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Hardware Manual - phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini/phyBOARD-Polis (1518.1a/1532.1) (L-862e.Ax)
Document TitleHardware Manual - phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini/phyBOARD-Polis (1518.1a/1532.1) (L-862e.Ax)
Article NumberL-862e.Ax
Release DateXXXX/XX/XX
SOM Prod. No.PCL-069
SOM PCB No.1518.1a


SBC Prod. No.:PB-02820-xxxxx.Ax
CB PCB No.: 1532.1


Edition:xxx 2022


Information on this Manual

This hardware manual describes the PCL-069 System on Module, referred to as phyCORE®-i.MX 8M Mini, and the PBA-C-15, referred to as phyBOARD®-Polis. This manual also specifies the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini and phyBOARD-Polis' design and function. Precise specifications for the NXP® Semiconductor i.MX 8M Mini microcontrollers can be found in the i.MX 8M Mini Microcontroller Data Sheet/Reference Manual.

Design Considerations

The schematics shown in this hardware manual are believed to be correct. However, correctness can not be guaranteed. The schematics have been pulled from PHYTEC's designs that have been built, tested, and is known to work. The schematics have been re-formatted to fit better in this hardware manual.

Many hardware examples and suggestions are given in the following pages. Designing the phyCORE System on Module onto a Carrier Board is generally straightforward. However, before committing to a particular active component selection when designing a carrier board, it is wise to check out the software driver support for those components. A particular device may be supported in, say, for example, Linux but not in Windows Embedded Compact 7. Your overall project may go smoother if you pick components that are already supported in your target OS. The premade selections for our reference designs, for example our Single Board Computers, are typically focused on using components that are well supported under Linux.

Specific details may need to be considered when designing a customer-specific carrier board. For design information on carrier board components, please check the Design Considerations in each component section of phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini on the phyBOARD-Polis. Be aware that not all components need to be considered when designing your own carrier board.


Preface

As a member of PHYTEC's phyCORE® product family, the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini is one of a series of PHYTEC System on Modules (SOMs) that can be populated with different controllers, various types of memory (RAM, NAND flash, eMMC), and many other features. This, in turn, offers increased kinds of functions and configurations. PHYTEC supports a variety of 8/16/32/64 bit controllers in two ways:

  1. As the basis for Rapid Development Kits which serve as a reference and evaluation platform.
  2. As insert-ready, fully functional phyCORE® OEM modules, which can be embedded directly into the user’s peripheral hardware design.

Implementation of an OEM-able SOM subassembly as the "core" of your embedded design allows for increased focus on hardware peripherals and firmware without expending resources to "reinvent" microcontroller circuitry. Furthermore, much of the value of the phyCORE® module lies in its layout and test.

Production-ready Board Support Packages (BSPs) and Design Services for our hardware will further reduce development time and risk and allows for increased focus on product expertise. Take advantage of PHYTEC products to shorten time-to-market, reduce development costs, and avoid substantial design issues and risks. With this new innovative full system solution, new ideas can be brought to market in the most timely and cost-efficient manner.

For more information go to:

http://www.phytec.de/de/leistungen/entwicklungsunterstuetzung.html
or
http://www.phytec.eu/europe/oem-integration/evaluation-start-up.html

Ordering Information

The part numbering of the phyCORE has the following structure:

PCL-069 Ordering Information

Product Specific Information and Technical Support

In order to receive product-specific information on all future changes and updates, we recommend registering at:
http://www.phytec.de/de/support/registrierung.html or http://www.phytec.eu/europe/support/registration.html

For technical support and additional information concerning your product, please visit the support section of our website which provides product-specific information, such as errata sheets, application notes, FAQs, etc.
https://www.phytec.de/produkt/system-on-modules/phycore-imx-8m-mini-nano/
or
https://www.phytec.eu/product-eu/system-on-modules/phycore-imx-8m-mini-nano/

Assembly Options include a choice of Controller, RAM (Size/Type), Size of NAND Flash, interfaces available, vanishing, temperature range, as well as other features. Please contact our sales team to get more information on the ordering options available.

Declaration of Electro Magnetic Conformity of the PHYTEC phyCORE®‑i.MX 8M Mini

PHYTEC System on Module (henceforth products) are designed for installation in electrical appliances or as dedicated Evaluation Boards (i.e.: for use as a test and prototype platform for hardware/software development) in laboratory environments.

PHYTEC products lacking protective enclosures are subject to damage by ESD and, therefore, must be unpacked, handled, or operated in environments in which sufficient precautionary measures have been taken with respect to ESD dangers. Only appropriately trained personnel such as qualified electricians, technicians, and engineers should handle and/or operate these products. Moreover, PHYTEC products should not be operated without protection circuitry if connections to the product's pin header rows are longer than 3 m.

PHYTEC products fulfill the norms of the European Union’s Directive for Electro Magnetic Conformity in accordance with the descriptions and rules of usage indicated in this hardware manual (particularly with respect to the pin header row connectors, power connector, and serial interface to a host-PC).

Implementation of PHYTEC products into target devices, as well as user modifications and extensions of PHYTEC products, is subject to renewed establishment of conformity to and certification of Electro Magnetic Directives. Users should ensure conformance following any modifications to the products as well as the implementation of the products into target systems.

Product Change Management and Information Regarding Parts Populated on the SOM / SBC

With the purchase of a PHYTEC SOM / SBC you will, in addition to our hardware and software possibilities, receive free obsolescence maintenance service for the hardware we provide. Our PCM (Product Change Management) team of developers is continuously processing all incoming PCN's (Product Change Notifications) from vendors and distributors concerning parts that are used in our products. Possible impacts on the functionality of our products due to changes in functionality or obsolesce of certain parts are constantly being evaluated in order to take the right measures either in purchasing decisions or within our hardware/software design.

Our general philosophy here is: We never discontinue a product as long as there is a demand for it.

Therefore, we have established a set of methods to fulfill our philosophy:

Avoidance strategies:

Change management in the rare event of an obsolete and non-replaceable part:

Change management in case of functional changes:

We refrain from providing detailed part-specific information within this manual, which can be subject to continuous changes, due to part maintenance for our products.
In order to receive reliable, up-to-date, and detailed information concerning parts used for our product, please contact our support team through the contact information given within this manual.

PHYTEC Documentation

PHYTEC will provide a variety of hardware and software documentation for all of our products. This includes any or all of the following:

On top of these standard manuals and guides, PHYTEC will also provide Product Change Notifications, Application Notes, and Technical Notes. These will be done on a case-by-case basis. Most of the documentation can be found on the applicable download page of our products.

After finishing the Quickstart Guide, we recommend working through the Development Environment Guide. This will give you a comprehensive overview of the features and functions of both the SOM and carrier board.

These manuals and more can be found in the download section of phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Product page.

