How to use both CM7 and CM4 core in RT1176?

[Pavankumar1]

Hi, I am working with the NXP RT1176 controller and need to utilize both cores (CM7 and CM4) in my application. Specifically, the CM4 core will handle Ethernet data reception, and the received data needs to be shared with the CM7 core through shared memory. I have the following questions and would like your suggestions:

Is it possible to run both cores in XIP (Execute-In-Place) mode simultaneously?

Can both CM7 and CM4 cores access and use the external SDRAM concurrently?

The CM4 core has only 128KB of DTCM and 128KB of ITCM is it possible to run the CM4 code and data section both in external SDRAM.                                                                 Based on this, please suggest an optimal memory usage strategy for a dual-core application like mine.

[EdwinHz]

Hi @Pavankumar1,

To answer your questions specifically:

1. No, both cores cannot run as XIP simultaneously. Only one can do so.

2. Yes, they can both access the SDRAM just not simultaneously, but rather in an ordered manner.

3. Yes, this is often how dual core applications are run in fact.

For more information, please look at the following application note: i.MX RT1170 Dual Core Application

BR,
Edwin.