: Developers document their path to obtaining the scatter file to understand the partition layout of a device like the Amazon Echo Dot
If you've ever worked with (a popular quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 tablet SoC), you've likely encountered a scatter file . This seemingly simple text file is the blueprint that tells flashing tools exactly where to write each piece of firmware on the device's storage.
: The hexadecimally coded memory location where the partition starts.
: Tells the flashing software whether this partition should be updated during a standard flash. How to Use the MT8163 Scatter File with SP Flash Tool
to perform a "Readback" of the first few megabytes of your device's memory, then load that data into to automatically generate a valid scatter file. MTK Droid Tools mt8163 scatter file
A MediaTek (MTK) scatter file is the blueprint of your mobile device's storage. If you own an Amazon Fire tablet, an Acer Iconia, or any other budget-friendly device powered by the MediaTek MT8163 processor, understanding the is your key to advanced modification, unbricking, and firmware flashing.
Power off your MT8163 device completely. While holding the Volume Down (or Volume Up, depending on the OEM) button, connect it to the PC via USB.
What is the of your MT8163 device (e.g., Amazon Fire HD 8 2017, Lenovo tablet)?
The tool will automatically populate the checklist below with partition names and their corresponding image file paths. Choose Flashing Mode: : Developers document their path to obtaining the
- partition_index: SYS12 partition_name: recovery file_name: recovery.img is_download: true start_addr: 0x0000000009A00000 physical_start_addr: 0x0000000009A00000 partition_size: 0x0000000001000000 region: EMMC_USER storage: HW_STORAGE_EMMC Use code with caution. Key Terms Defined
The software will read the partition table from the device's partition map block and allow you to save a newly generated MT8163_Android_scatter.txt file to your PC. How to Use the MT8163 Scatter File with SP Flash Tool
Click the green arrow button at the top of the interface. Step 5: Connect the Hardware
- partition_index: 4 partition_name: NVRAM file_name: nvram.bin is_download: true type: NONE linear_start_addr: 0x001C0000 physical_start_addr: 0x001C0000 partition_size: 0x00400000 region: EMMC_USER : Tells the flashing software whether this partition
Ensure all firmware files ( boot.img , recovery.img , etc.) are located in the exact same directory as the MT8163_Android_scatter.txt file. 2. BROM Error: S_CHKSUM_ERROR (1042)
: This is the most modern method for newer MTK chips. You can use SP Flash Tool
A stock or custom firmware package containing the MT8163_Android_scatter.txt file and its corresponding image binaries ( .img , .bin ). Flashing Procedure : Open flash_tool.exe as an administrator.
: This usually stems from bad physical connectivity or incompatible VCOM drivers. Try switching to a USB 2.0 port and replacing the cable.
: The partition map layout on your tablet does not match the layout outlined in the scatter file you just loaded.
| Error Code | Why It Happens | The Fix | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | The scatter file or Preloader does not match the hardware. Often a partition size mismatch. | Double-check your partition sizes. Ensure you are using a scatter file extracted from a firmware exactly built for your tablet model. | | ERROR: STATUS_SEC_AUTH_FILE_NEEDED (0xC0050012) | The authentication file required for the newer DA (Download Agent) is missing. | In SP Flash Tool, go to Options -> Download DA (Download Agent) and select a compatible DA_SWSEC.bin or the specific DA from your ROM package. | | Download OK but Device Won't Boot | A "dirty" flash where the user data cache is corrupted. | Re-flash using "Firmware Upgrade" mode instead of "Download Only" to format the old data. | | SP Flash Tool Hangs / No Red Bar | VCOM Drivers are not installed correctly, or Windows is using the wrong driver. | Open Windows "Device Manager". When you connect the powered-off tablet, look for "MTK USB Port". If you see a yellow exclamation mark, manually reinstall the VCOM driver. |