Conventions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms

This hardware manual describes the PCL-069 System on Module, referred to as phyCORE®-i.MX 8M Mini, and the PB-02820-xxxxx.Ax, referred to as phyBOARD®-Polis. The manual specifies the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini and phyBOARD-Polis' design and function. Precise specifications for the NXP® Semiconductor i.MX 8M Mini microcontrollers can be found in the i.MX 8M Mini Microcontroller Data Sheet/Reference Manual.

Due to part maintenance for our products (which are subject to continuous changes), we refrain from providing detailed, part-specific information within this manual. Please read the section Product Change Management and Information Regarding Parts Populated on the SOM / SBC within the Preface for more information.


The BSP delivered with the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini includes drivers and/or software for controlling all components such as interfaces, memory, etc. Programming close to hardware at register level is not necessary in most cases. For this reason, this manual contains no detailed description of the controller's registers or information relevant to software development. Please refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual, if such information is needed to connect customer-designed applications.

Conventions

The conventions used in this manual are as follows:

Types of Signals

Different types of signals are brought out at the phyCORE-Connector. The following table lists the abbreviations used to specify the type of signal.

Signal TypeDescriptionAbbreviation
Power

Supply voltage input

PWR_I

Ref-Voltage

Reference voltage output

REF_O
InputDigital inputI
Input-PullupInput with pull upI-PU
Output

Digital output

O
IOBidirectional input/outputI/O
OC-BidirOpen collector input/output with pull upOC-BI
OC-OutputOpen collector output without pull up requires an external pull upOC
OD-Bidir PUOpen-drain input/output with pull upOD-BI
OD-OutputOpen-drain output without pull up requires an external pull upOD
OD-Output-PullupOpen-drain output with pull upOD-PU
5V Input PD5 V tolerant input with pull-down5V_PD
USB IODifferential line pairs 90 Ohm USB level bidirectional input/outputUSB_I/O
ETHERNET InputDifferential line pairs 100 Ohm Ethernet level inputETH_I
ETHERNET OutputDifferential line pairs 100 Ohm Ethernet level outputETH_O
ETHERNET IODifferential line pairs 100 Ohm
Ethernet level bidirectional input/output
ETH_I/O
PCIe Input

Differential line pairs 85 Ohm PCIe level input

PCIe_I
PCIe OutputDifferential line pairs 85 Ohm PCIe level outputPCIe_O
MIPI CSI-2 InputDifferential line pairs 100 Ohm MIPI CSI‑2 level inputCSI2_I
MIPI DSI-2 OutputDifferential line pairs 100 Ohm MIPI DSI-2 level inputDSI2_O
CAN FD IO

Differential line pairs 120 Ohm
CAN FD level bidirectional input/output

CAN_I/O
CAN FD IO

Differential line pairs 120 Ohm
CAN FD level bidirectional input/output

CAN_I/O
WirelessWireless signal input/outputWL_I/O


Abbreviations and Acronyms

Many acronyms and abbreviations are used throughout this manual. Use the table below to navigate any unfamiliar terms used in this document.

AbbreviationDefinition
BGABall Grid Array

BSP

Board Support Package (software delivered with the Development Kit including an operating system (Windows or Linux) preinstalled on the module and development tools)

CB

Carrier board; used in reference to the phyCORE development kit carrier board

EMI

Electromagnetic Interference

GPI

General-purpose input

GPIO

General-purpose input and output

GPO

General-purpose output

IRAM

Internal RAM; the internal static RAM on the NXP® Semiconductor i.MX 8M microcontroller

J

Solder jumper; these types of jumpers require solder equipment to remove and place

JP

Solderless jumper; these types of jumpers can be removed and placed by hand with no special tools

OEMOriginal Equipment Manufacturers

PCB

Printed circuit board

PCMProduct Change Management
PCNProduct Change Notification

PMIC

Power management IC

RTC

Real-time clock

SBCSingle Board Computer

SMT

Surface mount technology

SOM

System on Module; used in reference to the PCL-066 /phyCORE®-i.MX 8M module

Sx

User button Sx (e.g. S1, S2, etc.) used in reference to the available user buttons, or DIP-Switches on the carrier board

Sx_y

Switch y of DIP-Switch Sx; used in reference to the DIP-Switch on the carrier board

VMVirtual Machine


phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini Introduction

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini belongs to PHYTEC’s phyCORE System on Module family. The phyCORE SOMs represent the continuous development of PHYTEC System on Module technology. Like its mini-, micro-, and nanoMODUL predecessors, phyCORE boards integrate all core elements of a microcontroller system on a sub-miniature board and are designed in a manner that ensures their easy expansion and embedding in peripheral hardware developments.

Independent research indicates approximately 70 % of all EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) problems are caused by insufficient supply voltage grounding of electronic components in high-frequency environments. The phyCORE board design features an increased pin package, which allows for the dedication of approximately 37 % of all connector pins on the phyCORE boards to Ground. This improves EMI and EMC characteristics and makes it easier to design complex applications meeting EMI and EMC guidelines using phyCORE boards, even in high-noise environments.

phyCORE boards achieve their small size through modern SMT and multi-layer design. Due to the complexity of our modules, 0201-packaged SMT components and laser-drilled microvias are used on the boards, providing phyCORE users with access to this cutting-edge miniaturization technology for integration into their own design.

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini is a sub-miniature (37 mm x 40 mm) soldered System on Module populated with the NXP® Semiconductor i.MX 8M Mini microcontroller. Its universal design enables its insertion in a wide range of embedded applications. All controller signals and ports extend from the controller to a 1,27mm pitch BGA Ball. Each signal ball has an associated GND pin which ensures the GND reference for each signal. The ball packages are placed in lines. There is enough space between lines to ensure the possibility of easy routing out of the package. Signal balls for a high-speed signal like HDMI are placed on the outer lines, making it easy to route to the top layer of the carrier board. The SOM is designed to support carrier boards with as few as 6 layers to reduce PCB costs. For proper EMC characteristics, it is necessary to place the processor caps directly under the SOM. This required a hole in the carrier board.

The descriptions in this manual are based on the NXP® Semiconductor i.MX 8M Mini. Descriptions of compatible microcontroller derivative functions are not included, as such functions are not relevant for the basic functioning of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini.

phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini Features 

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini offers the following features:


phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Block Diagram


phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Block Diagram

phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Component Placement

phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Component Placement (Top)


phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Component Placement (Bottom)

phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Minimal Operating Requirements

We recommend connecting all available VDD_3V3 input pins to the power supply system on a custom carrier board housing the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini and, at minimum, the matching number of GND pins neighboring the VDD_3V3 input pins. In addition, proper implementation of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini module into a target application also requires connecting all GND pins.
Refer to Power for more information.

Pin Description

Module connections must not exceed their expressed maximum voltage or current. Maximum signal input values are indicated in the corresponding controller manuals/datasheets. As damage from improper connections varies according to use and application, the user must take appropriate safety measures to ensure that the module connections are protected from overloading through connected peripherals.

