Overview

The NXP Serial Memory Tool is a Visual Studio Code extension that streamlines serial memory configuration and validation for NXP microcontrollers. With an intuitive graphical interface, developers can easily configure memory parameters, validate settings on real hardware, and generate FCB binaries—all without leaving VS Code.

Note: This user guide is for NXP Serial Memory Tool version 25.9. For the latest updates and information, check the extension marketplace page.

Note: The software is subject to the NXP software license agreement.

Key features

• Serial memory configuration and validation
• Real-time validation
• Integration with Visual Studio Code
• Support for the RT1180 microcontroller family
• Import/save capability
• FCB generation
• User-friendly UI for creating and modifying the memory lookup table

System requirements

Supported operating systems

• Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Windows 11 (64-bit)

Software requirements

• Visual Studio Code (the latest version is recommended)
• Python environment (the tool configures this automatically)

Hardware support

• RT1180 microcontroller family

Installation

Installing the extension

• Open Visual Studio Code
• Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X)
• Search for "Serial Memory Tool for VS Code"
• Click Install

Setting up the Python environment

1. After installation, the Install Toolchain button appears in the tool interface.

   

2. To automatically set up the preconfigured Python environment, click the button.

3. Wait for the installation to complete (this process may take several minutes).

   

Getting started

Working with Serial Memory Tool

1. Open VS Code

2. Access the Serial Memory Tool:

   • Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
   • Type "NXP Serial Memory Tool" and select
   • Look for the NXP tool icon in the Activity Bar

   

3. Select the target device:

• Select a processor from the supported devices list.

• Once a processor is selected, a default Memory Chip is automatically assigned. This chip comes with a standard configuration validated on the EVK board.

  

• If the Memory Chip is changed, the memory type is updated automatically in the Configuration page to match the new selection.

  

4. Use the default standard configuration or create a custom configuration:

• EVK configuration is set by default for the selected device.

• If needed, adjust the configuration of Memory, FlexSPI Connection, Memory LUT.

• Memory Information Configuration

  

• FlexSPI Connection Configuration

  

• Memory LUT Configuration provides the option to add or remove LUT commands as it is needed for advanced memory configurations.

  

• If the configuration is changed, it is called a "Custom" configuration and the Save Configuration button becomes active.

  

5. Board detection:

• A connected board can be detected using the "Refresh current connection" button available in the Connection group.

  

• Choose the appropriate COM port in case multiple boards are connected.

• The connection icon changes and indicates a 'Connected' status once the board is detected.

  

6. Validate configuration by executing tests on the target:

Configure test parameters:

• Click Test, the Test Configuration tab opens to the right.

• To modify test settings, change test parameters.

• Upon test parameters changing, validation errors can be displayed in case the selected parameters are not correct.

  

Execute test:

• Tests cannot be executed unless a board is detected (the Run Test button is disabled).

• Once a board is detected, the tests Run button gets enabled (green icon).

• Click the Start button to start the test execution.

• The pass / Fail status icon is displayed in the left side of the tests tree after the test finishes executing.

  

• The Test execution log is displayed in the Serial Memory Tool for VS Code console that is automatically opened in the bottom once a test is started.

7. Save / Import configuration:

• Save and Import buttons are available in the top right corner in the "MCU & Memory" panel.

• Saved -> The Save button is enabled after the default configuration is modified.

  

• Imported -> A saved configuration can be imported using the import button.

  

8. Generate FCB:

• The FCB button is available in the top-right corner in the "MCU & Memory" panel.

• To generate and save FCB binary, use the Generate FCB button.

  

Basic workflow

Start Tool → Select MCU and Memory Chip → Configure Memory Settings → Board detection → Validate Configuration by executing tests on target -> Generate FCB or save configuration

User interface overview

Main interface components

Welcome Panel

The Welcome Panel is located in the top-right corner of the interface and serves as the starting point for toolchain management and initial setup. It provides access to options such as installing and managing the toolchain, allowing users to configure their development environment. Through this panel, it is possible execute commands to install the toolchain, uninstall it if needed, and check for available updates to ensure the setup remains current and functional.

Device selection panel (MCU & Memory)

This panel is located at the top of the interface, making it easily accessible as the starting point for configuration. The panel allows choosing the target microcontroller unit (MCU) and the memory chip you intend to work with. This selection is essential for tailoring the configuration and generation process to your specific hardware setup. Currently, the RT1180 microcontroller is available for selection. Additional devices will be supported in future updates.

Panel sections:

• MCU Device selection: Choose the microcontroller that matches your project requirements.
• Memory Chip selection: Select the memory chip that will be paired with the chosen MCU.
• Import / Save / Generate FCB Buttons: Use these buttons to import existing configurations, save your current setup, or generate the Flash Configuration Block (FCB) based on your selections.

Configuration panel

The Configuration Panel is located in the center area of the interface and is used to set up parameters for serial memory.

Panel sections:

• Core Configuration
• Memory Information Configuration
• FlexSPI connection configuration
• Memory LUT Configuration

Tests panel

The Tests Panel is located on the right side of the center area and is designed to display validation results and errors. It features validation, providing feedback on the correctness of the configuration, and indicates whether the current setup passes or fails. This helps users identify and resolve issues, ensuring an accurate configuration process.

Connection panel

The Connection Panel is located at the bottom right side of the interface and is used to detect whether a development board is connected. It shows the current connection status and allows users to manually refresh the connection by clicking the Refresh connection button. This helps ensure that the system is properly linked to the hardware before proceeding with further configuration or testing.

Troubleshooting

This chapter contains known problems and recommended solutions.

Issue: tool does not start

Symptoms: Extension loads but the tool interface does not appear.

Solutions:

1. Restart VS Code
2. Check if Python environment is properly installed
3. Run "Manage Toolchain" and Uninstall current Toolchain
4. Reinstall Toolchain using "Install Toolchain" button
5. Check VS Code output panel for error messages

Issue: device is not recognized

Symptoms: RT1180 does not appear in the device list.

Solutions:

1. Make sure to use a supported Windows version
2. Update the extension to the latest version
3. Check system requirements

Known issues and limitations

This chapter contains limitations and possible workaround.

Current limitations

1. Operating system support:

• Currently supported only on Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• macOS and Linux support is available in future releases

2. Device support:

• Limited to RT1180 microcontroller family
• Additional device support is in development

Workarounds

Unsupported operating systems

• Use a Windows virtual machine
• Wait for future OS support updates

Additional device support

• Check for extension updates regularly
• Contact NXP support for roadmap information

References

1. Documentation:

• RT1180 reference manual

2. Online resources:

• NXP Developer Portal
• NXP Community Forums
• Extension marketplace page (link - TBD)

3. Technical support:

• NXP Technical Support Portal (link - TBD)
• Submit issues through the VS Code extension page (link - TBD)
• Contact your local NXP representative (link - TBD)

Revision history

Document ID	Release date	Description
UG10328 v.1.0	24 September 2025	Initial version.

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