The types of simple image the linker can create depends on how the output sections are arranged within load and execution regions. The types are:

Type 1

One region in load view, four contiguous regions in execution view. Use the --ro_base option to create this type of image. Any XO sections are placed in an ER_XO region at the address specified by --ro_base, with the ER_RO region immediately following the ER_XO region.

Type 2

One region in load view, four non-contiguous regions in execution view. Use the --ro_base and --rw_base options to create this type of image.

Type 3

Two regions in load view, four non-contiguous regions in execution view. Use the --ro_base, --rw_base, and --split options to create this type of image.

For all the simple image types when --xo_base is not specified:

• If any XO sections are present, the first execution region contains the XO output section. The address specified by --ro_base is used as the base address of this output section.

• The second execution region contains the RO output section. This output section immediately follows an XO output.

• The third execution region contains the RW output section, if present.

• The fourth execution region contains the ZI output section, if present.

These execution regions are referred to as, XO, RO, RW, and ZI execution regions.

When you specify --xo_base, then XO sections are placed in a separate load and execution region.

However, you can also use the --rosplit option for a Type 3 image. This option splits the default load region into two RO output sections, one for code and one for data.

You can also use the --zi_base command-line option to specify the base address of a ZI execution region for Type 1 and Type 2 images. This option is ignored if you also use the --split command-line option that is required for Type 3 images.

You can also create simple images with scatter files.