All controller signals extend to BGA Signal Balls (1.27 mm) which allows the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini to be soldered into any target application like a "big chip".

PHYTEC provides a complete pinout table for the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1. This table contains a complete signal path for the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini and the carrier board phyBOARD-Polis, including signal names, pin muxing paths, and descriptions specific to each pin. It also provides the appropriate voltage domain, signal type (ST), and a functional grouping of the signals. The signal type also includes information about the signal direction. A table describing the signal types can be found with the pinout table.

https://www.phytec.de/produkt/system-on-modules/phycore-imx-8m-mini-nano-phyboard-polis-download/#pin-description

  • The NXP® Semiconductor i.MX 8M Mini is a multi-voltage-operated microcontroller and, as such, special attention should be paid to the interface voltage levels to avoid unintentional damage to the microcontroller and other onboard components. Please refer to the NXP Semiconductor NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual for details on the functions and features of controller signals and port pins.
  • As some of the signals which are brought out on the phyCORE-Connector are used to configure the boot mode for specific boot options, please make sure that these signals are not driven by any device on the baseboard during reset. The signals which may affect the boot configuration are shown in the table phyCORE-Connector Boot Configuration Pins.
  • It is necessary to avoid voltages at the IO pins of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini which are sourced from the supply voltage of peripheral devices attached to the SOM during power-up or power–down. These voltages can cause a current flow into the controller, especially if peripheral devices attached to the interfaces of the i.MX 8M Mini are supposed to be powered while the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini is in suspend mode or turned off. To avoid this, bus switches either supplied by VDD_3V3_S on the phyCORE side or having their output enabled to the SOM controlled by the X_PGOOD_OD signal (see External Logic Supply Voltage) must be used.


  • Most of the controller pins have multiple multiplexed functions. As most of these pins are connected directly to the phyCORE-Connector, the alternative functions are available by using the i.MX 8M Mini's pin muxing options. Signal names and descriptions in the accompanying table, however, are in regard to the specification of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini and the functions defined. Please refer to the i.MX 8M Reference Manual or the schematic to get to know about alternative functions. In order to utilize a specific pin's alternative function, the corresponding registers must be configured within the appropriate driver of the BSP.
  • In case a design requires specific logic levels at its signals, special attention has to be paid to the settings of i.MX 8M Mini's internal pull resistors. It is good design practice to never rely on the SoC-internal pull resistors.
  • The following tables describe the full set of signals available at the phyCORE‑Connector according to the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini specification. However, the availability of some interfaces is order-specific (e.g. Camera_0). Thus, some signals might not be available on your module.
  • As the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini is delivered with the carrier board phyBOARD‑Polis, the pin muxing might be changed within the appropriate BSP in order to support all features of the carrier board. If so, information on the differences from the pinout given in the following tables can be found in the carrier board's documentation.


Existing issues may be solved by referring to the following chapters in NXP Mask Set Errata for Mask 0N87W, Rev. 1, 09/2021:

  • ERR050080: IO: Degradation of internal IO pullup/pulldown current capability for IO’s continuously driven in a 3.3V operating mode

It is good design practice to never rely on the SoC-internal pull resistors.

Unused Signals

It is recommended to handle unused signals according to the table below:

InterfaceSignalsRecommendation
MIPI-CSIX_MIPI_CSI_CLK_N
X_MIPI_CSI_CLK_P
X_MIPI_CSI_DATA0_N
X_MIPI_CSI_DATA0_P
X_MIPI_CSI_DATA1_N
X_MIPI_CSI_DATA1_P
X_MIPI_CSI_DATA2_N
X_MIPI_CSI_DATA2_P
X_MIPI_CSI_DATA3_N
X_MIPI_CSI_DATA3_P
Connect to GND
MIPI-DSI/FlatLink-LVDS

X_FLATLINK_D0_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA0_N
X_FLATLINK_D0_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA0_P
X_FLATLINK_D1_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA1_N
X_FLATLINK_D1_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA1_P
X_FLATLINK_D2_N/MIPI_DSI_CLK_N
X_FLATLINK_D2_P/MIPI_DSI_CLK_P
X_FLATLINK_D3_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA2_N
X_FLATLINK_D3_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA2_P
X_FLATLINK_CLK_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA3_N
X_FLATLINK_CLK_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA3_P

Leave unconnected
PCIe

X_PCIe_CLK_N
X_PCIe_CLK_P
X_PCIe_TXN_N
X_PCIe_TXN_P
X_PCIe_RXN_N
X_PCIe_RXN_P

Leave unconnected
USB1USB1_VBUS
X_USB1_DN
X_USB1_DP
X_USB1_ID
Leave unconnected
USB2USB2_VBUS
X_USB2_DN
X_USB2_DP
X_USB2_ID
Leave unconnected
ETHERNETX_ETH_A_P
X_ETH_A_N
X_ETH_B_P
X_ETH_B_N
X_ETH_C_P
X_ETH_C_N
X_ETH_D_P
X_ETH_D_N
Leave unconnected
GPIOAll remaining single-ended signalsLeave unconnected


Power

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini operates off of a single power supply voltage. The following sections discuss the primary power pins on the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1 in detail.

Primary System Power (VDD_3V3)

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini operates with a single primary voltage supply. Onboard switching and low dropout regulators generate the 2.5 V, 1.8 V, 1.2 V, 1.1 V, 0.9 V, and 0.8 V voltage rails required by the i.MX 8M Mini CPU and onboard components from the input voltage VDD_3V3.

For proper operation, the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini must be supplied with a voltage source of 3.3 V +4.5 %-4 % with 2 A load at the VDD pins on the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1.

In order to perform a full power cycle of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini, including the SNVS domain of the PMIC and the CPU, the voltage input rail VDD_3V3 has to remain below 0,3 V for at least 600 ms.

It is recommended to choose a slightly higher value than 3.3 V for VDD_3V3 in order to account for series resistance of 3.3 V load switching components on the SoM. The PHYTEC phyBOARD-Polis for example supplies VDD_3V3 with 3.366 V ±3.5 %.

     VDD_3V3:     X1  →   A75, A76, A77, A78

Connect all VDD_3V3 input pins to your power supply and, at the very least, the matching number of GND pins.

     Corresponding GND:     X1  →  B36, B37, B38, B39, B40, B41

Please refer to the section Pin Description for information on additional GND pins located at the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1.

As a general design rule, PHYTEC recommends connecting all GND pins neighboring signals which are being used in the application circuitry. For maximum EMI performance, all GND pins should be connected to a solid ground plane.

Power Management IC (PMIC)(U3)

The phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini provides an onboard Power Management IC (PMIC) at position U3 to generate different voltages required by the microcontroller and the onboard components. The Powering Scheme figure presents a graphical depiction of the powering scheme. The PMIC supports many functions like on-chip RTC and different power management functionalities like dynamic voltage control, different low power modes, and regulator supervision. It is connected to the i.MX 8M Mini via the onboard I2C bus (I2C1) (I2C Interface). The I2C address of the PMIC is 0x08.

