OpenSDA Support

PEmicro provides the latest drivers, applications, and firmware updates for NXP's OpenSDA debug/programming interface.


Your Hardware Information

To view detailed information about your OpenSDA development board or to register it:
  1. Place the board in Bootloader mode (hold the Reset button down while connecting to USB, then release it). Your board will then be visible as a drive labelled BOOTLOADER.
  2. Browse this location and open the SDA_INFO file in a text editor. This will display version numbers.

OpenSDA Firmware (MSD & Debug)

Firmware Apps (.zip file)
Latest MSD & Debug applications.

Windows USB Drivers

Download PEDrivers_install.exe for manual install.
Version 12.4.

Linux USB Drivers

Download PEDrivers_install.exe for manual install.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Issue: FRDM boards from the factory may come with an outdated bootloader and/or firmware. How do I update the FRDM board?
    Solution: Erich Styger has writen a very helpful guide which walks the user through the update process.
  • Issue: Bootloader versions 1.10 and earlier are not allowing firmware update and MSD FLASH programming on my OpenSDA board, with the Linux, MacOS or Windows 8/8.1 operating systems.
    Solution: Support for Windows 8/8.1, MacOS and Linux operating systems was added to Bootloader version 1.11 and MSD firmware version 1.14. Please make sure that your board is programmed with Bootloader version 1.11 or higher prior to attempting to update your OpenSDA board with a new firmware application.

    Important: If you are currently running Bootloader version 1.10 or earlier, you will need to find a Windows XP or Windows 7 PC to perform this update.

    Please follow these steps to find out what version of Bootloader your board is programmed with:
    1. Start your board in Bootloader mode by holding down the RESET button prior to plugging it into USB port.
    2. Open the SDA_INFO.HTM file, which will contain version numbers of Bootloader as well name and version of current OpenSDA firmware you are using. If your board is not running Bootloader version 1.11 or higher, please download the latest OpenSDA Firmware Apps from P&E website and follow instructions in corresponding documentation to update the Bootloader using the BOOTUPDATEAPP_PEmicro_v111.SDA application. Once the Bootloader is updated via BOOTUPDATEAPP, the OpenSDA board can then be upgraded to the latest combined MSD/DEBUG OpenSDA firmware 1.14 or greater.
  • Issue: Is there a way to use the OpenSDA board to debug and program a target device as a Mass Storage Device without switching between MSD and DEBUG OpenSDA applications?
    Solution: Starting from firmware version 1.14, P&E combined MSD and DEBUG functionality into a single board dedicated firmware application. If you are not using OpenSDA application version 1.14 or higher, please download the latest OpenSDA firmware from the PEmicro OpenSDA page and update your board with the latest firmware corresponding to your OpenSDA board.

    Important: All P&E OpenSDA Mass Storage Device firmware v1.14 or higher also includes support for Windows 8/8.1, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.

Additional Resources

View this resource page for more information about transitioning from your OpenSDA evaluation interface to development and programming.

PEmicro Development
& Production Solutions

GDB SERVER PLUG-IN for
Eclipse-based ARM® IDEs

PEmicro's GDB Server Plug-In for Eckipse-based ARM IDEs allows GNU GDB tools to work with the OpenSDA and OSJTAG embedded debug circuitry incorporated into many of NXP's Tower and Freedom development boards, as well as PEmicro's ARM Cortex-compatible hardware interfaces. A free download of the plug-in is available.

MULTILINK Debug/Development Interfaces

PEmicro's Multilinks are versatile interfaces for development and debug that enable communication between your PC and target device for in-circuit debugging or programming. Multilink debug probes work with devices from NXP and many ARM device manufacturers. Standard and high-speed versions are available.

CYCLONE LC & CYCLONE FX
Production Programmers

PEmicro's Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX programmers are extremely flexible production programming tools designed for in-circuit flash programming. Cyclone operations can be fully automated, or the Cyclone can be used in stand-alone mode. Cyclone FX programmers add a host of enhancements to the Cyclone platform, including faster speed, larger and expandable storage, and enhanced security. PEmicro's Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX support a broad range of ARM device manufacturers, as well as a variety of additional architectures from NXP and other manufacturers.
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