SPL in iMX8QM boot process

AbhijithShaji — Thu, 30 May 2024 17:30:25 GMT

Hi,

I have some queries regarding the boot process of the i.MX8QM.

While referring to the boot process of the i.MX8QM from this link(https://imxdev.gitlab.io/tutorial/System_controller_unit_introduction_for_imx_8qxp_mek/ ), it appears that SPL is not used in the boot process. The Linux user's guide also states that the i.MX8QM does not use U-Boot SPL (I have attached the relevant portion to this post).

However, when we boot the board with Linux (version 5.15.52), the log starts like this:

U-Boot SPL 2022.04-lf_v2022.04+g16e8414193 (Oct 08 2022 - 13:33:43 +0000)
Normal Boot
Trying to boot from MMC2_2
Primary set selected
Load image from MMC/SD 0x7b400

U-Boot 2022.04-lf_v2022.04+g16e8414193 (Oct 08 2022 - 13:33:43 +0000)

CPU: NXP i.MX8QM RevB A53 at 1200 MHz at 32C

Model: NXP i.MX8QM MEK
Board: iMX8QM MEK
Boot: SD1
DRAM: 5.8 GiB

Given the above, I have a couple of questions:

1. Why are we seeing SPL in the log, if SPL is not used in the boot process of the i.MX8QM?
2. Is the u-boot.bin used in the i.MX8QM folder of the mkimage tool a combination of U-Boot SPL and U-Boot?

Thank you for your assistance.

Re: SPL in iMX8QM boot process

Bio_TICFSL — Fri, 31 May 2024 14:38:00 GMT

Hello,

A1. No its not used.

A2. No, is just uboot.

Regards

Re: SPL in iMX8QM boot process

AbhijithShaji — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 07:36:29 GMT

Hi,

I checked the config file of U-Boot used for the default i.MX8QM build, and it specifies CONFIG_SPL=y.
Since the config file indicates CONFIG_SPL=y, it appears that SPL is indeed being built and used.
This is the source of my confusion. Could you please elaborate on your answer?

Thanks and Regards

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