Power Domains

i.MX 8M Mini Power Scheme Block Diagram

External voltages:

Internally generated voltages:

VDD_SOC_VDDA_PHY_0P8

i.MX 8M Mini SOC logic and PHY supply (VDD_SOC1-12, VDD_ARM_PLL_0P8, VDD_ANA_0P8_1-2, VDD_PCI_0P8, VDD_USB_0P8)
(0.8 V)

VDD_GPU_DRAM

i.MX 8M Mini 3D GPU and DRAM supply (VDD_GPU1-5, VDD_DRAM1-6, VDD_DRAM_PLL_0P8)
(0.8/0.9 V)

VDD_VPUi.MX 8M Mini MIPI PLL, logic (VDD_MIPI_0P9)
(0.9 V)
VDD_MIPI_0P9i.MX 8M Mini MIPI PLL, logic (VDD_MIPI_0P9)
(0.9 V)
VDD_ARMi.MX 8M Mini Mini ARM supply (VDD_ARM1-14)
(0.8/0.9 V)
NVCC_DRAM_1P1VDRAM supply (NVCC_DRAM1-13)
(1.1 V)
VDD_1V8i.MX 8M Mini general 1.8 V supply (VDD_ARM_PLL_1P8, VDD_ANA0_1P8_1-2, VDD_ANA1_1P8_1-2, VDD_DRAM_PLL_1P8, VDD_USB_1P8, VDD_MIPI_1P8, VDD_PCI_1P8)
(1.8)
NVCC_SD2

i.MX 8M Mini SDIO2 supply (NVCC_SD2)
(1.8/3.3 V)

VDDA_1V8i.MX 8M Mini 1.8 V analog supply (VCC_24M_XTAL_1P8. PVCC0_1P8, VCC2_1P8, NVCC_ENET, NVCC_NAND, NVCC_CLK)
(1.8 V)
NVCC_SNVS_1P8i.MX 8M Mini SNVS GPIO driver supply /NVCC_SNVS_1P8)
(1.8 V)
VCC_ENET_2V5i.MX 8M Mini Ethernet PHY supply (U4)
(2.5 V)
NVCC_SD1

i.MX 8M Mini SDIO1 supply (NVCC_SD1)
(3.3 V PHYTEC default setting, 1.8 V possible through software adjustment)

VDD_3V3_Si.MX 8M Mini general 3.3 V supply (NVCC_JTAG, NVCC_SAI1-3, NVCC_SAI5, NVCC_GPIO1, NVCC_I2C, NVCC_UART, NVCC_ECSPI, VCC_USB_3P3)
(3.3 V)


External Logic Supply Voltage

The voltage level of the phyCORE’s logic circuitry is VDD_3V3_S (3.3 V) which is derived from the SOM main input voltage, VDD_3V3. In order to follow the mandatory power-up and power-down sequencing for the i.MX 8M Mini, external devices have to be supplied by the I/O supply voltage VDD_3V3_S which is brought out at pin E14 of the phyCORE-Connector. The use of VDD_3V3_S ensures that external components are only supplied when the supply voltages of the i.MX 8M Mini are stable.

The current draw for VDD_3V3_S must not exceed 500 mA. Consequently, this voltage should only be used as a reference or supply voltage for level shifters. VDD_3V3_S cannot be used to supply high-powered applications. If devices with higher power consumption are connected to the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini, their supply voltage should be switched on and off by use of the X_PGOOD signal. This way, the power-up and power-down sequencing will be considered even if the devices are not supplied directly by VDD_3V3_S.


If used to control or supply bus switches on the phyCORE side, VDD_3V3_S separates the supply voltages generated on the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini and the supply voltages used on the carrier board/custom application. This way, voltages at the IO pins of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini which are sourced from the supply voltage of peripheral devices attached to the SOM are avoided.

These voltages can cause a current flow into the controller, especially if peripheral devices attached to the interfaces of the i.MX 8M Mini are supposed to be powered while the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini is in suspend mode or turned off. The bus switches can be supplied by VDD_3V3_S on the phyCORE side, or the bus switches' output enabled to the SOM can be controlled by X_PGOOD to prevent these voltages from occurring.

The use of level shifters supplied with VDD_3V3_S allows the signals to be converted according to the needs of the custom target hardware. Alternatively, signals can be connected to an open drain circuitry with a pull-up resistor attached to VDD_3V3_S.

Backup Power (VBAT)

At pin A79 (Signal VBAT) of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini, a secondary 3.3 V voltage source may be attached to the SOM. The PMIC (U3) will use this secondary source to generate NVCC_SNVS_1P8 in case VDD_3V3 falls below a value of approx. 2.8 V.

On-Board RTC and RTC Backup Power (VRTC)

At pin A102 (Signal VRTC) of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini, a secondary voltage source may be attached to the SOM in order to buffer the onboard RTC U12, while the SOM input voltage is not present. This manual describes only one of the available RTC active power states, which is used in conjunction with the phyBOARD-POLIS and the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini. The RTC RV-3028-C7 will enter its backup mode as soon as it detects the voltage level at Pin VRTC to be higher than the SOM input voltage VDD_3V3.

For further details on the functionalities of the RTC RV-3028-C7 please refer to Micro Crystal Switzerland Application Manual RV-3028-C7.

In its backup power state, the RTC will cease to communicate over I2C1 if the voltage level at the Pin VRTC is higher than the SOM input voltage VDD_3V3. In order to avoid unnecessary problems, the recommended voltage difference between VDD_3V3 and VRTC is approx. 300 mV.

Reset

Pin C43 on the phyCORE-Connector is designated as an open-drain reset input with a pull-up resistor, that triggers a hard reset of the module. The external reset signal is connected to the enable signal of the voltage supervisor U41, which triggers a watchdog event in the PMIC resulting in a hard reset of the module. For debouncing purposes, the U41 delays the signal by 8,804 ms.

For PCB versions 1518.0, 1518.1a and 1518.2 additional precautions have to be taken regarding the undervoltage detection of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini. X_nPOR_IN must be held on a logical low level, as long as VDD_3V3 is below 3.135 V. If this is not considered in the design of a baseboard, there is a small chance that the SoM could enter an unspecified mode of operation. PCB version 1518.3 and higher will not require this feature any longer, yet it is good engineering practice, to monitor all voltage rails at all times.

The PMIC reset output signal POR_B is made available at the phyCORE-Connector through a buffer as the open drain signal X_nPOR_OUT_OD. X_nPOR_OUT_OD is not connected to a pull-up resistor on the module. This leaves the user the freedom to choose the voltage domain used on the target hardware.

