MCU Bootloader for NXP Microcontrollers

MCUBOOT

The MCU bootloader is a configurable flash programming utility that operates over a serial connection on supported NXP MCUs. It enables quick and easy programming through the entire product lifecycle -- from application development to final product manufacturing and beyond -- for updating applications in the field with confidence.

The bootloader is delivered in two ways: as full source code that is highly configurable; or pre-programmed by NXP® into ROM or flash on select NXP MCUs. Host-side command line and GUI tools are available to communicate with the bootloader. The MCU bootloader uses startup, header files, and peripheral drivers from MCUXpresso SDK.

NOTE: This bootloader was previously named Kinetis Bootloader (or KBOOT). It has been renamed to "MCU Bootloader" (or MCUBOOT). The legacy KBOOT downloads are still available on the MCUBOOT downloads tab.

Diagram

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MCU Bootloader Block Diagram

MCU Bootloader Block Diagram

MCU Bootloader Startup Flow Diagram

MCU Bootloader Startup Flow Diagram
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Features

  • A common bootloader for LPC, Kinetis MCUs, i.MX RT crossover MCUs and Digital Signal Controllers
  • Supports for flashless devices
  • C/C++ Source code provided under a permissive BSD open source license
  • Supported Serial communications with active peripheral detection
    • UART
    • SPI
    • I2C
    • USB device HID/MSC
    • CAN
  • Common packet-based protocol for all peripherals
  • Capability to program or boot from external flash memory
  • Capability to program encrypted image
  • ROM flash driver usage examples
  • Command-line tools run on Windows, Linux and Mac OS
  • GUI tools run on Windows
    • Flash utility to the program, erase and configure the bootloader
    • Manufacturing tool to support programming up to 4 devices simultaneously
  • IDE Support:
    • MCUXpresso IDE
    • IAR Embedded Workbench
    • Keil MDK Arm®

Downloads

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Note: For better experience, software downloads are recommended on desktop.

Documentation

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Hardware

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