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
| 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 and mouse |
A headless setup is possible, though in the Quickstart Guide we will always assume that you have a recommended display attached to the carrier board. If you proceed without a display, skip the lessons that make use of it at your own discretion. As an option, you can follow the Torizon Documentation - just be aware you will not find a walkthrough as thorough as this guide.
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.
Note: This Quickstart guide supports only Colibri iMX7 eMMC (that is, the 1 GB version) since raw NAND-based modules are currently supported only by experimental releases of Torizon.
Note: Carefully read this module's cover page clicking on "Module 1: Unboxing and Bring-up" on the left menu bar before starting this lesson.
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.
