Table of Contents
Overview
NXP provides a range of MATLAB® Toolboxes distributed as .mltbx packages to support modeling, simulation, configuration, and code generation for NXP microcontrollers and processors. These toolboxes integrate directly with the MathWorks environment and enable faster development workflows by extending MATLAB/Simulink with NXP-specific blocks, drivers, and examples.
The scope of this article is to guide users through the process of installing an NXP .mltbx toolbox obtained from the official NXP website. It explains the prerequisites, where to download the toolbox, and how to install and verify it within MATLAB. The instructions are intended for engineers and developers who have basic familiarity with MATLAB but may be new to installing third-party toolboxes distributed outside of MathWorks Add-Ons.
By following this guide, readers will be able to correctly install the NXP toolbox, ensure it is recognized by MATLAB, and prepare their environment for subsequent development and evaluation tasks.
Executive Summary - What is .MLTBX
An .mltbx file is a MATLAB Toolbox package used to distribute and install MATLAB or Simulink extensions. It is a self-contained archive created by MathWorks that can include functions, Simulink blocks, documentation, examples, and setup scripts.
When opened in MATLAB, an .mltbx file is installed using the Add-On Manager, which automatically places the toolbox in the default add-ons folder, and registers the toolbox within the environment. This format allows third-party vendors - such as NXP - to safely deliver toolboxes outside of the MathWorks Add-On Explorer while preserving a standard installation experience.
In short, a .mltbx file is the official and recommended way to package, install, update, and uninstall MATLAB toolboxes.
Context - Where to obtain the .mltbx file
There are multiple ways to get the .mltbx file, as shown below:
- Manual download and install - from NXP site (.mltbx file)
- Installation via MATLAB - Add-Ons / toolbox flow (NXP Support Package)
- Installation via Automotive Software Package Manager - bundle installer
All methods are valid and can be used depending on your setup and preferences. The Automotive Software Package Manager approach installs bundles and generates an installer that walks through the steps automatically.
Prerequisites
Before installing the toolbox, ensure the following:
- MATLAB is installed on your machine
- You have access to the toolbox download source
.mltbx file cannot be used without MATLAB. The toolbox is only available for Windows and may require additional prerequisites such as:
- Embedded Coder
- MATLAB Coder
- Simulink Coder
Method 1 - Manual Installation (.mltbx)
The manual installation flow is simple, once prerequisites are met. Manually download the .mltbx file from the NXP site and install it.
Typical install behavior:
- Open MATLAB → run or double-click the
.mltbxfile → install → toolbox is added automatically. - Installed toolboxes are placed under MATLAB Add-Ons directories and appear in the Add-On Explorer.
Step 1 - Select the toolbox family
As a first step, on the NXP site, select "Automotive SW - Model-Based Design Toolbox".
Step 2 - Select the target software
In our example, we are selecting "Automotive SW - S32K3 Software".
Step 3 - Select the S32K3 Model-Based Design Toolbox
Select "Automotive SW - S32K3 - Model-Based Design Toolbox".
Step 4 - Choose Product Information
Select the Product Information: "Model-Based Design Toolbox S32K3 1.8.0".
Step 5 - Accept Software Terms and Conditions
The Software Terms and Conditions will appear - select "I Agree".
Step 6 - Download the .mltbx file
After the terms and conditions agreement, you can download the .mltbx file.
When downloading, save the file under the .zip extension, as shown below.
Step 7 - Reveal file extensions in Windows
To see and change the file extension, follow the next steps:
- Press the three dots visible below:
- Select "Options".
- Deselect "Hide extensions for known file types".
- Press Apply and OK.
- After this update, the file will be visible with its extension.
Step 8 - Change the file extension to .mltbx
Change the file extension from .zip to .mltbx:
A pop-up will appear - press "Yes":
View after changing the file from .zip to .mltbx:
Step 9 - Install the toolbox in MATLAB
Double-click the .mltbx file and accept the License Agreement.
The installation process will start and it will take a few moments to be finalized.
Installation Finalized
Method 2 - Install via NXP Support Package
The NXP Support Package add-on is a guided installer that:
- Checks and validates all installation prerequisites
- Directs users to the page where the required
.mltbxpackage can be downloaded - Allows users to select the
.mltbxpackage to install - Provides the option to open relevant documentation resources
Step 1 - Open MATLAB
Launch MATLAB.
Step 2 - Navigate to Add-Ons
Go to: Add-Ons → Get Add-Ons.
Step 3 - Install the toolbox
Load the toolbox file or follow your internal download process.
Method 3 - Automotive Software Package Manager
This method uses the Automotive Software Package Manager, which installs bundles and generates an installer that walks through the steps automatically.
Step 1 - Access Package Manager
Use the Automotive Software Package Manager.
Step 2 - Select required components
Choose:
- Target platform - e.g. S32K3
- Required tools - e.g. FreeMASTER, Model-Based Design Toolbox
Step 3 - Generate installer
The tool generates a bundle installer.
Step 4 - Run installer
- Run the generated installer.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions.
Conclusion
Installing an NXP .mltbx toolbox is straightforward once the MATLAB prerequisites are in place. Depending on your workflow, you can choose the manual .mltbx installation, the guided NXP Support Package, or the Automotive Software Package Manager bundle installer - all three methods produce a properly registered toolbox inside MATLAB.
With the toolbox installed and verified, your environment is ready to start developing, simulating, and generating code for NXP microcontrollers and processors. Stay tuned for the next article, where we will dive into using the newly installed toolbox to build your first Model-Based Design project.