In case of a hard reset, regardless if it was triggered internally or externally, the PMIC holds the POR_B signal low until the module voltages are at stabilized levels. The POR_B signal is released approximately 11 ms after the last module voltage is correctly generated.

In order to perform a full power cycle of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini, including the SNVS domain of the PMIC and the CPU, the voltage input rail VDD_3V3 has to remain below 0,3 V for at least 600 ms.

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C43

X_nRESET_IN

VDD_3V3

3.3 V

I-PU

SoM reset input. Transition to low level will power cycle the SoM. Signal is pulled up to SoM input voltage rail.

C47

X_nPOR_IN

VDD_3V3

3.3 V

I-PU

Power-on reset input. May be used to prolong reset state of CPU and other attached devices.

E19

X_nPOR_OUT_OD

VDD_3V3

Up to 3.3 V

OD

Power-on reset output. Requires an external pull-up resistor. Voltage range up to 3,3 V


System Boot Configuration

i.MX 8M Mini System Boot Settings

Most features of the i.MX 8M Mini microcontroller are configured and/or programmed during the initialization routine. Essential boot features however are latched into i.MX 8M Mini registers from pre-configured pull-resistors following power-on reset (POR_B) de-assertion.

The latched-in information includes:

The internal ROM code is the first code executed during the initialization process of the i.MX 8M Mini after POR de-assertion. The ROM code detects the boot mode through pins X_BOOT_MODE0 and X_BOOT_MODE1, while the boot device is selected and configured by determining the state of the eFUSEs and/or the corresponding GPIO pins (BOOT_CFGx[14:12]).

Boot Mode Selection

The i.MX 8M Mini boot mode is determined by the logical levels of the pins X_BOOT_MODE0 and X_BOOT_MODE1 approx. 31 µs after POR_B de-assertion. X_BOOT_MODE0 and X_BOOT_MODE1 are brought out at the phyCORE‑Connector pins C15 and C16. Possible settings and the resulting boot configuration of the i.MX 8M Mini are described in the following table:

X_ BOOT_MODE1

X_ BOOT_MODE0

Boot Source

0

0

Fuse boot

0

1

Serial downloader

1

0

Internal boot

1

1

Reserved


The BOOT_MODE[1:0] lines have 10 kΩ pull-up and pull-down resistors populated on the module. The default boot mode on the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini is set to internal boot mode, hence leaving the two pins unconnected will result in the unavailability of the remaining boot mode settings. The default boot device of phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini is eMMC at SDIO3. Once in serial downloader boot, the ROM code polls the USB1 interface, initiates the download of the code into the internal RAM, and triggers its execution from there. In serial downloader boot mode the BOOT_CFG pins are ignored. Please refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual for more detailed information.

In fuse boot and internal boot mode, the ROM code finds the bootloader in permanent memories, such as eMMC or SD-Cards, and executes it. The boot device selection and the required interface configuration are accomplished with the help of the eFUSEs and/or the corresponding GPIO input. 

Boot Device Selection and Configuration

In fuse boot and internal boot mode, the ROM code uses the BOOT_CFG pin states and eFUSEs to determine the boot device and its detailed configuration.

During development, it is advisable to set the Boot Source to “Internal boot” so that choosing and configuring the boot device using GPIO pin inputs is available. The BOOT_CFG pins are sampled shortly after POR de-assertion and, if the BT_FUSE_SEL fuse is not blown, override the values of the corresponding eFUSEs BOOT_CFGx[14:0].

The Boot Configuration Pins table lists the eFUSEs BOOT_CFGx[14:0] and the corresponding input pins. On the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini, the BOOT_CFG GPIOs have 10 kΩ pull-up and pull-down resistors pre-installed to configure eFUSEs BOOT_CFGx[14:0] in accordance with the module features.

The specific boot configuration settings, set by the on-board configuration resistors, can be changed by modifying the resistors on the module or overwritten by connecting a configuration resistor (e.g. 1 kΩ) to the configuration signal. Choosing to not pull the boot configuration pins to a high or low level will lead to the configuration (other than the default configuration setting) being unavailable.

Furthermore, accidental pull resistances must be considered when designing base hardware for the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini. Any IC or passive component that forces a high or low level at one of the designated boot mode or boot configuration pins needs to be gated away during boot mode or boot configuration latch-in. A bus switch, buffer, or transistor circuit may yield the required results. 

Please consider that any change of the default boot configuration can also influence other boot modes, which might result in faulty boot behavior. Please refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual for further information about the eFUSEs and the impact of the settings at the boot configuration pins.

The following table shows the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini default boot device configuration setting:

Memory
Device

BOOT_CFG
[14]

BOOT_CFG
[13]

BOOT_CFG
[12]

BOOT_CFG
[11]

BOOT_CFG
[10]

BOOT_CFG
[9]

BOOT_CFG
[8]

BOOT_CFG
[7]

BOOT_CFG
[6]

BOOT_CFG
[5]

BOOT_CFG
[4]

BOOT_CFG
[3]

BOOT_CFG
[2]

BOOT_CFG
[1]

BOOT_CFG
[0]

eMMC U21

010101001010110


The following table shows an excerpt from the complete boot configuration table in the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual, edited to represent the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini's available boot configuration settings:

Memory Device

BOOT_CFG
[14]

BOOT_CFG
[13]

BOOT_CFG
[12]

BOOT_CFG
[11]

BOOT_CFG
[10]

BOOT_CFG
[9]

BOOT_CFG
[8]

BOOT_CFG
[7]

BOOT_CFG
[6]

BOOT_CFG
[5]

BOOT_CFG
[4]

BOOT_CFG
[3]

BOOT_CFG
[2]

BOOT_CFG
[1]

BOOT_CFG
[0]

SPI-NOR110

000 - eCSPI1

001 - eCSPI2

010 - eCSPI3

SPI addressing:

0 - 3 bytes

1 - 2 bytes

Chip Select:

00 - CS#0

01 - CS#1

10 - CS#2

11 - CS#3

Reserved



QSPI-NOR

(FlexSPI)

100

0 - FLASH auto probe disabled

1- FLASH auto probe enabled

FLASH TYPE:
000 - Device supports 3 Byte read by default
001 - Device supports 4 Byte read by default


Hold time before reading from device:
0 – 500 us
1 – 1 ms
2 – 3 ms
3 – 10 ms

SPI FLASH Auto Probe Type:

0 – QuadSPI NOR                      

0 - FlexSPI FLASH dummy cycle auto-probe

0001 to 1111 - Set number of FlexSPI FLASH dummy cycles manually to chosen value

eMMC

010

Port select:

00 - SDIO1

01 - SDIO2

10 - SDIO3


Power cycle:

