How to install .MLTBX

• Overview
• Executive Summary - What is .MLTBX
• Context - Where to obtain the .mltbx file
• Method 1 - Manual Installation (.mltbx)
• Method 2 - Install via NXP Support Package
• Method 3 - Automotive Software Package Manager
• Conclusion

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

Note: The .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 .mltbx file → 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".

DragosGherdan_0-1783509904113.png

Step 2 - Select the target software

In our example, we are selecting "Automotive SW - S32K3 Software".

DragosGherdan_0-1783510040745.png

Step 3 - Select the S32K3 Model-Based Design Toolbox

Select "Automotive SW - S32K3 - Model-Based Design Toolbox".

DragosGherdan_1-1783510068634.png

Step 4 - Choose Product Information

Select the Product Information: "Model-Based Design Toolbox S32K3 1.8.0".

DragosGherdan_2-1783510096019.png

Step 5 - Accept Software Terms and Conditions

The Software Terms and Conditions will appear - select "I Agree".

DragosGherdan_3-1783510116661.png

Step 6 - Download the .mltbx file

After the terms and conditions agreement, you can download the .mltbx file.

DragosGherdan_4-1783510144884.png

When downloading, save the file under the .zip extension, as shown below.

DragosGherdan_5-1783510164522.png

Step 7 - Reveal file extensions in Windows

To see and change the file extension, follow the next steps:

Press the three dots visible below:

DragosGherdan_6-1783510184157.png

Select "Options".
Deselect "Hide extensions for known file types".

DragosGherdan_7-1783510204922.png

Press Apply and OK.
After this update, the file will be visible with its extension.

DragosGherdan_8-1783510225221.png

Step 8 - Change the file extension to .mltbx

Change the file extension from .zip to .mltbx:

DragosGherdan_9-1783510245085.png

A pop-up will appear - press "Yes":

DragosGherdan_10-1783510263844.png

View after changing the file from .zip to .mltbx:

DragosGherdan_11-1783510283771.png

Step 9 - Install the toolbox in MATLAB

Double-click the .mltbx file and accept the License Agreement.

DragosGherdan_12-1783510305988.png

The installation process will start and it will take a few moments to be finalized.

DragosGherdan_13-1783510339995.png

Installation Finalized

DragosGherdan_14-1783510384722.png

DragosGherdan_16-1783510579970.png

Toolbox registered in MATLAB Add-On Manager

DragosGherdan_18-1783510624509.png

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 .mltbx package can be downloaded
Allows users to select the .mltbx package to install
Provides the option to open relevant documentation resources

Step 1 - Open MATLAB

Launch MATLAB.

DragosGherdan_19-1783510663098.png

Step 2 - Navigate to Add-Ons

Go to: Add-Ons → Get Add-Ons.

DragosGherdan_20-1783510707959.png

DragosGherdan_21-1783510733459.png

Step 3 - Install the toolbox

Load the toolbox file or follow your internal download process.

Note: Direct download via Add-On Explorer may not always be available, depending on licensing and setup.

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.

DragosGherdan_22-1783510765051.png

Step 2 - Select required components

Choose:

Target platform - e.g. S32K3
Required tools - e.g. FreeMASTER, Model-Based Design Toolbox

DragosGherdan_23-1783510858811.png

Step 3 - Generate installer

The tool generates a bundle installer.

DragosGherdan_24-1783510878946.png

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.

How to install .MLTBX

How to install .MLTBX