MCUXpresso SDK Documentation
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MCUXpresso SDK

MCUXpresso SDK#

The MCUXpresso SDK is NXP’s comprehensive software platform for embedded development on NXP microcontrollers. It includes peripheral drivers, RTOS support, middleware, and example applications to accelerate development from prototype to production.

Distribution Formats#

MCUXpresso SDK is available in two main formats:

GitHub Repository SDK#

Git-based distribution hosted on GitHub for modular development, continuous updates, and collaborative workflows. The SDK uses multiple repositories managed by the Zephyr west tool to provide flexible, component-based development.

SDK Package#

Downloadable packages from SDK Builder for offline development. Starting with release 25.09.00, MCUXpresso SDK introduced two package versions for offline development:

  • Classic SDK Package: Traditional board-specific packages with pre-configured IDE projects for MCUXpresso IDE, IAR, Keil, and other toolchains.

  • Repository-Layout SDK Package: Board-specific packages that maintain the same structure and build system as the GitHub Repository SDK, providing offline access to the repository-based development experience. Available when selecting the ARMGCC toolchain.

From version 25.12.00 onward:

  • When you select ARMGCC, the SDK download will use the Repository-Layout version.

  • For all other toolchains, the SDK download will remain in the Classic version.

Note

The Repository-Layout SDK package was first introduced in version 25.09.00, but initially only for MCXW23x platforms.

Key Features#

Comprehensive Driver Library

  • Flexible peripheral drivers for rapid development

  • Optimized for performance and code size

Extensive Examples

  • Basic peripheral use cases to full technology demonstrations

  • Board-specific reference implementations

  • Out-of-box Demo Applications

  • Middleware component examples and integrations

RTOS Integration

  • FreeRTOS support with optimized configurations

  • Real-time application frameworks

  • Task management and scheduling examples

Middleware Components

  • Connectivity stacks (USB, Ethernet, wireless, communication protocols)

  • AI inference engines and neural network libraries

  • Audio processing and voice recognition libraries

  • Security frameworks and cryptographic libraries

  • Graphics and user interface components

  • Motor control and real-time control libraries

  • File systems and storage solutions

GitHub Repository Setup#

Note

Skip this section if using Classic SDK Package

For users working with GitHub Repository SDK or Repository-Layout SDK Package, follow the instructions below:

Prerequisites#

Ensure you have the required tools installed. Follow the Installation Guide for detailed setup instructions.

Workspace Initialization#

Note

Skip this subsection if using Repository-Layout SDK Package

The GitHub Repository SDK uses multiple repositories managed by the Zephyr west tool for modular organization and flexible component selection.

Initialize with latest SDK:

west init -m https://github.com/nxp-mcuxpresso/mcuxsdk-manifests.git mcuxpresso-sdk

Initialize with specific version:

west init -m https://github.com/nxp-mcuxpresso/mcuxsdk-manifests.git mcuxpresso-sdk --mr {revision}

Replace {revision} with the desired release tag, such as v25.09.00

Navigate to workspace:

cd mcuxpresso-sdk

Repository Checkout#

Note

Skip this subsection if using Repository-Layout SDK Package

The west tool manages multiple repositories containing different SDK components:

Checkout all repositories:

west update

Selective checkout for specific hardware:

# Checkout only repositories for a specific board
west update_board --set board your_board_name

# Checkout only repositories for a specific MCU part
west update_board --set device your_mcu_part

Tip

Selective checkout reduces download time and disk space by including only repositories required for your target hardware.

Environment Configuration#

export ARMGCC_DIR=/path/to/gcc-arm-none-eabi
west --version
cmake --version

Quick Start Example#

west build -b your_board examples/demo_apps/hello_world
west flash

Repository Architecture#

The SDK uses a multi-repository structure hosted on GitHub and managed by the Zephyr West Tool, enabling:

  • Modular Organization: Drivers, RTOS, middleware, and examples in separate GitHub repositories

  • Customizable Manifests: Targeted setups for specific requirements

  • Selective Downloads: Include only needed components from relevant repositories

  • Independent Updates: Component-level version control and updates

  • Scalable Integration: Easy addition of new repository components

Development Workflows#

Recommended Approach
MCUXpresso for VS Code - Modern IDE experience with integrated debugging and project management

Command Line Development
ARM GCC/IAR/MDK Command Line - Terminal-based development with full toolchain support

Traditional IDE Integration
Export projects to IAR, Keil, and other development environments

Support and Resources#

Community Support
Open GitHub issues and discussions for questions and contributions

Documentation
Comprehensive guides and API documentation available online

Technical Support
Contact NXP technical support for commercial development assistance

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