Working with QNX BSPs

Updated: April 19, 2023

Before you attempt to write a new BSP or modify an existing one, it is helpful to know how to use a BSP.

This chapter explains how to use a QNX BSP. Specifically, this chapter takes you through the tasks you must complete to boot a QNX Neutrino system on a target platform.

Note:

The information presented here is generic; that is, unless otherwise noted, the information is valid for all BSPs for the current QNX Neutrino RTOS release, but may lack some details required for specific boards. For detailed information and instructions for a specific board, see the BSP User's Guide for that board.

BSPs are QNX Neutrino release-specific as well as hardware-specific. Make sure that you have the BSP for your QNX Neutrino release as well as your hardware platform.

Unless otherwise specified, the instructions in this chapter assume that you are working in the command line on a Linux host.

Tasks

To get the QNX Neutrino RTOS running on a target platform, you need to:

  1. Install the QNX Software Development Platform (SDP) on a Linux, Mac, or Windows host system.
  2. Connect the required cables to your target board, and configure the board DIP switches, if applicable (for specific instructions, see the BSP User's Guide for your board).
  3. Download, extract, and build your BSP (see Building a BSP).
  4. Transfer the bootable OS image to your target platform (see Transferring an IFS to a target platform).

    The method you use to transfer the bootable OS image depends on the storage technologies your board supports (bootable SD card or micro SD card, eMMC; see your BSP User's Guide).

  5. Boot the board, and confirm that the QNX Neutrino RTOS is running on it.

Hardware documentation

Before you begin working with your BSP, you may wish to review the documentation for your board's hardware and boot loader. This information is normally provided by the board vendor. Each BSP User's Guide includes, where possible, a link to a vendor website, or to a third-party site where you'll find general information about your board's hardware and firmware.