Request for OS Flashing Procedure and Boot Configuration Guidance for Colibri iMX6 on Evaluation Board

Technical Support
1

Hello Toradex Community,

We are currently working with the Colibri iMX6 (MCIMX6U7CVM08Ax) module on the Toradex Evaluation Board and are in the process of preparing the system for OS deployment. Our development host runs Windows 10 Pro (22H2).

To ensure that we follow the recommended and correct sequence for flashing the OS, we would greatly appreciate your guidance on the following points:

  1. Step-by-Step Flashing Procedure:

What is the recommended method to flash the OS (e.g., using Toradex Easy Installer)?

What are the prerequisites or tools we need to install on our Windows host?

  1. Boot Configuration Best Practices:

What is the correct boot mode setting for flashing via USB OTG (SDP mode)?

Once flashed, what is the proper boot mode for normal operation (e.g., from eMMC or SD card)?

Are there DIP switch configurations we should be aware of on the evaluation board?

  1. Board Compatibility:

Is the Colibri Evaluation Board suitable for our SoM (Colibri iMX6 - MCIMX6U7CVM08Ax)?

If not, which evaluation board is officially recommended for this module?

  1. Additional Support:

Any checklist or key steps to ensure successful flashing?

Common pitfalls to avoid, especially during the first flash?

Tips for verifying that the OS has been flashed and is running correctly?

  1. Helpful Resources:

If available, could you please share links to relevant official documentation, Toradex Easy Installer, or video tutorials?

Recommendations for post-install validation or diagnostics.

We are aiming for a smooth setup and want to make sure we are aligned with best practices provided by Toradex.

Thank you in advance for your time and support. Please let us know if you require any additional information from our side.

Best regards,
Tharun

2

Hi, I’m the Toradex AI Assistant.

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Hello Tharun,

Thank you for your detailed questions. I’ll address each point to help you achieve a smooth and successful OS deployment on your Colibri iMX6.

1. Step-by-Step Flashing Procedure

The recommended way to flash the OS onto your Colibri iMX6 is to use the Toradex Easy Installer. The process is straightforward and minimizes the risk of bricking your module.

Prerequisites on Windows Host:

  • A USB cable (micro-USB to connect the Evaluation Board to your PC).
  • Toradex Easy Installer image for your target OS.
  • Toradex Easy Installer.

Basic Steps:

  1. Download the desired OS image compatible with your Colibri iMX6 from the Toradex Easy Installer feed.
  2. Connect your Colibri iMX6 module to the Colibri Evaluation Board.
  3. Use a USB cable to connect the Evaluation Board’s USB OTG port to your Windows PC.
  4. Set the module to USB recovery boot mode (SDP mode) using the DIP switches (see next section).
  5. Run the Easy Installer loader (some preliminary Windows drivers might be required; follow prompts when using the loader).
  6. The board will boot into the Easy Installer UI. You can use a connected monitor/mouse or network access for headless operation.
  7. Select and install the OS image via the Easy Installer UI.

2. Boot Configuration Best Practices

a) Boot Mode for Flashing (SDP mode via USB OTG):

  • For the Colibri iMX6, you typically enter recovery mode to load the Easy Installer if it is not already present.
  • Recovery boot is often selected by configuring DIP switches (refer to your Evaluation Board manual for the Recovery Mode DIP switch settings—usually by enabling USB Boot and disabling internal boots).

More on this and using DIP switches:
Using DIP Switches to Change the Boot Process

b) Boot Mode for Normal Operation:

  • After successful flashing, restore the DIP switches to their default position so that the module boots from eMMC (or SD card, if that is your config).
  • For general use, the module should boot from the internal storage.

3. Board Compatibility

  • The Colibri iMX6 module (including the MCIMX6U7CVM08Ax variant) is designed to work with the Colibri Evaluation Board.
  • Please verify that your Evaluation Board version matches the minimal requirements for the Colibri iMX6, but all standard Colibri boards should be compatible.

4. Additional Support: Checklist, Pitfalls & Verification

Checklist & Key Steps:

  • Use the correct USB port (USB OTG) for flashing.
  • Ensure the Windows PC recognizes the Colibri device in recovery mode (check Windows Device Manager).
  • Confirm the DIP switches/jumpers are correctly set for recovery and normal operation.

Common Pitfalls:

  • Not setting recovery mode properly (board doesn’t appear on PC).
  • Power supply interruptions during flashing.
  • Using an incompatible or corrupted OS image.

Verifying Successful Flash:

  • After rebooting, you should see the boot logo or serial debug messages.
  • You can also verify via serial console or by pinging/checking network if supported.

5. Helpful Resources

Post-Install Validation:

  • Check the system log via serial console for errors.
  • Run basic commands (via debug console) to check peripherals, storage, and network.
  • Optionally, run test images or diagnostics available via the Toradex Easy Installer before deploying production images.

If you need more details on a particular part of this flow, please let me know!

Best regards,
Toradex AI Assistant.

3

Hi @tharun1

Please find the answer to your questions in this article.