This post is based on http://boundarydevices.com/using-the-cortex-m4-mcu-on-the-nit6_solox/ The i.MX6 SoloX processor is the first of a kind, coupling a Cortex-A9 with a Cortex-M4 core inside one chip to offer the best of both MPU and MCU worlds. The MCU is perfect for all the real-time tasks whereas the MPU can provide a great UI experience with non real-time OS such as GNU/Linux. This blog post will detail how to build and run source code on the MCU using our Nit6_SoloX. Terminology Before getting any further, here is a list of terms that will be used in this post: MCC: Multi-Core Communication: protocol offered by Freescale for the MCU and MPU to exchange data MCU: Microcontroller Unit such as the ARM Cortex-M series, here referring to the Cortex-M4 MPU: Microprocessor Unit such as the ARM Cortex-A series, here referring to the Cortex-A9 MQX: RTOS provided by Freescale to run their MCUs RTOS: Real-Time Operating System such as MQX or FreeRTOS For the impatient You can download a demo image from here: 20150814-buildroot-nitrogen6x-mcu-demo.img.gz for Nit6_SoloX. As usual, you’ll need to register on our site and agree to the EULA because it contains Freescale content. The image is a 1GB SD card image that can be restored using zcat and dd under Linux. ~$ zcat 20150814-buildroot*.img.gz | sudo dd of=/dev/sdX bs=1M For Windows users, please use Alex Page’s USB Image Tool. This image contains the following components: Linux kernel 3.14.38 from our repo https://github.com/boundarydevices/linux-imx6/tree/boundary-imx_3.14.38_6qp_beta U-Boot v2015.04 from our repo https://github.com/boundarydevices/u-boot-imx6/tree/boundary-imx6sx Development environment setup This section will detail how to set up a Linux machine to be able to build MCU source code. First you need to download the "MQX RTOS for i.MX 6SoloX v4.1.0 releases and patches" file from Freescale website: http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/prod_summary.jsp?code=MQX Then you need to untar this archive and apply our patch to add support for the Nit6_SoloX board. ~$ cd && mkdir mqx && cd mqx ~/mqx$ tar xf ~/Downloads/Freescale\ MQX\ RTOS\ 4.1.0\ for\ i.MX\ 6SoloX\ Linux\ Base.tar.gz ~/mqx$ wget http://boundarydevices.com.commondatastorage.googleapis.com/0001-Add-Nit6_SoloX-board-support.patch ~/mqx$ patch -p1 < 0001-Add-Nit6_SoloX-board-support.patch ~/mqx$ find . -name "*.sh" -exec chmod +x {} \; Note that this package comes with a good set of documentation which we invite you to read: doc/Freescale_MQX_RTOS_4.1.0_i.MX_6SoloX_Release_Notes.pdf doc/Getting_Started_with_Freescale_MQX_RTOS_on_i.MX_6SoloX.pdf As specified in the documentation, you need to install a specific toolchain (CodeSourcery v2014q1) in order to build the BSP. ~$ cd && mkdir toolchains && cd toolchains ~/toolchains$ wget https://launchpad.net/gcc-arm-embedded/4.8/4.8-2014-q1-update/+download/gcc-arm-none-eabi-4_8-2014q1-20140314-linux.tar.bz2 ~/toolchains$ tar xjf gcc-arm-none-eabi-4_8-2014q1-20140314-linux.tar.bz2 ~/toolchains$ rm gcc-arm-none-eabi-4_8-2014q1-20140314-linux.tar.bz2 Your machine is now ready to build applications for the MCU! Build instructions This section explains how to build the BSP as well as the applications for the MCU only. In order to build the BSP for the MPU, please refer to other blog posts on either Yocto or Buildroot. ~$ cd ~/mqx/ ~/mqx$ export TOP=$PWD ~/mqx$ export TOOLCHAIN_ROOTDIR=$HOME/toolchains/gcc-arm-none-eabi-4_8-2014q1/ ~/mqx$ cd $TOP/build/imx6sx_nit6sx_m4/make ~/mqx$ ./build_gcc_arm.sh As the BSP for our board is now built, we can build any example application provided in the MQX package. In order to have an interaction between the MPU and the MCU, you need to build a MCC application. Below are the instructions to build the pingpong application which sends data back and forth between the cores. ~/mqx$ cd $TOP/mcc/examples/pingpong/build/make/pingpong_example_imx6sx_nit6sx_m4/ ~/mqx$ ./build_gcc_arm.sh ~/mqx$ $TOOLCHAIN_ROOTDIR/bin/arm-none-eabi-objcopy \        ./gcc_arm/ram_release/pingpong_example_imx6sx_nit6sx_m4.elf \        -O binary m4_fw.bin That's it, the binary is ready to be used! Some might be interested in using an IDE to browse/modify/build the source code, note that Freescale provides instructions to use IAR Workbench (Windows only). It seems that there isn't any plan to support the SoloX MQX release inside the KSDK (Kinetis SDK) as explained in a community forum post. Run the demo First you need to copy the image (20150814-buildroot-nitrogen6x-mcu-demo.img.gz) provided at the beginning of this post to an SD Card. Then copy the m4_fw.bin binary to the root directory of the SD Card. The SD Card contains the U-Boot version that enables the use of the Cortex-M4, the bootloader inside your NOR must therefore be upgraded. U-Boot > setenv bootfile u-boot.imx U-Boot > run upgradeu Once the upgrade is complete and the board restarted, make sure to have a clean environment: U-Boot > env default -a ## Resetting to default environment U-Boot > saveenv By default, the M4 must be flashed in NOR memory, a U-Boot command has been added to look for the m4_fw.bin as the root of any external storage (SD, USB, SATA): U-Boot > run m4update This command will download the firmware from external storage to RAM and flash it at the offset 0x1E0000 of the NOR. While debugging on the MCU, you might wish not to write every firmware into NOR so we've added a command that loads the M4 firmware directly from external storage. U-Boot > setenv m4boot 'run m4boot_ext' Before going any further, make sure to hook up the second serial port to your machine as the one marked as "console" will be used for U-Boot and the other one will display data coming from the MCU. In order to start the MCU at boot up, we need to set a variable that will tell the 6x_bootscript to load the firmware into OCRAM. If you wish to start the MCU at every boot, make sure to save this variable. U-Boot > setenv m4enabled 1 U-Boot > boot While the kernel is booting, you should see the following prompt on the MCU serial output: ***** MCC PINGPONG EXAMPLE ***** Please wait :   1) A9 peer is ready   Then press "S" to start the demo ******************************** Press "S" to start the demo : Press the S key as requested above on the MCU serial console and then log into Buildroot on the MPU serial output (login is root, no password). You now need to enable the MPU side of the communication before starting the demo: # echo 1 > /sys/bus/platform/drivers/imx6sx-mcc-test/mcctest.15/pingpong_en & A9 mcc prepares run, MCC version is 002.000 test/mcctest.15/pingpong_en & # Main task received a msg from [1, 0, 2] endpoint Message: Size=0x00000004, data = 0x00000002 Main task received a msg from [1, 0, 2] endpoint Message: Size=0x00000004, data = 0x00000004 ... That's it, you've built a MCU application from scratch and can now start exploring all the examples provided inside the MQX SoloX release.

