

mcuxpresso-2.5.2-mx8qm-v1.0

      *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8

mcuxpresso-2.8.0-mx8qm-v1.0

    *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8

mcuxpresso-2.9.0-mx8qm-v1.0

    *HARDWARE_NAME = VAR-SOM-MX8


~/var-mcuxpresso/freertos-variscite/devices/MIMX8QM6