RT700 LinkServer Documentation Request

[prathamvora]

I am working with the RT700 series MCU on the EVK board and using a CMake-based build system together with LinkServer from the command line (outside of MCUXpresso IDE). The IDE example projects run correctly on my setup.

I am trying to gain a deeper understanding of the overall architecture and tooling. I am looking for clear and complete documentation covering:

• Full list of LinkServer CLI options. 

• Structure and purpose of .scp script files

• Device JSON configuration format and how flash drivers are defined

• How the flash programming algorithm is selected and executed from RAM

• The interaction between SCP scripts, JSON configuration, and the target device

• Any official guide describing how to develop a custom memory/flash loader

Additionally, I would appreciate clarification regarding:

• The purpose of the .flash_config section in the linker script

• Where this section is required to be placed (offset and memory region)

• Which reference manual or document specifies this requirement

For secure boot applications, I would also like guidance on:

• The recommended utility to sign an ELF/image for RT700

• Whether the signing tool supports command-line usage 

• Documentation describing the signing flow and documentation for signing tool 

Is there a detailed user guide, reference manual, or architectural documentation that explains these components and requirements clearly.

[mayliu1]

Hi @prathamvora ,

Thank you so much for your interest in our products and for using our community. 

A1: LinkServer CLI      .scp scripts      device JSON files

LinkServer is NXP’s standalone GDB server and flash programming tool. It can be used  outside the MCUXpresso IDE.

LinkServer for Microcontrollers | NXP Semiconductors

https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/user-guide/UG10219.pdf

You can view all available command-line options by running:

linkserver --help

linkserver gdbserver --help

linkserver flash --help

The .scp script files are used by LinkServer to control connect,  reset  ,and so on.
you can open the RT700_reset.scp script to examine the structure and commands used for reference.

 You can find device JSON  under:

C:\nxp\LinkServer_25.12.83\devices\ MIMXRT700-EVK.json

 The JSON file contains definitions for  memory map, flash regions, flash drivers...

A2: Purpose of the .flash_config section

Could you clarify where you saw the .flash_config section?

For RT700 I strongly recommend reviewing this application note:

AN14821 – RT700 Secure Boot and Image Structure
https://www.nxp.com/webapp/Download?colCode=AN14821&location=null&isHTMLorPDF=HTML

This AN explains the image header, boot flow, and memory layout required for RT700 secure and non-secure images.

A3: Signing tools for RT700 secure boot

For signing RT700 images, the recommended tool is:

MCUXpresso Secure Provisioning (SEC) Tool

This tool provides GUI workflow, and Full command-line interface , Support for image signing, certificate handling...

For more detail information, you can refer to the below link.

MCUXpresso Secure Provisioning Tool Documentation
https://docs.mcuxpresso.nxp.com/secure/latest/06_processor_specific_workflow.html#id13  

Wish it helps you

Best Regards

Mayliu