PX4 User Guide (v1.12)

# STM32 Bootloader

The code for the PX4 bootloader is available from the Github Bootloader (opens new window) repository.

# Supported Boards

  • FMUv2 (Pixhawk 1, STM32F4)
  • FMUv3 (Pixhawk 2, STM32F4)
  • FMUv4 (Pixracer 3 and Pixhawk 3 Pro, STM32F4)
  • FMUv5 (Pixhawk 4, STM32F7)
  • TAPv1 (TBA, STM32F4)
  • ASCv1 (TBA, STM32F4)

# Building the Bootloader

git clone https://github.com/PX4/Bootloader.git
cd Bootloader
git submodule init
git submodule update
make

After this step a range of elf files for all supported boards are present in the Bootloader directory.

# Flashing the Bootloader

WARNING

The right power sequence is critical for some boards to allow JTAG / SWD access. Follow these steps exactly as described.

The instructions below are valid for a Blackmagic / Dronecode probe. Other JTAG probes will need different but similar steps. Developers attempting to flash the bootloader should have the required knowledge. If you do not know how to do this you probably should reconsider if you really need to change anything about the bootloader.

The sequence is

  1. Disconnect the JTAG cable
  2. Connect the USB power cable
  3. Connect the JTAG cable

# Black Magic / Dronecode Probe

# Using the right serial port

  • On LINUX: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Black_Sphere_XXX-if00
  • On MAC OS: Make sure to use the cu.xxx port, not the tty.xxx port: tar ext /dev/tty.usbmodemDDEasdf
arm-none-eabi-gdb
  (gdb) tar ext /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Black_Sphere_XXX-if00
  (gdb) mon swdp_scan
  (gdb) attach 1
  (gdb) mon option erase
  (gdb) mon erase_mass
  (gdb) load tapv1_bl.elf
        ...
        Transfer rate: 17 KB/sec, 828 bytes/write.
  (gdb) kill

These instructions are for the J-Link GDB server (opens new window).

# Prerequisites

Download the J-Link software (opens new window) from the Segger website and install it according to their instructions.

The command below is used to run the server for flight controllers that use the STM32F427VI SoC:

JLinkGDBServer -select USB=0 -device STM32F427VI -if SWD-DP -speed 20000

The --device/SoC for common targets is:

  • FMUv2, FMUv3, FMUv4, aerofc-v1, mindpx-v2: STM32F427VI
  • px4_fmu-v4pro: STM32F469II
  • px4_fmu-v5: STM32F765II
  • crazyflie: STM32F405RG

# Connect GDB

arm-none-eabi-gdb
  (gdb) tar ext :2331
  (gdb) load aerofcv1_bl.elf

# Troubleshooting

If any of the commands above are not found, you are either not using a Blackmagic probe or its software is outdated. Upgrade the on-probe software first.

If this error message occurs:

Error erasing flash with vFlashErase packet

Disconnect the target (while leaving JTAG connected) and run

mon tpwr disable
swdp_scan
attach 1
load tapv1_bl.elf

This will disable target powering and attempt another flash cycle.

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