Writing uint64_t on a specific memory address.

[Epasta]

Hello all,

i need to save uint64_t in to a specific memory address.

in main. c

__attribute__((section(".flash_id_number"))) const uint64_t my_id_number = 0x1500080507032592;

i have create my .ld file named: my_memory.ld

SECTIONS
{
   .flash_id_number 0x40000 :
   {
      *(.flash_id_number)
      KEEP(*(.flash_id_number*))
   } > FLASH
}

i have edited CMakeList.txt as follow:

#
# Copyright (c) 2021 Nordic Semiconductor ASA
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Nordic-5-Clause
#
cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.20.0)

set(LINKER_SCRIPT "C:/Users/Enrico/PTT_Dual_2_0/my_memory.ld")

find_package(Zephyr REQUIRED HINTS $ENV{ZEPHYR_BASE})

but when i build the project i can not see in zephyr.hex the number that i writte.

I made another attempt and modified the linker.cmd file as follows:

....
ztest :
{
 _ztest_expected_result_entry_list_start = .; KEEP(*(SORT_BY_NAME(._ztest_expected_result_entry.static.*))); _ztest_expected_result_entry_list_end = .;
 _ztest_suite_node_list_start = .; KEEP(*(SORT_BY_NAME(._ztest_suite_node.static.*))); _ztest_suite_node_list_end = .;
 _ztest_unit_test_list_start = .; KEEP(*(SORT_BY_NAME(._ztest_unit_test.static.*))); _ztest_unit_test_list_end = .;
 _ztest_test_rule_list_start = .; KEEP(*(SORT_BY_NAME(._ztest_test_rule.static.*))); _ztest_test_rule_list_end = .;
} > FLASH

.flash_id_number 0x40000 :
{
   *(.flash_id_number)
   KEEP(*(.flash_id_number*))
} > FLASH
....

It works, and I can see the values written at the correct memory address, but when I recompile the main.c it deletes the changes in the linker.cmd file, and I no longer have the values at the correct memory address.

I'm using nrf52840 and ncs 2.6.1

Can you help me in some way?

[Epasta]

Hello all,

i have edited main.c like follow:

void write_memory_id_number_(void){
    const struct device *flash_id;
    struct flash_area *fa;
    uint64_t my_id_number = 0x1500080507032592;
    uint64_t data_read;
    int rc;
    
    /*DON'T REMOVE THE COMMENTS HERE BELOW... IT WILL NOT WORK*/
    /*flash_id = device_get_binding("flash_id_number");
    if (!flash_id) {
        printk("Error\n");
        return;
    }*/

    rc = flash_area_open(FLASH_AREA_ID(flash_id_number), &fa);
    if (rc != 0) {
        printk("Error flash_id_number: %d\n", rc);
        return;
    }

    rc = flash_area_erase(fa, 0, fa->fa_size);
    if (rc != 0) {
        printk("Error flash_id_number: %d\n", rc);
        flash_area_close(fa);
        return;
    }

    rc = flash_area_write(fa, 0, &my_id_number, sizeof(my_id_number));
    if (rc != 0) {
        printk("Errore flash_id_number: %d\n", rc);
    } 

    rc = flash_area_read(fa, 0, &data_read, sizeof(data_read));
    if (rc != 0) {
        printk("Error: %d\n", rc);
    } else if (data_read == my_id_number) {
        printk("OK \n");
    } else {
        printk("Error:  0x%x no equals to 0x%x\n", data_read, my_id_number);
    }

    flash_area_close(fa);
}

edited .overlay file like follow:

    partitions {
        compatible = "fixed-partitions";
        #address-cells = < 0x1 >;
        #size-cells = < 0x1 >;
        boot_partition: partition@0 {
            label = "mcuboot";
            reg = < 0x0 0xc000 >;
        };
        slot0_partition: partition@c000 {
            label = "image-0";
            reg = < 0xc000 0x75000 >;
        };

        flash_id_number: partition@81000 {
            label = "flash_id_number";
            reg = < 0x81000 0x1000 >;
        };
        slot1_partition: partition@82000 {
            label = "image-1";
            reg = < 0x82000 0x76000 >;
        };
        storage_partition: partition@f8000 {
            label = "storage";
            reg = < 0xf8000 0x8000 >;
        };
    };

I can save data in flash file. But if i change memory address doesn't on hex file. 
It is correct what i do?
Where I'm wrong?

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi,

 

Using a linker script to place a variable at a absolute address is possible, but you have to be aware that the linker does not handle fragmentation well. For example, if you place a var inside a region, such as "FLASH", the linker will not split up the region and handle any gaps in address space.

The recommendation if you need to both read and write to a region is to place the region at the end of your flash layout, and address it.

 

Do you need to be able to erase and re-write the "my_id_number"? If not, I would then recommend to look at the UICR.OTP[] area for storing a specific ID.

 

Kind regards,

Håkon

[Epasta]

No, I do not need to be able to erase and re-write "my_id_number".
I just need to set it one time, keep it in a specific memory address and read it every time at power on.

It can happens that this number could be change in the future. UICR.OTP[] is not good for us.

Can you provide me a sample?

Thanks

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi,

 

It is unclear to me if this variable/number can change or not, based on your description. 

If you cannot use UICR, then I would recommend the settings subsys, or set aside a specific page/section for your user-specified data at the end of flash.

 

Kind regards,

Håkon

[Epasta]

Hello,

it is difficult that can change but could be.

I did it with overlay file and it works perfectly how I would like.

Now I have enabled ota, but overlay file it does not work anymore.
Which is the correct file now to handle?

I read that i have to change pm_static.yml but i doesn't have this file in my project.
I tried to change partitions.yml but when I build it come back to default.

can you help me?

Thanks again for your time.

Best regards

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi,

 

You should use the original build folders build/partitions.yml as a static layout for future DFU images.

This means that you shall copy the original_project/build-folder/partitions.yml to my_updated_project/pm_static.yml to keep the original static partition layout.

 

Kind regards,

Håkon

[Epasta]

Hello,

can you provide me a sample or documentation?
This is very unclear fo me.

thanks
best regards

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi,

 

Here's the partition manager documentation:

https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ncs-2.6.2/page/nrf/scripts/partition_manager/partition_manager.html#configuring_static_partitions

 

Kind regards,

Håkon