Hello Team,
We have selected the MIMXRT1176 for our application and are currently using the MIMXRT1170-EVKB for evaluation and software development. Our custom board design is currently in progress, and we would like to clarify a few points before finalizing the hardware design.
Q1: Using the EVKB Onboard Debugger with a Custom Board
Is it possible to use the onboard debugger on the MIMXRT1170-EVKB to program and debug a custom RT1176-based board, or would a separate debugger be required?
We expect this to be possible, but would appreciate confirmation from the NXP team.
Additionally, could you please provide:
- The jumper settings that need to be modified on the EVKB.
- Any hardware changes required to disconnect the onboard debugger from the EVKB target MCU and route it to an external target.
- Details of the SWD/JTAG signals that should be connected to the custom board.
As a practical test before our custom hardware arrives, we currently have two MIMXRT1170-EVKB boards (Board-A and Board-B).
We would like to perform the following experiment:
- Use the onboard debugger of Board-A to program and debug the RT1170 MCU on Board-B.
- Similarly, use the onboard debugger of Board-B to program and debug Board-A.
Could you please confirm whether this setup is supported and provide the required jumper settings and hardware modifications to achieve it?
Q2: Verification of the Serial Downloader Path
We would also like to verify our understanding of the Serial Downloader (SDP) mode implementation on the RT1170.
From the EVKB schematic, it appears that jumpers J114 and J115 connect to LPUART1_RX and LPUART1_TX, respectively.
If we remove these jumpers and connect an external USB-to-UART TTL adapter to the MCU side signals, and while Keeping the MCU in SDP mode can we:
- Use MCUXpresso Secure Provisioning Tool (SPT) or Boot Utilities to download and program images through the UART interface?
We would appreciate confirmation that this is a valid flashing and recovery method for both the EVKB and our upcoming custom hardware.
Thank you for your support and guidance.
Best regards,
Ruthvik R
Hi @mayliu1 ,
Thank you for reply.
Regarding Q1 : We will Be getting an external Debugger/Flasher. we wanted to know the if using the onboard debugger was possible in case we wanted to use it
Regarding Q2 : We will Proceed ahead with testing the recovery SDP path.
Thanks and Regards,
Ruthvik
Hi @Littell ,
Thank you for your reply and honest opinion.
Thanks and regards,
Ruthvik
Hi @ruthvik_1 ，
Thank you so much for your interest in our products and for using our community.
A1: In principle, it is possible. However, this approach may require additional jumper configuration and hardware connection changes on the EVKB, which should be verified against the EVKB schematic.
Therefore, we would generally recommend reserving a standard SWD/JTAG header on the custom board and using a dedicated external debugger, such as a J-Link or P&E Multilink, for development and debugging.
A2: Based on the EVKB schematic, your understanding of the Serial Downloader path appears to be correct. RT1170 SDP mode supports image download through the ROM bootloader interfaces, including UART and USB. Based on the EVKB schematic, J114 and J115 are associated with the LPUART1 connection path.
For UART SDP, the signals are:
- LPUART1_TX: GPIO_AD_24
- LPUART1_RX: GPIO_AD_25
Therefore, after disconnecting J114/J115 on the EVKB, it should be possible.
Please ensure voltage-level compatibility, crossed TX/RX connections, and a common GND connection.
Best Regards
May
Regarding "Q1: Using the EVKB Onboard Debugger with a Custom Board", that approach is just silly given the trivial cost of an MCU-Link. You're compromising your base development boards and will regret it.
Hi @mayliu1 ,
Thanks for the reply. We will be going with an external NXP MCU-Link Debug Probe. Thank you for the clarification.
Thanks and Regards,
Ruthvik