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1.2.4.2 Bootloader (NAND) firmware flashing

Bootloader flashing writes low-level firmware (e.g. Miniboot, U-Boot) to NAND Flash. It handles power-on initialization and loading the OS. Use it when the board will not boot, the bootloader is damaged, or you must update the boot stack.

About NAND firmware
  • The minimal RDK system in NAND includes Bootloader (Miniboot, U-Boot).
  • Boards ship with matching NAND firmware.
  • Do not downgrade; that can brick the device.
  • If the device does not boot, reflash NAND firmware.

Firmware download​

Download​

[Click here] and download the latest product_<release_date>.zip (exact name depends on the release folder).

Flashing tool​

RDK X5 Module Bootloader flashing on a PC uses XBurn.

XBurn​

  • For Bootloader firmware.
  • Windows, Linux, macOS.

Download​

[Click here] and get XBurn:

  • Windows: XBurn-gui_<version>_x64-setup.exe.

  • Ubuntu: XBurn-gui_<version>_x64-setup.deb.

  • macOS: XBurn-gui_<version>_x64-setup.dmg.

Installation​

Windows

  1. Run the installer, e.g. XBurn-gui_1.1.9_x64-setup.exe, and click Next.

  2. Choose Uninstall before installing / Do not uninstall, then Next:

  3. Choose uninstall path if prompted.

  4. Click Browse for the install location.

  5. Click Install.

  6. When you see Setup was completed successfully, click Next.

  7. Check Run xburn-gui and Create desktop shortcut, then Finish.

  8. XBurn-gui opens; later you can start it from the desktop shortcut.

Linux

  1. In the package folder run e.g. sudo dpkg -i XBurn-gui_1.1.9_amd64.deb. Example output:
(base) hobot@hobot-ThinkPad-T14-Gen-1:~/tools$ sudo dpkg -i XBurn-gui_1.1.5_amd64.deb 
[sudo] password for hobot: 
Selecting previously unselected package xburn-gui.
(Reading database ... 494898 files and directories currently installed.)
Preparing to unpack XBurn-gui_1.1.5_amd64.deb ...
Unpacking XBurn-gui (1.1.5) ...
Setting up XBurn-gui (1.1.5) ...
Udev rules installed and activated
User nobody added to plugdev group
User hobot added to plugdev group
User snapd-range-524288-root added to plugdev group
User snap_daemon added to plugdev group
User xpj added to plugdev group
Processing triggers for mailcap (3.70+nmu1ubuntu1) ...
Processing triggers for gnome-menus (3.36.0-1ubuntu3) ...
Processing triggers for desktop-file-utils (0.26-1ubuntu3) ...
Processing triggers for hicolor-icon-theme (0.17-2) ...
  1. Run sudo XBurn-gui or launch XBurn-gui from the app menu (you may be prompted for your password).

macOS

Open XBurn-gui_1.1.5_x64-setup.dmg, drag XBurn-gui into Applications, then launch it from there.

Flashing steps​

Check drivers​

On first launch, open the Drivers tab to verify installation.

  • Driver name: e.g. USB Driver (ADB, Fastboot, DFU) and USB to Serial Driver (CH341).

  • Current version: installed version.

  • Actions: install or uninstall.

  • Scan: detect and install missing drivers. If a driver is missing, click Install and follow prompts.

Hardware​

  • Serial to PC: Micro-USB

  • Flashing port to PC: USB Type-C

  • Power: USB Type-C with a 5V/5A adapter

Flash firmware​

  1. Set parameters:

    • Product: X5

    • Connection: Serial+USB

    • Download mode: xmodem_fastboot

    • Image folder: directory containing the images to flash

    • Batch count: concurrent devices (depends on PC and links; up to 8 is suggested)

    • Serial port: the port the PC sees

    • Baud rate: 921600 for RDK X5 Module

  2. Click Start upgrade. When prompted, cycle power. If the serial port disappears after power cycle, leave power off until prompted, then power on.

  3. Upgrade runs after power-on.

  4. Success.

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