0 – disabled
1 – enabled

SD loopback clock source SEL (SDR50
and SDR104 only):
0 - Through SD pad
1 - Direct
Fast boot:
0 - Regular
1 - Fast boot
Bus width:
000 - 1-Bit
001 - 4-Bit
010 - 8-Bit
101 - 4-Bit DDR (MMC 4.4)
110 - 8-Bit DDR (MMC 4.4)
Remaining values are reserved
Speed:
00 - Normal
01 - High
10 - Reserved for HS200
11 - Reserved
USDHC IO voltage selection; normal mode:
0 - 3.3V
1 - 1.8V
USDHC IO voltage selection; manufacturer mode:
0 - 3.3V
1 - 1.8V

SD-Card


001

Port select:

00 - SDIO1
01 - SDIO2

Power cycle:

0 – disabled
1 – enabled

SD loopback clock source SEL (SDR50
and SDR104 only):
0 - Through SD pad
1 - Direct
Fast boot:
0 - Regular
1 - Fast boot
ReservedBus width:
000 - 1-Bit
001 - 4-Bit
Speed:
000 - Normal/SDR12
001 - High/SDR25
010 - SDR50
011 - SDR104
101 - Reserved for DDR50
Others - Reserved
Reserved


The following table shows the properties of BOOT_CFG[14:0] during reset and during runtime and their location on the phyCORE-Connector, as well as their signal names.

Configuration Pin

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

BOOT_CFG[0]

A81

X_SAI1_RXD0/ BOOT_CFG[0]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 0 during reset
SAI receive data 0 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[1]

A82

X_SAI1_RXD1/ BOOT_CFG[1]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 1 during reset
SAI receive data 1 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[2]

A85

X_SAI1_RXD2/ BOOT_CFG[2]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 2 during reset
SAI receive data 2 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[3]

A86

X_SAI1_RXD3/ BOOT_CFG[3]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 3 during reset
SAI receive data 3 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[4]

A87

X_SAI1_RXD4/ BOOT_CFG[4]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 4 during reset
SAI receive data 4 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[5]

A88

X_SAI1_RXD5/ BOOT_CFG[5]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 5 during reset
SAI receive data 5 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[6]

A89

X_SAI1_RXD6/ BOOT_CFG[6]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 6 during reset
SAI receive data 6 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[7]

A90

X_SAI1_RXD7/ BOOT_CFG[7]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 7 during reset
SAI receive data 7 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[8]

A94

X_SAI1_TXD0/ BOOT_CFG[8]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 8 during reset
SAI transmit data 0 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[9]

A95

X_SAI1_TXD1/ BOOT_CFG[9]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 9 during reset
SAI transmit data 1 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[10]

A96

X_SAI1_TXD2/ BOOT_CFG[10]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 10 during reset
SAI transmit data 2 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[11]

A97

X_SAI1_TXD3/ BOOT_CFG[11]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 11 during reset
SAI transmit data 3 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[12]

A98

X_SAI1_TXD4/ BOOT_CFG[12]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 11 during reset
SAI transmit data 4 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[13]

A99

X_SAI1_TXD5/ BOOT_CFG[13]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 13 during reset
SAI transmit data 5 during runtime

BOOT_CFG[14]

A100

X_SAI1_TXD6/ BOOT_CFG[14]

VDD_3V3_S

3.3 V

I/O

Boot configuration pin 14 during reset
SAI transmit data 6 during runtime


i.MX 8M Nano System Boot Settings

The i.MX 8M Nano uses a boot process different from the i.MX 8M Mini. Boot devices with fixed configuration may be selected through the use of 6 Boot Mode pins, 2 of which are shared with the i.MX 8M Mini. The phyCORE-i.MX 8M Nano is pre-configured with the default Boot Mode setting eMMC boot.

DeviceBOOT_MODE5BOOT_MODE4BOOT_MODE3BOOT_MODE2BOOT_MODE1BOOT_MODE0

QSPI (FlexSPI)

000110

eMMC

000010
SD-Card000011
Serial download000001
Fuse boot000000


System Memory

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini provides four types of onboard memory:

The following sections detail each memory type used on the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini.


LPDDR4-RAM (U2)

The RAM memory of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini is comprised of one 32-bit wide bank with two 16-bit wide LPDDR4-RAM chips in one integrated circuit. The chips are connected to the DDR interface called the DDR Controller (DDRC) of the i.MX 8M Mini microcontroller.

Typically, the LPDDR4-RAM initialization is performed by a boot loader or operating system following a power-on reset and must not be changed at a later point by any application code. When writing custom code independent of an operating system or boot loader, the RAM must be initialized by accessing the appropriate RAM configuration registers on the i.MX 8M Mini controller. Refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual for accessing and configuring these registers.

QUAD SPI-NOR (U7)

The Quad NOR flash memory at U7 is connected to the Flexible Serial Peripheral Interface A (FlexSPI A). The connected flash device uses the provided Chip Select 0 signal (QSPIA_SS0). The NOR flash device is powered by the 1.8 V supply voltage VDD_1V8. No further voltages are required to program the device.

As of the printing of this manual, these NOR flash devices generally have a life expectancy of at least 100,000 erase cycles per sector and a data retention rate of typically 20 years. Any parts that are footprint (TBGA-24 5x5) and functionally compatible may be used with the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini.

For more information about the NOR Flash, please refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual.

eMMC Flash Memory (U21)

The managed NAND (eMMC) flash device is powered by the supply voltages VDD_1V8 (1.8 V) and VDD_3V3_S (3.3 V). No further voltages are required for programming the device. The eMMC memory is connected to the SDIO3 interface of the i.MX 8M Mini. Any parts that are footprint (BGA153) and functionally compatible may be used with the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini.

For more information about the eMMC, please refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual.

I2C EEPROM (U13)

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini is populated with a 4 kB I2C

See the manufacturer’s datasheet for interfacing and operation.

EEPROM at U13. This memory can be used to store configuration data or other general-purpose data. This device is accessed through I2C port 1 of the i.MX 8M Mini. The control registers for I2C port 1 are mapped between addresses 0x021A 8000 and 0x021A BFFF. Please see the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual for detailed information on the registers.

The three lower address bits are fixed to zero which means that the EEPROM can be accessed at I2C address 0x51.

EEPROM Write Control

The Write Control (WC) signal of the EEPROM is permanently fixed to GND over resistor R106, so the EEPROM is not always write-protected.

Serial Interfaces

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini provides numerous dedicated serial interfaces, some of which are equipped with a transceiver to allow direct connection to external devices:

The following sections detail each of these serial interfaces.

SDIO Interfaces

The SDIO interfaces are part of the ultra Secured Digital Host Controller and can be used to connect external SD-Cards, eMMC, or any other device requiring an SDIO interface (examples include WiFI, I/O expansion). The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini features two SDIO interfaces (4 and 8-Bit). On the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini, the interface signals extend from the controller's first and second Ultra Secured Digital Host Controller (uSDHC1/uSDHC2) to the phyCORE-Connector.

uSDHC2 provides dedicated card-detect, write-protect and power enable signals. For uSDHC2 to function a pull-up resistor (eg. 10k) from X_SD2_PWR_EN to the SOM input voltage VDD_3V3 is required. This enables the uSDHC2 interface by powering the corresponding domain in the i.MX 8M Mini. This feature may be used to limit access to the CPU through an openly available SD-Card slot, or for similar purposes.

uSDHC1 card-detect and write-protect functions may be implemented by using GPIOs of the i.MX 8M Mini. Refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual. For more information about SD-Cards, please refer to the manufacturer's user manual.

