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1.2.4.1 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.
  • RDK X5 Module is powered via the carrier USB Type-C with a 5V/5A adapter.
  • Do not power from a computer USB port; insufficient power can cause abnormal shutdowns and repeated reboots.

Boot medium​

RDK X5 Module has on-board eMMC and supports microSD or eMMC as the boot medium.

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

Flashing tools​

RDK X5 Module supports SD in reader, SD in-board, and eMMC flashing with RDK Studio or Rufus.

RDK Studio​

  • Local image or download while flashing.
  • Windows, macOS.

Installation​

Windows

Double-click the .exe to install and launch.

macOS

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

Rufus​

  • Local image only.
  • Windows only.

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 Module provides Ubuntu 22.04 in server or desktop form:

      • desktop: Ubuntu with a desktop.
      • server: Headless Ubuntu.

    • Boards ship with a test image; reflash for the latest release.

    • RDK X5 Module requires 3.2.0 or newer images.

  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, power on, wait 5 s for 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.

eMMC flashing​

  1. With no SD card inserted, connect USB Type-C to the PC, hold Sleep, power on, wait 5 s.

  2. The PC should see eMMC 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—the SD appears as a USB drive.

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

eMMC flashing​

  1. With no SD card, connect USB Type-C to the PC, hold Sleep (connector 23), power on, wait 5 s—on-board eMMC appears as a USB drive.

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

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