Embedded System on Module (SoM) Development Guide: Taking the ECK20-6Y28C Core Board as an Example Introduction to SoM and the ECK20-6Y28C Core Board: Concepts, Advantages, and Selection 1.1 What is a SoM? An Embedded System on Module (SoM), also known as a core board, is a modular product that integrates core components such as the processor, memory, storage, and power management onto a single small PCB. It functions like a "computer brain," containing the minimum system necessary to run an operating system. Users only need to connect it to their own baseboard via connectors or stamp holes to quickly complete the development of an embedded system. The core value of a SoM lies in "lowering the barrier, shortening the cycle, and reducing risk." Developers do not need to design complex power supplies, high-speed signal routing, and high-density BGA packages from scratch; they can instead focus on the functional expansion and upper-layer applications of the baseboard.
1.2 ECK20-6Y28C Core Board Introduction The ECK20-6Y28C is an industrial-grade SoM designed by EBYTE based on the NXP i. MX6ULL processor, making it an ideal choice for entry-level embedded systems. Its core features are as follows:
Processor: NXP i. MX6ULL, single-core ARM Cortex-A7, main frequency 792MHz. Memory & Storage: Onboard 256MB/512MB DDR3L memory, and 512MB NAND FLASH or 8GB eMMC storage.
Interface Form: Uses a 120-pin BTB connector for easy connection with the baseboard. Display & Network: Supports 1 parallel LCD display (resolution up to 1366x768) and 2 100M Ethernet ports.
Expansion Capability: Provides 8 UARTs, 2 CANs, 2 USB OTG ports, and multiple GPIOs.
Operating Temperature: Industrial grade -40℃ to +85℃.
1.3 Why Choose the SoM Solution like ECK20-6Y28C? 1. Reduced Development Difficulty: The i. MX6ULL processor uses a BGA package, making manual soldering difficult. The ECK20-6Y28C uses a BTB connector, allowing users to simply design a baseboard connector, greatly reducing the hardware design threshold.
2. Shortened Development Cycle: The core board already integrates complex circuits like power management, clocks, and DDR memory. Users do not need to verify this hardware and can directly start software development on the Linux system, reducing the time to market by several months.
3. Lower Hardware Costs: The SoM solution is more flexible than purchasing a development board. Users can choose the appropriate baseboard based on project requirements and reuse the core board, reducing both single development and maintenance costs.
4. High Reliability: The core board is professionally designed and tested, undergoing strict EMC and aging screening to ensure stable operation in harsh industrial environments.
1.4 Selection Recommendations When selecting a SoM, parameters such as processor performance, memory capacity, storage solution, interface resources, and operating temperature should be considered. For low-power, cost-effective applications in industrial control, HMI, and IoT gateways, the ECK20-6Y28C is the optimal choice. Summary: SoM is the "accelerator" for embedded system development. With its mature design, rich interfaces, and industrial-grade reliability, the ECK20-6Y28C provides developers with a fast path from 0 to 1.
2. Hardware Design Guide: How to Design a Baseboard for the ECK20-6Y28C 2.1 Introduction: Baseboard Design is Key to SoM Success While the SoM provides the "brain," the "body" and "senses" are determined by the baseboard. A well-designed baseboard is a prerequisite for the SoM to fully function and operate stably. This section details the key points of baseboard design using the ECK20-6Y28C as an example.
2.2 Power System Design
1. Power Input: The ECK20-6Y28C uses a single +5V±10% power supply, with a recommended supply current of 0.5A. Either a DC-DC or LDO solution can be chosen. However, note that the power margin of the DC-DC should not be too large to avoid affecting ripple, and the heat dissipation of the LDO must be considered.
2. Power Domain and Timing: The internal power domain power-on sequence of the core board is: SNVS → NVCC → VBUS. When designing the baseboard, ensure that the power rails of external circuits (e.g.,CAN transceivers) match the power domains of the core board's I/O to avoid signal anomalies or device damage.
3. Backup Power: The VBAT pin (J1-42) can be connected to an external RTC battery, with a voltage range of 2.6V–3.3V. However, NXP recommends using an external RTC circuit, as the internal RTC's high power consumption will shorten the battery life.
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