Kendryte K210 Standalone SDK: A Beginner's Guide

Kendryte K210 Standalone SDK: A Beginner’s Guide

December 18, 2020

The Kendryte K210 standalone SDK is a powerful tool that enables developers to unleash the full potential of the Kendryte K210 chip without needing an operating system. Perfect for embedded applications, this SDK is an invaluable resource for those looking to embark on their journey with this innovative technology. In this how-to article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the setup and showcase the key components.

Getting Started with Your New Project

Whether you’re using Linux, OSX, or Windows, starting a new project, like “hello_world”, is a straightforward process. Let’s dive into the detailed steps for each operating system.

For Linux and OSX Users

First, create a new project in the src directory:

mkdir your_project_in_src
cd src
mkdir hello_world
Insert your code into the hello_world folder.

Then, navigate back to the SDK root directory and build your project:

mkdir build
cd build
cmake .. -DPROJ=ProjectName -DTOOLCHAIN=optriscv-toolchainbin
make

For Windows Users

Download and install the latest version of CMake: cmake-3.14.1-win64-x64.msi
Download and install the latest toolchain: kendryte-toolchain-win-i386-8.2.0-20190409.tar.xz
Open Windows Powershell and change to your project directory:

cd to Project directory
mkdir your_project_in_src
cd src
mkdir hello_world
Insert your code into the hello_world folder.

Finally, build your project:

$env:Path=E:kendryte-toolchainbin;C:Program FilesCMakebin + $env:Path
mkdir build
cd build
cmake -G MinGW Makefiles
make

Understanding the Process: An Analogy

Imagine building a custom bicycle. The Kendryte K210 SDK is like your toolbox, packed with all the essential parts and tools. Your project (e.g., “hello_world”) is akin to a unique bicycle model that you want to assemble. The steps you follow are like carefully putting together each component to create a functional bike. First, you gather all the necessary frames and wheels (project files), then organize your workspace (folders and directories). After that, you follow the instructions (make commands) to ensure that every part fits seamlessly together, and voilà, you have a one-of-a-kind bike ready to hit the road!

Generating Executable Files

After successfully building your project, you will generate two key files:

hello_world – This file is used if you are running or debugging your program using the JLink.
hello_world.bin – Use this file to flash your program using the UOG. You’ll need to utilize flash-tools to burn ProjectName.bin to your flash memory.

Pay close attention during this step—incorrect use of these files can lead to confusion or unexpected results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you stumble upon any issues during setup or building, consider the following steps to troubleshoot:

Ensure that you have downloaded the correct versions of CMake and the toolchain.
Verify that your environment variables are set correctly, especially the PATH.
Make sure you’re running commands in the correct directories.
For system-specific issues, consult the documentation relating to your OS.
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