     See a connected Android demo on an i.MX53 in action -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R1kbya77eE   

Boundary Devices is pleased to announce that its i.MX8M-based SBC Nitrogen8M is available and in stock! https://boundarydevices.com/product/nitrogen8m-imx8/  Nitrogen8M specifications The Nitrogen8M comes pre-populated with the most robust set of connectivity options available to allow for rapid development and validation of your next project. The boards are also be built with Boundary Device’s industry-leading, production-ready standards and include options such as industrial temp and conformal coating. All this allows the Nitrogen8M to be used as an evaluation platform or production-ready solution. Review the full list of the specifications below. More information including pricing and availability can be found on the Nitrogen8M product page: CPU — i.MX 8M Quad Core (x4 Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz; Cortex-M4 @ 266MHz) RAM — 2GB LPDDR4 (4GB Optional) Storage — 8GB eMMC (upgradeable to 128GB) GPU — Vivante GC7000Lite Camera — x2 4-lane MIPI-CSI Display — x1 HDMI (w/CEC) and x1 MIPI DSI several MIPI-DSI displays options available Wireless — 802.11 ac and Bluetooth 4.1 BD-SDMAC Module (QCA9377) Networking — Gigabit Ethernet port Other I/O: x3 USB 3.0 Host ports x1 USB 3.0 OTG port x3 I2C x1 SPI x3 RS-232 x1 SD/MMC x1 RTC + battery x2 PCIe (1 Mini-PCIE connector, 1 on expansion connector) x1 JTAG Power — 5V DC input Operating Temperature — 0 to 70°C (Industrial Optional) Operating System — Yocto, Ubuntu/Debian, Buildroot, FreeRTOS (M4 Core), Android Demos As some people say, a video is worth a thousand words, so let's just share what can run on that platform already: Nitrogen8M Crank Storyboard Demo - YouTube  Nitrogen8M Yocto GPU SDK Demo - YouTube  Nitrogen8M Android 8.1 Qt5 + 4k video demo - YouTube  Source code access The bootloader and kernel source code are already available publicly on our GitHub account: GitHub - boundarydevices/u-boot-imx6 at boundary-imx_v2017.03_4.9.51_imx8m_ga  GitHub - boundarydevices/linux-imx6 at boundary-imx_4.9.x_2.0.0_ga  Android has been officially released: https://boundarydevices.com/android-oreo-8-1-0-release-for-nitrogen8m/  Some benchmarking has been done to compare against previous i.MX6 CPUs Yocto BSP is on the way, Boundary Devices is actively contributing to the community BSP: meta-freescale-3rdparty/nitrogen8m.conf at master · Freescale/meta-freescale-3rdparty · GitHub  Ubuntu Bionic Beaver beta image is also available upon request (please contact support@boundarydevices.com). Feel free to contact us for more information: info@boundarydevices.com.

This document is an overview file for introducing MYIR's CPU Module MYC-Y6ULX, which is starting at only $18, delivered with shield cover and powered by NXP i.MX 6UltraLite / 6ULL ARM Cortex-A7 processor. It is part of a MYD-Y6ULX development board, capable of running Linux and supports -40 to 85°C working temperature for industrial embedded applications.   The MYC-Y6ULX CPU Module has a compact sizeof 37mm by 39mm, carrying out as many as peripheral signals and IOs through 1.0mm pitch 140-pin stamp hole expansion interface. It is integrated with 528 MHz i.MX 6UltraLite / i.MX 6ULL processor, 256MB DDR3, 256MB Nand Flash (4GB eMMC Flash is optional) and Ethernet PHY. It is populated on MYD-Y6ULX development board base board as the core controller board, thus rich peripherals and interfaces have been extended through connectors and headers to the base board like Serial ports, USB, Ethernet, CAN, Micro SD card, WiFi module, LCD/Touch screen, Camera, Audio as well as a Mini PCIe interface for optional USB based 4G LTE module. The MYD-Y6ULX is a versatile platform and solid reference design delivered with necessary cable accessories and detailed documentations ideal for prototype and evaluation based on i.MX 6UL/6ULL solutions.                                  MYC-Y6ULX CPU Module (delivered with shield cover)   MYIR offers three models with different configurations and features to meet various requirements from customers. MYD-Y6ULX MYD-Y6ULG2-256N256D-50-I MYD-Y6ULY2-256N256D-50-C MYD-Y6ULY2-4E512D-50-C MYC-Y6ULX MYC-Y6ULG2-256N256D-50-I MYC-Y6ULY2-256N256D-50-C MYC-Y6ULY2-4E512D-50-C Processor MCIMX6G2CVM05AB MCIMX6Y2DVM05AA MCIMX6Y2DVM05AA RAM 256MB DDR3 256MB DDR3 512MB DDR3 Flash <span "="" style="font-family: arial, 宋体;">256MB Nand Flash 256MB Nand Flash 4GB eMMC WiFi Support Support Cannot support Reuse SDIO with eMMC Working Temp. -40 to +85 Celsius 0 to +70 Celsius 0 to +70 Celsius WiFi Module can only support -20 to +65 Celsius.                                                                                                        Device Options                                                                  MYD-Y6ULX Development Board The launch of the MYC-Y6ULX CPU Module and MYD-Y6ULX development board provide an expansion solution for development based on NXP’s i.MX 6UltraLite / 6ULL processor after MYIR’s release of the MYS-6ULX Single Board Computer in April.

