IMX8M DDR Tool UART Error

[harryausten]

Recently, I have been trying to run the NXP i.MX/Mscale DDR Tool (MX8M version 3.30) on a custom i.MX8MQ board, using an input DDR script generated by the RPA tool (MX8M_LPDDR4_RPA_v32). However, while using the 'Over Night Test' checkbox (i.e. running endless repeated iterations), it consistently seems to be failing after about 20 minutes with an error dialog box stating 'UART lost, please download firmware again!!' (screenshot attached).

What causes this? Is there some kind of timeout defined within the program? Neither the user guide nor the sub-test description document seem to have any details about this. Do the various sub-tests have expected runtimes?

After the test errors (and therefore the program releases control of the UART/COM port), I noticed that I am still able to open the UART in a serial console program and observe the test output continuing. Hence, it appears as though the test is actually still running.

Is there anything I can do to prevent this error from occurring?

[AldoG]

Hello,

Does your PC goes to sleep while the test is running?

Best regards,
Aldo.

[harryausten]

Hello,

No it does not. I am actively using the PC at the time of the error.

Thanks,
Harry

[AldoG]

Hello,

Got it, thank you for confirmation. Unfortunately DDR tool does not have an option for extending timeout (or at least that I'm aware of)

But I could suggest to try with the DDR tool that is part of the i.MX Config tool:
https://www.nxp.com/design/designs/config-tools-for-i-mx-applications-processors:CONFIG-TOOLS-IMX

This tool is the same as the i.MX/Mscale DDR Tool that you have used, but this one does have a timeout value that can be increased.

Please try it and let me know if this does work.
Best regards,
Aldo.

[harryausten]

Hello Aldo,

I have just attempted this with the latest version of the i.MX Config Tools (Rev 13.0). However, I get an error saying that the "DDR Tool does not support selected processor" for our utilised chip - MIMX8MQ5DVAJZ (as per the attached screenshot). Is there a way to resolve this?

Many thanks for your help,
Harry

[AldoG]

Hello,

Could you share how did you select the processor?
Also, are you running the Config tool for Linux?

I have tried on my side, same tool version and i.MX Chip, and have no issues.

Best regards,
Aldo.

[harryausten]

Hello Aldo,

I selected the processor through the "Create a new configuration" window (as per attached screenshot). It appears to indicate that none of the available processors support the DDR tool (or TEE, SERDES or PBL). Is there an updated processor data archive that I need to import?

No, I am not running the Config Tools for Linux. This is on Windows. I can try on Linux too if you think it could be any different?

Many thanks for your continued support,
Harry

[harryausten]

Ah I figured out the problem. My installed processor data was from a previous v7 install of the Config Tools. It wasn't clear that the program was trying to access the network to get the latest data - must have been failing to do so through our company proxy/firewall. It appears to work fine on an unfiltered network connection.

I will give this a go on our board ASAP and report back if the UART connection error is resolved.

Many thanks,
Harry