The tables below show the locations of the various interface signals on the phyCORE-Connector. The Ultra Secure Digital Host Controller is fully compatible with SD/SDIO 3.0 (200MHz SDR signaling for up to 100 MB/s) and MMC 5.1 (HS400 DDR for up to 400 MB/s). uSDHC1 and uSDHC3 both provide 8-Bit interfaces, and uSDHC2 provides a 4-Bit interface. Refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual for more information.

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A9

X_SD1_DATA1

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

I/O

SD1 data 1 input and output

A10

X_SD1_DATA0

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

I/O

SD1 data 0 input and output

A11

X_SD1_DATA7

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

I/O

SD1 data 7 input and output

A12

X_SD1_DATA6

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

I/O

SD1 data 6 input and output

A13

X_SD1_CLK

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

O

SD1 clock output

A14

X_SD1_CMD

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

O

SD1 command output

A15

X_SD1_DATA5

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

I/O

SD1 data 5 input and output

A16

X_SD1_DATA4

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

I/O

SD1 data 4 input and output

A17

X_SD1_DATA3

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

I/O

SD1 data 3 input and output

A18

X_SD1_DATA2

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

I/O

SD1 data 2 input and output

A19

X_SD1_RESET_B

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

O

SD1 reset output

A20

X_SD1_STROBE

NVCC_SD1

3,3 V

O

SD1 strobe output



SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C18

X_SD2_RESET_B

NVCC_SD2

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

O

SD2 reset output

C19

X_SD2_WP

NVCC_SD2

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

O

SD2 write-protect output

C20

X_SD2_CD_B

NVCC_SD2

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

O

SD2 card detect

C21

X_SD2_DATA1

NVCC_SD2

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

I/O

SD2 data 1 input and output

C22

X_SD2_DATA0

NVCC_SD2

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

I/O

SD2 data 0 input and output

C23

X_SD2_CLK

NVCC_SD2

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

O

SD2 clock output

C24

X_SD2_CMD

NVCC_SD2

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

O

SD2 command output

C25

X_SD2_DATA3

NVCC_SD2

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

I/O

SD2 data 3 input and output

C26

X_SD2_DATA2

NVCC_SD2

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

I/O

SD2 data 2 input and output

E20X_SD2_PWR_ENVDD_3V33,3 VISD2 power supply enable


Universal Asynchronous Interface

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini provides four high-speed universal asynchronous interfaces. Hardware flow control (RTS and CTS signals) may be implemented through the use of additional GPIO signals. See muxing options in NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual for more information. Location of the signals on the phyCORE-Connector:

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C27

X_UART1_RXD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

UART1 receive data

C28

X_UART1_TXD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

UART1 transmit data

C29

X_UART2_RXD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

UART2 receive data

C30

X_UART2_TXD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

UART2 transmit data

C31

X_UART3_RXD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

UART3 receive data

C32

X_UART3_TXD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

UART3 transmit data

C33

X_UART4_RXD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

UART4 receive data

C34

X_UART4_TXD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

UART4 transmit data


USB OTG Interfaces

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini provides two high-speed USB OTG interfaces, which use the i.MX 8M Mini’s embedded High-Speed USB 2.0 PHY.

For the use of various USB functionalities, only an external USB Standard-A (for USB host), USB Standard-B (for USB devices), or USB Mini-AB (for USB OTG) connector is needed. The applicable interface signals (DN, DP, ID, and VBUS) are located on the phyCORE‑Connector X1. The locations of the USB OTG interface signals on the phyCORE-Connector X1 can be found in the tables below.

If overcurrent and power-enable signals are needed for the USB host interface, the functionality can be easily implemented through the use of GPIOs.

Existing issues may be solved by referring to the following chapters in NXP Mask Set Errata for Mask 0N87W, Rev. 1, 09/2021:

  • ERR050101: USB: Endpoint conflict issue in device mode


SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A21

X_USB1_DN

VDD_3V3_S

DIFF

I/O

Negative USB1 data signal

A22

X_USB1_DP

VDD_3V3_S

DIFF

I/O

Positive USB1 data signal

A23

X_USB1_ID

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I

USB1 OTG identification pin

E17

USB1_VBUS

VDD_3V3_S

1,4 V

I

USB1 voltage bus detection



SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A25

X_USB2_DN

VDD_3V3_S

DIFF

I/O

Negative USB2 data signal

A26

X_USB2_DP

VDD_3V3_S

DIFF

I/O

Positive USB2 data signal

A24

X_USB2_ID

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I

USB2 OTG identification pin

E18

USB2_VBUS

VDD_3V3_S

Typ. 1,4 V

I

USB2 voltage bus detection


Ethernet Interface

Connection of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini to the World Wide Web or a local area network (LAN) is possible using the onboard GbE PHY at U4. It is connected to the RGMII interface of the i.MX 8M Mini. The PHY operates with a data transmission speed of 10, 100, or 1000 Mbit/s. Alternatively, the RGMII interface which is available on the phyCORE‑Connector can be used to connect an external PHY. In this case, the onboard GbE PHY (U4) must not be populated (see RGMII Interface).

Ethernet PHY (U4)

With an Ethernet PHY mounted at U4, the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini has been designed for use in 10/100/1000Base-T networks. The 10/100/1000Base-T interface with its LED signals extends to the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1.

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C7

X_ETH0_LED0_LINK

VCC_3V3

Typ. 3,3 V

OD

Ethernet link LED signal

C8

X_ETH0_LED2_ACT

VCC_3V3

Typ. 3,3 V

OD

Ethernet activity LED signal

A103

X_ETH_A_P

VCC_ENET_2V5

DIFF

ETH_I/O

Positive Ethernet A signal

A104

X_ETH_A_N

VCC_ENET_2V5

DIFF

ETH_I/O

Negative Ethernet A signal

A1

X_ETH_B_P

VCC_ENET_2V5

DIFF

ETH_I/O

Positive Ethernet B signal

A2

X_ETH_B_N

VCC_ENET_2V5

DIFF

ETH_I/O

Negative Ethernet B signal

A3

X_ETH_C_P

VCC_ENET_2V5

DIFF

ETH_I/O

Positive Ethernet C signal

A4

X_ETH_C_N

VCC_ENET_2V5

DIFF

ETH_I/O

Negative Ethernet C signal

A5

X_ETH_D_P

VCC_ENET_2V5

DIFF

ETH_I/O

Positive Ethernet D signal

A6

X_ETH_D_N

VCC_ENET_2V5

DIFF

ETH_I/O

Negative Ethernet D signal


The onboard GbE PHY supports HP Auto-MDIX technology, eliminating the need for a direct-connect LAN or a cross-over patch cable. It detects the TX and RX pins of the connected device and automatically configures the PHY TX and RX pins accordingly. The Ethernet PHY also features an auto-negotiation to automatically determine the best speed and duplex mode.