In May of 2015, Forlinx Embedded Tech. Co., Ltd launched a new item based on i.MX6 serial microprocessor, both quad-core and dual lite-core are optional. Its features are as below: 1)i.MX6Q CPU module features i.MX6Q base board features: 2) i.MX6DL features: Both i.MX6Q and i.MX6DL share one CPU module and one base board. But SATA interface is only available for the quad-core board. They have excellent performance of OS Android, both multi-screen displaying and displayings are possible on it. Besides, as many companies are now engaged in EV Charger Billing Unit project or solution, i.MX6 will be a best backup option based on its advantages of LVDS and multi-screen For more details pls refer to our homepage www.forlinx.net or send emails to grace@forlinx.com Hardware Interface   S

This overview document gives a brief introduction of MYIR's MYD-Y6ULX development board which is a complete evaluation platform for NXP’s i.MX 6UltraLite / 6ULL processor family, which can operate at 528 MHz and features the most efficient ARM Cortex-A7 core, providing various memory interfaces and enhancing the flexibility and convenience of the board to connect peripheral devices. The board is ready to run Linux and supports industrial operating temperature range from -40 to +85 Celsius. The MYD-Y6ULX development board employs the MYC-Y6ULX CPU Module as the controller board by populating the CPU Module on its base board through 1.0mm pitch 140-pin stamp hole interface. The MYC-Y6ULX CPU Module is mounted with a shield cover and integrated with core components including i.MX 6UltraLite / 6ULL processor, 256MB DDR3, 256MB Nand Flash or optional 4GB eMMC and Ethernet PHY. The base board has extended rich peripherals through connectors and headers like Serial ports, USB, Ethernet, CAN, Micro SD card, WiFi module, LCD/Touch screen, Camera, Audio as well as a Mini PCIe interface for optional USB based 4G LTE module. It is a versatile platform and solid reference design delivered with necessary cable accessories and detailed documentations ideal for prototype and evaluation based on i.MX 6UL/6ULL solutions. MYIR offers three models of MYD-Y6ULX development boards with mainly different features as shown in below table. User can select model according to their own requirement. MYD-Y6ULX MYD-Y6ULG2-256N256D-50-I MYD-Y6ULY2-256N256D-50-C MYD-Y6ULY2-4E512D-50-C MYC-Y6ULX MYC-Y6ULG2-256N256D-50-I MYC-Y6ULY2-256N256D-50-C MYC-Y6ULY2-4E512D-50-C Processor MCIMX6G2CVM05AB MCIMX6Y2DVM05AA MCIMX6Y2DVM05AA RAM 256MB DDR3 256MB DDR3 512MB DDR3 Flash 256MB Nand Flash 256MB Nand Flash 4GB eMMC WiFi Support Support Cannot support Reuse SDIO with eMMC Working Temp. -40 to +85 Celsius 0 to +70 Celsius 0 to +70 Celsius WiFi Module can only support -20 to +65 Celsius.                                                                  Three Models of MYD-Y6ULX (default configurations)                                                              MYD-Y6ULX Development Board                                                                MYC-Y6ULX CPU Module

