Hardware Setup

What’s in the box – APB

Coming Soon

Host to APB Workflow

As a reminder, this workflow will look like this:

Requirements

  • Host computer with Linux
  • USB ports capable of providing 10W

Power

APB will be powered through the USB port. Typically needing a max of 10W. A normal USB cable may not be sufficient. A Thunderbolt connector and cable would be able to provide what APB needs.

Using this power method, APB can handle up to 60W through USB power, which is your power budget for other accessories you may want to connect.

If more power is needed, and you would like to continue with this direct connection, you can supplement power using a power supply. See the next workflow for the details on how to wire it.

Access

As for the access, data will go through the USB using a network interface (RNDIS).

Connect the USB cable between the host and the SOC USB port (Marked IMX on the board drawing below)

Heat

Regardless of the heatsink situation you have, we recommend placing a desk fan on APB when working on a bench as the lack of airflow can cause the onboard computer to shut itself off in case of a temperature rise above X degrees.

A 4 inches, usb powered fan, directly pointed at APB will be sufficient (see image)

Network to APB Workflow

As a reminder, this workflow will look like this:

Requirements

  • Bench power supply capable of providing 7.4V(2S) to 36V from the power connector at 10W min.
  • USB-C to ethernet adapter if connected to the network.

Powering APB

In this workflow, the power supply will power APB through the PWR port. Use the provided cable in the box. If you need to create your own, follow the pin out and use a 4pin JST-GH 1.25 connector.

Access

As with the previous workflow, access is through the USB-C SOC port marked IMX. You will simply connect the Ethernet to USB-C adapter (see picture) to it, and the ethernet cable to the network switch.

Heat

As with the previous workflow, a 4 inch fan is recommended regardless of the heatsink you have. If you are to use this workflow in a CI setup, mind not only the heat of the single APB, but also the farm. It is best to leave a 4 inch fan per APB and add extra based on your setup though.

Next

Now that your hardware setup is complete, it is time to move on to the software part of your journey.

Software Setup