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1.2.3.1 Full image flashing

Full image flashing writes a complete OS image to storage (usually an SD card or eMMC). It prepares the board with user-space apps, drivers, and core services.

Notes
  • Do not hot-plug any device other than USB, HDMI, or Ethernet while power is on.
  • The RDK X5 Type-C USB port is for power only.
  • Use a quality USB Type-C cable; poor cables can cause power loss and unstable shutdowns.
  • Power the board via USB Type-C with a 5V/5A adapter; do not use a PC USB port. See also PoE usage.

Boot medium​

RDK X5 boots from a microSD card; flash the system onto the card.

  • Use at least a 16GB microSD card.
  • An SD card reader.

Flashing tools​

RDK X5 supports SD in a reader or SD in-board flashing with RDK Studio or Rufus.

RDK Studio​

  • Local image or download while flashing.
  • Windows, Linux, macOS.
  • SD in reader or SD in-board.

Download​

[Click here] and choose the User Installer for your OS.

Installation​

Windows

Double-click the .exe to install and launch.

Linux

Run sudo dpkg -i with the package in a terminal.

macOS

Double-click the package and drag the app into Applications.

Rufus​

  • Local image only.
  • Windows.
  • SD in reader or SD in-board.

Download​

[Click here] for Rufus.

Installation​

Double-click the .exe to install and launch.

Image download​

  1. [Click here] and pick an RDK X5 release.

  2. Open the version folder—for 3.3.3 as an example—and download server or desktop.

    About the images

    RDK X5 ships Ubuntu 22.04 images in server or desktop form:

    • desktop: Ubuntu with a desktop; use a display, keyboard, and mouse.
    • server: Headless Ubuntu; use serial or network access.

  3. Extract the image, e.g. rdk-x5-ubuntu22-preinstalled-desktop-3.3.3-arm64.img.

Flashing procedure​

RDK Studio​

SD in a reader​

See Flashing with RDK Studio.

SD in-board​

  1. Insert the SD card, connect USB Type-C to the PC, hold Sleep (next to the headphone jack), power on, wait 5 s—the board enters flashing mode.

  2. The PC should see the SD as a USB drive. At Select storage device, choose that drive. See Flashing with RDK Studio.

Rufus​

SD in a reader​

  1. Insert the SD into a reader and plug it into the PC.

  2. Open Rufus and select the microSD under Device.

  3. Click SELECT and choose the image, e.g. rdk-x5-ubuntu22-preinstalled-desktop-3.3.3-arm64.img.

  4. Leave defaults, click START, and wait.

  5. Close Rufus and eject the card.

SD in-board​

  1. Insert the SD, connect USB Type-C to the PC, hold Sleep, power on, wait 5 s for flashing mode.

  2. In Rufus, select the corresponding drive letter; other steps match SD in a reader.

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