topic Re: Questions about MCXA IFR0(extended bootloader, CFPA, CMPA) in MCX Microcontrollers

Questions about MCXA IFR0(extended bootloader, CFPA, CMPA)

victorchiou — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:09:29 GMT

Extended Bootloader Code and Programming

According to the Reference Manual 20.2.3.3:
"There are two extended bootloader releases to be programmed to IFR0."
In what form will these two releases be provided?
- Permanently programmed(like a ROM bootloader)
- Provided as an image for the customer to program
- Provided as source code(MCU Boot middleware in SDK) for the customer to compile - - and program (like a flash-resident bootloader)
Usage of the CFPA Block

In the SEC's "PFR configuration" page, there is only a tab for CMPA and not for CFPA.
Is there any risk if we access the CFPA area through blhost and flash API?
(like write our own product serial number...etc)
I am concerned that this block might be reserved for future official features.
USB String Modification

According to the Reference Manual 20.5.10.1:
"The USB VID, PID, and Strings can be customized using the CMPA of the flash."
However, the CMPA table only includes PID and VID.
Can the USB strings be modified as well?

BR
VictorChiou

Re: Questions about MCXA IFR0(extended bootloader, CFPA, CMPA)

Alice_Yang — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 03:14:08 GMT

Hello @victorchiou

Thanks for your questions. I will reply some answers following your questions.

1. In what form will these two releases be provided?

->> Permanently programmed(like a ROM bootloader)

2. In the SEC's "PFR configuration" page, there is only a tab for CMPA and not for CFPA.

->> There is only CMPA in MCXA series. No CFPA.

3. Can the USB strings be modified as well?

->> Sorry this is a typo within RM. We have reported to DOC team. The USB strings can not be modified.

Alice

Re: Questions about MCXA IFR0(extended bootloader, CFPA, CMPA)

victorchiou — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 03:12:51 GMT

hi, @Alice_Yang

1. Extended Bootloader
About the two different bootloaders,
how can I tell which one is in the MCU's ROM when I buy it?
Do the part numbers different?

BR
victorChiou

Re: Questions about MCXA IFR0(extended bootloader, CFPA, CMPA)

Alice_Yang — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 09:58:46 GMT

Hello @victorchiou

All the two bootloaders inside. UART-isp and USB-isp.

Depending on the values of ISP mode in the CMPA and ISP pin, bootloader decides whether to enter normal boot flow, or enter which ISP mode.

By default, these bits are 000. So if you want to enter ISP mode, just pll-down ISPMODE_N P3_29. The first valid probe message on UART or USB will be used.

Alice

Re: Questions about MCXA IFR0(extended bootloader, CFPA, CMPA)

victorchiou — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 02:23:49 GMT

hi, Alice

I see, thanks for your explain.

BR
VictorChiou