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 Just keep in mind that the Guides are not being maintained anymore, even if we find bugs or outdated instructions.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.
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:
Aster Cable Setup GIF
A block diagram of the system setup and its connections is presented below for reference.
System setup block diagram
The following table lists the items required:
| List of items required |
|---|
| VGA display/monitor |
| USB Micro-A to Type-A (USB Micro-AB receptacle to Type-A) cable |
| Ethernet cable |
| USB keyboard |
Note: The Colibri iMX7S module has only one USB port. On the Aster Carrier Board it is available through the bottom USB port (X9) as host or through the micro USB port (X10) as client.
Remove the Aster Carrier Board and the Colibri Computer on Module from the blisters. Insert the computer on module into the X1 connector of the Aster Carrier Board on the bottom side, 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 Aster Carrier Board - Bottom side
Warning: Make sure that the module is well connected to the board. The image below has some checkpoints highlighted.
Computer on module connected to the Aster Carrier Board - Bottom Side
The Aster carrier board provides two ways to power the board: a standard 3.5mm power jack barrel connector using a external DC power supply and a USB micro-B connector (X4). In this guide, we will power the board via the micro USB connector. Therefore, it is necessary to close the jumper JP1, as shown in the image.
Jumper JP1 closed - USB power
Attention: The total power consumption of the system depends on the module/peripheral/accessories used. Please note that power available via the micro USB connector may not be sufficient for modules or applications with high power requirements, since this configuration is not fully USB compliant. In such cases, it is recommended to use an external power supply to power the system. While using an external power supply, please remove the shunt jumper (if any) from the USB Power Jumper (JP1) in order to avoid short-circuiting the USB and external power supplies.
Aster power warning
Attention: If you decide to power on the board from USB, make sure that you use a high quality and short cable. Long cables are known for making the Aster reboot intermittently due to voltage drop on the cable.
Aster USB warning
Connect the Ethernet cable to the Aster's X8 connector. Note: Ethernet network must provide DHCP and Internet to the module.
Connect a USB micro-B to Type-A cable to X4.
VGA, Ethernet, USB keyboard and USB micro-B to Type-A cable connected to the Carrier Board
Notice that the micro USB connector (X4) can be employed as a means to power the system and also has an integrated USB-serial converter that provides access to the computer on module debug serial port.
