# uuu

> Freescale/NXP i.MX Chip image deploy tools

**Wikidata**: [Q113956834](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113956834)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/uuu

## Summary
**uuu** is a software tool developed by NXP Semiconductors for deploying firmware images to i.MX-based system-on-chip devices. It facilitates manufacturing and development workflows by enabling fastboot-style communication with embedded hardware over USB. The tool is open-source under the 3-clause BSD License.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Software
- **License**: 3-clause BSD License
- **Maintained by**: NXP Semiconductors
- **Source Code Repository**: [https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools)
- **Latest Version (as of 2022)**: 1.4.43 (released August 11, 2020)
- **First Tracked Release**: 1.1.41 (released August 28, 2018)
- **Target Hardware**: i.MX family of system-on-chip platforms
- **Functionality**: Image deployment via USB using fastboot protocol extensions

## FAQs
### Q: What is uuu used for?
A: uuu is used to deploy operating system images and other firmware onto NXP's i.MX series of system-on-chip devices during production or development. It supports high-speed flashing through USB connections.

### Q: Is uuu free to use?
A: Yes, uuu is distributed under the permissive 3-clause BSD License, allowing free usage, modification, and redistribution with attribution.

### Q: Where can I download uuu?
A: The latest releases and source code are available on GitHub at [https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools), including prebuilt binaries and documentation.

## Why It Matters
uuu plays a critical role in the embedded systems ecosystem around NXP’s i.MX processors. These chips power millions of devices—from automotive infotainment units to IoT gateways—and require reliable, efficient methods for initial programming and updates. As part of the mfgtools suite, uuu streamlines the process of moving from compiled software images to functional hardware, reducing time-to-market for developers and manufacturers. Its integration into automated build environments also makes it essential for scalable device provisioning workflows. By abstracting low-level USB communication complexities, uuu enables engineers to focus on application logic rather than deployment mechanics.

## Notable For
- Being specifically designed for NXP i.MX SoC platforms
- Supporting both scriptable automation and interactive CLI modes
- Utilizing fastboot protocol extensions tailored for i.MX boot ROM compatibility
- Providing cross-platform support across Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Hosting all versions publicly with clear release notes and tags on GitHub

## Body

### Overview
uuu is a command-line utility included within the broader *mfgtools* package maintained by NXP Micro. It allows users to flash various types of binary files—including U-Boot, kernel, rootfs, and full disk images—onto target i.MX boards connected via USB. Unlike traditional SD card or network-based flashing approaches, uuu leverages the built-in serial downloader mode present in i.MX chips, making it ideal for secure element provisioning and factory imaging scenarios.

### Technical Details
The tool communicates with the i.MX BootROM over USB HID class drivers without requiring custom drivers on host machines. This universal accessibility contributes to its adoption in diverse development and manufacturing setups.

#### Supported Protocols
- Fastboot commands extended for i.MX features
- HID-based transport layer compatible with standard OS stacks
- Script execution engine for batch operations

#### Host Compatibility
- Microsoft Windows (7 and later)
- GNU/Linux distributions with libusb support
- macOS with Homebrew-provided dependencies

### Development & Maintenance
Development occurs primarily through the official GitHub repository hosted under the NXPmicro organization. Contributions follow standard Git practices, and issues are tracked publicly.

#### Licensing
Licensed under the OSI-approved 3-clause BSD License, ensuring wide usability in commercial and open-source projects alike.

#### Release History Highlights
Below are selected stable versions showing progression:

| Version | Release Date   |
|---------|----------------|
| 1.1.41  | 2018-08-28     |
| 1.2.0   | 2018-10-31     |
| 1.3.102 | 2019-10-28     |
| 1.4.43  | 2020-08-11     |

These releases typically introduce bug fixes, expanded board support, performance improvements, and updated protocol handling aligned with new i.MX chip generations.

### Integration Ecosystem
uuu integrates seamlessly with Yocto Project builds, Android build systems, and bare-metal toolchains targeting i.MX platforms. Scripts written in `.cmd` format allow complex multi-step deployments involving partition tables, encrypted blobs, and signed binaries.

## References

1. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/NXPmicro/mfgtools)
2. [Release 1.1.41. 2018](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.1.41)
3. [Release 1.1.81. 2018](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.1.81)
4. [Release 1.2.0. 2018](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.2.0)
5. [Release 1.2.91. 2019](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.2.91)
6. [Release 1.2.135. 2019](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.2.135)
7. [Release 1.3.102. 2019](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.3.102)
8. [Release 1.3.134. 2020](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.3.134)
9. [Release 1.3.154. 2020](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.3.154)
10. [Release 1.3.191. 2020](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.3.191)
11. [Release 1.4.43. 2020](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.4.43)
12. [Release 1.4.72. 2021](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.4.72)
13. [Release 1.4.139. 2021](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.4.139)
14. [Release 1.4.165. 2021](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.4.165)
15. [Release 1.4.193. 2022](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.4.193)
16. [Release 1.4.243. 2022](https://github.com/NXPmicro/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.4.243)
17. [Release 1.5.21. 2023](https://github.com/nxp-imx/mfgtools/releases/tag/uuu_1.5.21)