MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM243X: How can I debug the AM243x SBL via debugger ?

The way I debug my SBL is:

1.)Put boot mode pins to dev config

2.)Insert a debug while test loop at the beginning of SBL code, like this:

int test = 1;

int main()
{
    while(test);
    
    /*
    Rest of your SBL code
    */
}

3.)Recompile the SBL and put it in your boot media.

4.)Reboot device. Your code will get stuck in while test loop.

5.)Now you attach your debugger to the Boot core, in your case that would be the R5F0.

6.)Load Symbols of SBL code

7.)Pause execution.

8.)Change value of test in runtime to 0.

9.)Done, you now debug step through your code.

Alternativley:

1.)Erase your boot media

2.)Put boot mode pins to dev config

3.)Reboot device.

4.)Load your SBL application on your Boot core, using CCS.

5.)Done, Puse execution how ever you like.

Now to understand what could be the problem that "Hello World" won't show. I don't know exactly could be N number of things. I guess you will have it find it out yourself.

Hi,

I will try that.

I have to find how to  "Put boot mode pins to dev config" , on my board.

I think I can only get into the "UART boot mode" - then I load the "writer , SBL , Hello World" , via UART.

Can I use the "UART boot mode" to debug the SBL ?

Thanks,

Eli

Hi Eli Mordel,

Continuing on the above suggestion by Abhimanyu Singh (permanent link: MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM243X: How can I debug the AM243x SBL via debugger? - Arm-based microcontrollers forum - Arm-based microcontrollers - TI E2E support forums),

First, in case you have some optimised compilation, please prefer using 'volatile' qualifier to the test integer shown in the answer so that the empty-body loop doesn't get optimised out in your source. Once it hits upto that point, it can be set to 0 (false) using a debug session and stepping or running it with/without breakpoints thereon to continue debugging.

Eli Mordel said:

I have to find how to  "Put boot mode pins to dev config" , on my board.

This means to switch to Dev Boot Mode (previously called as "No Boot" Mode). You can check for its boot mode switch configuration from here: AM243x MCU+ SDK: EVM Setup (ti.com). This has to be done after flashing image (and to let it run until it hits the while loop used) so that it gets into the SBL upto the loop line, and thereon it can be checked by connecting to the flashed core using CCS Debug with its Target Configuration and then using Load Symbols option with the flashed image binary to load the debug symbol information.

Eli Mordel said:

I can only get into the "UART boot mode" - then I load the "writer , SBL , Hello World" , via UART

Yes, I understand that when using UART Flashing, UART Boot Mode is the only Boot Mode used which may not allow a boot mode switch when the program is flashed and run for once following some 2-5 seconds after the flash. So, in order to flash the SBL and then check, you may try connecting to the core with Code Composer Studio while on the same UART/OSPI Boot Mode which has loaded and run the flashed application (that may face a connection issue, please confirm) or go with the standard core connect and debug with Dev Boot Mode on Code Composer Studio's Program Load way if you have to check using the executable binary (generally .out or core-specific .xer5f, .xea52 and so on) of your program, as suggested in the above original answer.

Eli Mordel said:

Can I use the "UART boot mode" to debug the SBL ?

When using TI CCS, I would consider that if you are able to connect to your core while being on the same UART boot mode, you may be able to continue debugging with the same boot mode.

I hope it adds some details that you were looking for.

Thanks,
Harshit

Hi Tushar,

I'll try.

Thanks,

Regards,

Eli

Hi Harshit,

I'll try that.

Thanks,

Regards,

Eli

Hi Eli,

Eli Mordel said:

I'll try.

Looking forward to your response.

Regards,

Tushar