topic Re: MCUBoot and Multi-core application in i.MX RT Crossover MCUs

MCUBoot and Multi-core application

silvio-vallorani — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:13:00 GMT

Good morning,

I am trying to start the dualcore hello world sample from slot0 using MCUBoot as the bootloader.

I have already change flash section to fit slot0

I use SPT to sign the dual core image with the mcuboot used key and the image aumatically fit on slot0 (as Additional Image), I select mcuboot to be the executable, generate the image and write on the device.

Mcuboot starts and correctly load the slot0 image, but the application crash immedately.

I can attach with J-Link using attach only option from the multicore primary project/image, pause the execution and analyze what's wrong...

I notice that an hardfault arise dung Reset handler routine, exactly when the primary core try to copy from flash to ITC-M7 ram via alias address start from 0x203c0000.

I also have confirmed filtering the copy on 0x203c0000 based and then the application go ahead, but obviously crash when che CM7 should start (doesn't have it's firmware).

ATM, I think that MCUBoot set some kind of memory protection... can you help me to find when the block is and how to remove it?

I can share all, but I use SDK25.06 and default mcuboot, hello_world_primary, hello_world_secondary projects from the example.

The only change I have done is on hello world primary and secondary projects memory map to fit SLOT0.

Thank you very much for your assistance!

Re: MCUBoot and Multi-core application

silvio-vallorani — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:12:23 GMT

I have published the demo template on github: https://github.com/amm-svallorani/mimxrt1189-mcuboot-multicore-template

The main branch is the starting point of the application that works, but crash during the load of CM7 data from flash to alias addresses.

In the other branchs I push my tries.

Help me figuring out the problem, please

Re: MCUBoot and Multi-core application

silvio-vallorani — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:02 GMT

I think I have found a solution.
It's on the GitHub project under 99_working_solution branch: https://github.com/amm-svallorani/mimxrt1189-mcuboot-multicore-template/tree/99_working_solution

Anyway I really appreciate if someone could review the solution and explain a bit more the thinghs around the topic.

Thank you very much!

Re: MCUBoot and Multi-core application

Gavin_Jia — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:34:14 GMT

Hi @silvio-vallorani ,

Thanks for your interest in NXP MIMXRT series!

The RT1180's CM7 core requires a CM33 to kick off. Could this be causing issues with your application? If so, `multicore_trigger_cm33` example project in the SDK may help.

Best regards,
Gavin