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Unboxing and Setup Cables - Apalis Evaluation Board

 
 

Attention: the Quickstart Guide for BSP 2.8, based on the Ångström distribution, is not being updated anymore. Depending on your SoM, you have different options:

Vybrid and Tegra: the information is provided as-is and still accurate, since newer Toradex BSPs are not ported to those SoMs. Just keep in mind that the Guides are not being maintained anymore, even if we find bugs or outdated instructions.

Apalis TK1 (all variants), Colibri iMX6ULL (all variants), Colibri iMX7S 256MB and Colibri iMX7D 512MB: these computer on modules are still regularly maintained in our BSPs and, to get started, you must check the software page Toradex BSP Layers and Reference Images for Yocto Project. Since Torizon is not supported, at the moment a Quickstart Guide is not available.

All other i.MX-based SoMs: you have two options to get started with embedded Linux: the first is to follow the Quickstart Guide for Torizon, which provides the greatest out-of-the-box experience, or if you choose to use Yocto, check the software page Toradex BSP Layers and Reference Images for Yocto Project.

Overview

In this first lesson you will go through the process of unboxing your computer on module and carrier board and assembling the hardware. The following GIF illustrates what you will end up with:


  • Apalis Evaluation Board Cable Setup GIF

    Apalis Evaluation Board Cable Setup GIF

A block diagram of the system setup and its connections is presented below for reference.


  • System setup block diagram

    System setup block diagram


Prerequisites

The following table lists the items required:

List of items required
DVI-D display/monitor
Accessory kit :
  -12V 30W power supply
  -USB Type-B to Type-A cable
  -Ethernet cable
USB keyboard

Step 1

Remove the Evaluation Board and the Apalis Computer on Module from the blisters. Insert the computer on module into the X1 connector of the Evaluation Board as tight as possible, with the module inclined ~30 to 45 degree in relation to the carrier board.


  • Connecting the computer on module to the Apalis Evaluation Board

    Connecting the computer on module to the Apalis Evaluation Board

Warning: Make sure that the computer on module is well connected to the board. The image below has some checkpoints highlighted.


  • Computer on module connected to the Apalis Evaluation Board

    Computer on module connected to the Apalis Evaluation Board

Step 2

Connect a DVI-D monitor to X11 and an Ethernet cable to X12 on the Evaluation Board. Also connect a USB keyboard to X53 or X54, a 12V power supply to the barrel jack X17 or use a 7-27 V power supply to X15. Finally, plug the USB Type-B to Type-A cable to X29. Make sure that the jumpers X39 and X40 are short circuited in the DVI position, i.e. middle pins.

Attention: Double check that your power supply is within the Evaluation Board limits (7-27V to X15 connector or 12V to X17 connector) and that the polarity is not inverted. Also, make sure that the current capability of the power supply is enough, or the system may shut down unexpectedly. For evaluation purposes, a 12V 2A power supply is recommended.

Note: In the image below, the Apalis Heatsink is attached to the system. It is not mandatory for this getting-started guide, but keep in mind that excessive heat may reduce system performance. More information about the Apalis Heatsink is available here.


  • DVI-D, Ethernet, USB keyboard, power supply and USB Type-B to Type-A cable connected to the Evaluation Board

    DVI-D, Ethernet, USB keyboard, power supply and USB Type-B to Type-A cable connected to the Evaluation Board


Make sure that the jumpers JP10 and JP12 are set to USB mode as shown in the image below, once we will use UART-1 via the USB Type-B connector X29.


  • Jumpers JP10 and JP12 - USB mode

    Jumpers JP10 and JP12 - USB mode