Вебинар по продукции TechNexion "Процессорные платы на базе iMX6 (ARM)" OK, maybe not everyone of you speak Russian. For example I don't speak. But I know there is a big Russian community out there, developing great stuff just like the rest of us by using ARM Processors. This Friday Ilya from IPC2U will hold a Webinar to give a Technical overview about the capabilities ARM processors have and how you can use them in today's world. I had a chat with Ilya and he told me he is planing to give a overview why ARM now is more suitable to be used in many different industrial areas due to increased capabilities and the increased usability of Linux. I had the luck that Ilya gave me an overview about what he will present, so even my Russian is limited (limited as in 'non existing') I still get some useful updates, even for me. The Link to register is here: http://ipc2u.ru/news/webinars/processornye-moduli-na-imx6-arm/ It's at 11:30 Moscow time (I guess, please check link above) and the Agenda is like this: Темы вебинара: Что такое ARM Семейство процессоров iMX6 на базе архитектуры ARM Cortex-A9 О компании TechNexion Обзор продукции компании TechNexion (встраиваемые системы, панельные компьютеры) Подробный обзор процессорных модулей формата PICO Talking with Ilya he told me this Agenda is roughly and he will cover like this: -ARM overview -ARM for industrial usage -NXP and it’s ARM i.MX6 Processors -TechNexion Product overview -TechNexion PICO Modules in detail -Q&A I don't know if there is a limit in maximum people to attend but 1h ago Ilya told me he is overwhelmed by the sign up rate of people... ..so you better hurry if you speak Russian and want join! Hey you are attending? Tell me here how it was after it, ok? Looking forward to hear from you Florian P.S.: I work for TechNexion. Thats the Company IPC2U is talking about in this Webinar, just to be clear about that. Me: florian12​​

Adeneo's entry for solution of the month in collaboration with Congatec

element14 presents the newly launched SABRE Lite evaluation platform featuring the powerful i.MX6 Quad-Core multimedia application processor from Freescale Semiconductor. The processor integrates ARM Cortex™-A9 kernel at 1GHz with rich peripheral interfaces such as 10/100/Gb Ethernet port, HDMI, LVDS, parallel RGB interface, touch screen interface, analog headphone/microphone, micro TF and SD card interface, USB, serial port, interface, JTAG, camera interface, and Android buttons.     The SABRE Lite development board is a low-cost development platform based on Freescale’s I.MX 6Quad ARM Cortex-A9 application processor which encompasses a quad-core platform running up to 1 GHz with 1 MB of L2 cache and 64-bit DDR3 or 2-ch., 32-bit LPDDR2 support. Integrated FlexCAN, MLB busses, PCI Express® and SATA-2 provide excellent connectivity, while integration of LVDS, MIPI display port, MIPI camera port and HDMI v1.4 makes it an ideal platform for leading-edge consumer, automotive and industrial multimedia applications.     The i.MX6 series unleashes a scalable multicore platform that includes single-, dual- and quadcore families based on the ARM Cortex™-A9 architecture for next-generation consumer, industrial and automotive applications. By combining the power-efficient processing capabilities of the ARM Cortex-A9 architecture with leading edge 3D and 2D graphics, as well as high-definition video, the i.MX6 series provides a new level of multimedia performance to enable an unbounded next-generation user experience.     The i.MX6 series also brings world-class integration with high-performance multimedia processing, making it the ideal platform for future multimedia-centric applications such as tablets, smart books and human-machine interface (HMI). With integrated options including LVDS, HDMI v1.4, MIPI DSI display port and MIPI CSI-2 camera port, as well as the ability to support up to four screens simultaneously, the i.MX6 series provides the flexibility to develop tailored, market-specific solutions with faster time to market.   To order this $179 solution please click here Key Applications: Netbooks (web tablets), Nettops (Internet desktop devices), High-end mobile Internet devices (MID), High-end PDAs, High-end portable media players (PMP) with HD video capability, Gaming consoles, Portable navigation devices (PNDs), Industrial control, Test and measurement (T&M), Single board computers (SBCs), Tablets, eReaders, Smartbooks, Automotive infotainment, HMI, Portable medical, IPTV, IP phones and Home energy management systems.             Click here for more inforamtion.

This document outlines how to reserve the first 2MB of memory for the M4 from Linux in order to take advantage of the cache-able RAM region available to the M4