Booting Android Automotive OS on Apalis imx8

[Hubanys]

I am currently working on a project to install and boot the Automotive Android OS that I got from NXP on a Toradex Apalis iMX8 board. I plan to use the Toradex Easy Installer (Tezi) for this process, and I would appreciate your guidance on the specific steps required to successfully boot the Android Automotive OS using Tezi.

Could you please provide any advice, documentation, or tips regarding:

1. The necessary files (e.g., bootloader, kernel, system image) required for the booting process.
2. Any configurations that need to be customized before booting.
3. Steps to start booting using Tezi.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help!

[jaimin_kalariya]

Hello Hubanys,

If you prefer to use the UUU (Universal Update Utility) tool for booting Android Automotive OS on a Toradex Apalis iMX8 board, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Required Files and Directories

• Bootloader: U-Boot file specific to the Apalis iMX8 (u-boot-<board>.img).
• Kernel: Kernel image (boot.img) and device tree image to the board.
• Android  Images:
  • init_boot.img, super.img, system_ext.img, vendor_boot.img, vbmeta.img, partition-table.img (provided by the NXP or Android distribution).
• UUU Script:
  • uuu_imx_android_flash.sh (Linux) or uuu_imx_android_flash.bat (Windows).
  • Located in: out/target/product/<target board>
  • Add a command-line argument to specify the Apalis iMX8 board.

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2. Preparing the UUU Tool

• Install UUU (if not already installed):
  • Download from the NXP GitHub repository and set it up.
• Prepare Images:
  • Place all necessary files (bootloader, kernel, Android images) in the same directory as the UUU script or ensure they are referenced correctly.
• Check Dependencies:
  • Ensure your host system has required dependencies (e.g., libusb for Linux).

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3. Flashing the Images Using UUU

• Enter Recovery Mode:
  • Put the Apalis iMX8 board in recovery mode:
    • Use a hardware button or jumper setting as per the Toradex recovery guide.
• Run UUU Script:
  • Execute the UUU script with the target board argument:
    ./uuu_imx_android_flash.sh <target board>
  • The script will flash the bootloader, kernel, and system images.
• Verify Flashing:
  • Monitor the UUU tool’s output for confirmation of successful flashing.
• Reboot:
  • Once flashing is complete, reboot the board to boot into Android Automotive OS.

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4. Additional Notes

• Alternate Boot Methods:
  • UUU tooling is the primary method, but network booting or SD card preparation can also be explored with advanced setups.
    
    

Best Regards,
Jaimin

[Hubanys]

Hello Jaimin

I'm planning to use toradex easy installer (TEZI), and I'd really appreciate your guidance on the specific steps needed to successfully boot. Are you able to help me?

what should I do?

[JorgeCas]

Hello,

We use UUU tool to flash images in our EVK boards.

I suggest you refer to Toradex to get the corresponding documentation for Toradex Easy Installer and bring-up process.

Best regards.

[Hubanys]

Can you give me a guide on how to flash android automotive using UUU tool?
and what images are used?

[JorgeCas]

Hello,

I suggest you take a look in our Android Automotive Quick Start Guide. In section 3.3 Flashing board images.

Best regards.

[Hubanys]

What files and directories are required to boot using UUU?

[JorgeCas]

Hello,

You need bootloader and root file system.

We use uuu_imx_android_flash.sh/bat to flash it.

Best regards.

[Hubanys]

do you know any other way for android automotive os to boot on toradex apalis i.mx8 other than using toradex easy installer?

[Hubanys]

Can you give me a guide on how to flash android automotive using UUU tools?