Mt6580-android-scatter.txt [portable] May 2026
mt6580-android-scatter.txt is a critical configuration file used for MediaTek-based devices (specifically the MT6580 chipset) to define the device's internal memory partition layout. It acts as a "map" that tells flashing software exactly where each component of the firmware (like the bootloader, recovery, or system) should be written on the device's EMMC storage. Key Functions Partition Mapping
: Defines the start addresses and lengths for various partitions, including Firmware Flashing : Used by tools like SP Flash Tool
to identify which files from a firmware package correspond to which memory blocks. Device Recovery
: Essential for unbricking devices, as it allows for the manual "writing" of specific partitions to fix boot loops or corrupted systems. Typical Structure mt6580-android-scatter.txt
A standard MT6580 scatter file includes detailed entries for roughly 23 to 27 partitions . Each entry typically contains: MT6580 Android Scatter File Details | PDF - Scribd
The mt6580-android-scatter.txt file is a critical configuration document used for flashing firmware on devices powered by the MediaTek MT6580 chipset. Acting as a "map" or partition table, it tells flashing utilities like the SP Flash Tool exactly where to write specific firmware components—such as the system, recovery, and boot images—within the device's eMMC or NAND flash memory. What is an MT6580 Scatter File?
At its core, a scatter file is a plain text file containing the layout and settings for an Android device's partitions. For the MT6580 platform, this typically includes definitions for 23 to 27 distinct partitions. Each entry in the file specifies vital parameters: Partition Name: (e.g., system, recovery, userdata). mt6580-android-scatter
Physical Address: The precise hexadecimal starting location (e.g., 0x0000000004fa0000) on the storage chip.
Partition Size: The allocated space for that specific component.
Flash Status: Whether the partition is "downloadable" or strictly reserved for the system. Key Uses for the MT6580 Scatter File File format (structure)
Having the correct scatter file is mandatory for several advanced technical procedures:
[Revised] How to use SP Flash tool to flash Mediatek firmware
File format (structure)
- Plain text file using key-value blocks.
- Begins with a header (usually indicating platform and version).
- Contains a list of partition entries under shared keys such as "partition_index", "file_name", "is_download", "type", "linear_start_addr", "physical_start_addr", and "partition_size".
- Values are typically hex (0x...) for addresses and sizes, or integers/strings for other fields.
Example block pattern (conceptual)
- partition_index:
- partition_name:
- file_name: <path/to/image-file> or "NONE"
- is_download: <true/false or 0/1>
- type: <EMMC/UBI/EXT4/RAW> (implementation varies)
- linear_start_addr: (RAM mapping; sometimes 0)
- physical_start_addr: (flash offset)
- partition_size:
- region:
- storage_type:
2.1 Key Attributes
| Field | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| partition_index | Sequential index (SYS0, SYS1, …) |
| partition_name | Logical name (e.g., boot, system) |
| file_name | Image file to flash (or NONE) |
| is_download | true = flashed; false = skipped |
| linear_start_addr | Absolute address in flash |
| partition_size | Size in bytes |
| region | Flash region (EMMC_USER, EMMC_BOOT_1, etc.) |
4. Functional Role of Each Partition (MT6580-specific)
- PRELOADER – Low‑level hardware init, DRAM setup. Corrupt → hard brick.
- NVRAM – Stores calibration data, IMEI. Losing it kills modem functionality.
- PROTECT_F / PROTECT_S – Used by factory and safe protection mechanisms.
- UBOOT – Secondary bootloader (Little Kernel). Fastboot interface.
- BOOTIMG – Contains kernel (zImage) + ramdisk for normal boot.
- RECOVERY – Minimal Linux environment for OTA, factory reset.
- SEC_RO – Secure OS (TrustZone) for MT6580’s TEE.
- LOGO – Splash screen (raw RGB565 or BMP).
- ANDROID – Mounts as
/system(read-only). - CACHE – OTA updates, recovery logs.
- USRDATA –
/datapartition, includes user apps and internal storage.