Does the XDS debugger uses the boot code ?

Eli Mordel

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: AM2432

Hi,

I'm using the EVM243x with built in XDS debugger.

When I start debugging does the XDS puts the code directly to DDR or some boot code involved communicating with the XDS ?

Where can I learn about the debugging communication and boot process ?

Thanks,

Eli

over 1 year ago

0 Ming Wei over 1 year ago

TI__Guru 55045 points

Hi Eli,

In short, during the debugging stage, CCS can load the executables (*.out) via XDS from PC disk into the designated memory areas (TCM, OCRAM or DDR) according to the linker.cmd, then user can single step, set breakpoints, examine the variables. It does not rely on any boot process. However, the AM243x EVM or LP do need use SBL_NULL or CCS JS script to initialize the SOC, board and DDR (if applicable).

For SOC initialization, refer to link: AM243x MCU+ SDK: EVM Setup (ti.com)

For boot process, please refer to the link: AM243x MCU+ SDK: Understanding the bootflow and bootloaders (ti.com)

For DDR initialization, please refer to the link: AM243x MCU+ SDK: EVM Setup (ti.com)

For using CCS with MCU+ SDK, please refer to the links: AM243x MCU+ SDK: Using SDK with CCS Projects (ti.com and

Debugging projects (ti.com)

Best regards,

Ming

0 Eli Mordel over 1 year ago in reply to Ming Wei

Expert 1345 points

Hi Ming,

I'll go trough the links you've sent me.

So if I build my own board , I need only to connect the XDS110 and CCS will load the program into the DDR ?

I don't need to burn any extra FLASH device and no boot required when working with the XDS110 ?

Thanks a lot,

Best Regards,

Eli

0 Ming Wei over 1 year ago in reply to Eli Mordel

TI__Guru 55045 points

Hi Eli,

Before you use the DDR, you have to initialize it, so is the SOC. In order to load your program from your PC to the DDR of your board, you will have to initialize both SOC and DDR. These tasks can be done either by the SBL_NULL (the recommended way) or by using the CCS script:

See AM243x MCU+ SDK: EVM Setup (ti.com) for SOC initialization details and

AM243x MCU+ SDK: EVM Setup (ti.com) for DDR initialization details.

Best regards,

Ming

0 Eli Mordel over 1 year ago in reply to Ming Wei

Expert 1345 points

Hi Ming,

I'm familiar with the documents as I'm successfully using the EVM-243x .

The thing that's bothering me that is there a FLASH memory on the EVM that has to be programmed for loading CCS program as I do now ?

I'm going to design my board with the am2432 CPU.

Do I have to put external FLASH on my board ?

If so - what should I burn into that external FLASH ?

I'm using Python program as described in the document for SBL_NULL.

Would I'll be able to use it on my board ? Does it burn internal or external FLASH ?

Thanks,

Best Regards,

Eli

0 Ming Wei over 1 year ago in reply to Eli Mordel

TI__Guru 55045 points

Hi Eli,

Although the SBL_NULL is the recommended way to initialize the SOC and DDR, but you can still use the CCS script to initialize the SOC and DDR. This way, you do not need the external flash: AM243x MCU+ SDK: EVM Setup (ti.com)

If you do not want to use the external flash on your board, then how do you plan to boot your system?

Best regards,

Ming

0 Eli Mordel over 1 year ago in reply to Ming Wei

Expert 1345 points

Hi Ming,

In my final board I plan to use external FLASH for boot.

Now I would like to build a prototype to test functionality just in debug mode with CCS and XDS200.

Thanks for elaborating on the subject,

Best Regards,

Eli

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Does the XDS debugger uses the boot code ?