The Ethernet PHY is connected to the RGMII interface of the i.MX 8M Mini. Please refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual for more information about this interface.

In order to connect the module to an existing 10/100/1000Base-T network, some external circuitry is required. The required termination resistors on the analog signals (ETH0_A±, ETH0_B±, ETH0_C±, ETH0_D±) are integrated into the chip, so there is no need to connect external termination resistors to these signals.

Connection to external Ethernet magnetics should be done using very short signal traces. The A+/A-, B+/B-, C+/C-, and D+/D- signals should be routed as 100 Ohm differential pairs. The same applies to the signal lines after the transformer circuit. The carrier board layout should avoid any other signal lines crossing the Ethernet signals.

Ethernet PHY Reset

The Ethernet PHY at U4 can be reset via software. The reset input of the Ethernet PHY is connected to the Power-On Reset (POR) signal of the module and to the GPIO RESET_ETHPHY of the i.MX 8M Mini.

MAC Address

In a computer network such as a local area network (LAN), the MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique computer hardware number. For a connection to the internet, a table is used to convert the assigned IP number to the hardware’s MAC address. In order to guarantee that the MAC address is unique, all addresses are managed in a central location. PHYTEC has acquired a pool of MAC addresses. The MAC address of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini is located on the bar code sticker attached to the module. This number is a 12-digit HEX value.

RGMII Interface

In order to use an external Ethernet PHY instead of the onboard GbE PHY at U8, the RGMII interface (ENET) of the i.MX 8M Mini is brought out at phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1.

Existing issues may be solved by referring to the following chapters in NXP Mask Set Errata for Mask 0N87W, Rev. 1, 09/2021:

  • ERR011437: IOMUX: The read data is always zero when the ODE bit of ENET PHY IOs is set


The GbE PHY (U4) must not be populated on the module if the RGMII interface is used.


SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C1

X_ENET_RGMII_RX_CTL

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

I

RGMII receive control signal

C2

X_ENET_RGMII_RXC

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

I

RGMII receive clock signal

C3

X_ENET_RGMII_RD0

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

I

RGMII receive data signal 0

C4

X_ENET_RGMII_RD1

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

I

RGMII receive data signal 1

C5

X_ENET_RGMII_RD2

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

I

RGMII receive data signal 2

C6

X_ENET_RGMII_RD3

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

I

RGMII receive data signal 3

C65

X_ENET_MDIO

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

O

RGMII Management Data Input Output

C66

X_ENET_MDC

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

O

RGMII Management Data Clock

C67

X_ENET_RGMII_TX_CTL

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

O

RGMII transmit control signal

C68

X_ENET_RGMII_TXC

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

O

RGMII transmit clock signal

C69

X_ENET_RGMII_TD0

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

O

RGMII transmit data signal 0

C70

X_ENET_RGMII_TD1

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

O

RGMII transmit data signal 1

C71

X_ENET_RGMII_TD2

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

O

RGMII transmit data signal 2

C72

X_ENET_RGMII_TD3

VDDA_1V8

1,8 V

O

RGMII transmit data signal 3


SPI Interfaces

The Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) interface is a four-wire, bidirectional serial bus that provides a simple and efficient method for data exchange among devices. The phyCORE provides two SPI interfaces on the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1.

Each SPI interface provides one chip-select signal. The enhanced Configurable SPI (eCSPI) of the i.MX 8M Mini has three separate modules (eCSPI1, eCSPI2, and eCSPI3) which support data rates of up to 20 Mbit/s. The interface signals of the first and second modules (eCSPI1, eCSPI2) are made available on the phyCORE-Connector. The third SPI module can be made available through the i.MX 8M Mini pin muxing options. Refer to the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual for more detailed information. All modules are master/slave configurable. The following tables list the SPI signals on the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1.

Existing issues may be solved by referring to the following chapters in NXP Mask Set Errata for Mask 0N87W, Rev. 1, 09/2021:

  • ERR009535: ECSPI: Burst completion by SS signal in slave mode is not functional
  • ERR009606: ECSPI: In master mode, burst lengths of 32n+1 will transmit incorrect data
  • ERR009165: ECSPI: TXFIFO empty flag glitch can cause the current FIFO transfer to be sent twice


SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A53

X_ECSPI1_SS0

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

O

SPI1 chip select signal

A54

X_ECSPI1_MOSI

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

O

SPI1 master out, slave in signal

A55

X_ECSPI1_MISO

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I

SPI1 master in, slave out signal

A56

X_ECSPI1_SCLK

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

O

SPI1 serial clock output signal



SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A57

X_ECSPI2_SS0

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

O

SPI2 chip select signal

A58

X_ECSPI2_MOSI

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

O

SPI2 master out, slave in signal

A59

X_ECSPI2_MISO

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I

SPI2 master in, slave out signal

A60

X_ECSPI2_SCLK

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

O

SPI2 serial clock output signal


I2C Interface

The Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) interface is a two-wire, bidirectional serial bus that provides a simple and efficient method for data exchange among devices. The i.MX 8M Mini contains four identical, independent Multimaster fast-mode I2C modules. The interface of three modules is available at the phyCORE-Connector. The first I2C module (I2C1) connects to the onboard EEPROM at U13 (I2C EEPROM), the PMIC at U3 (Power Management IC), the Real-Time Clock at U12, and the MIPI to LVDS converter at U5 LVDS (FlatLink). The MIPI to LVDS converter connects to the I2C1 interface through the level shifter U22. The voltage domain in this part of the bus is 1,8 V.

To ensure the proper functioning of the I2C interface, external pull resistors matching the load at the interface must be connected. There are no pull-up resistors mounted on the module. For detailed information on the voltage levels for the pull-up resistors, please refer to the i.MX 8M Mini datasheet.


Existing issues may be solved by referring to the following chapters in NXP Mask Set Errata for Mask 0N87W, Rev. 1, 09/2021:

  • ERR007805: I2C: When the I2C clock speed is configured for 400 kHz, the SCL low period violates the I2C spec of 1.3 uS min
  • ERR050045: IOMUX: Setting ODE control bit of I2C IOs causes malfunction

The following tables list the I2C ports on the phyCORE-Connector, separated by interface:

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C39

X_I2C2_SCL

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

OD

I2C2 serial clock output signal

C40

X_I2C2_SDA

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

OD-BI

I2C2 serial data input-output



SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A61

X_I2C3_SCL

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

OD

I2C3 serial clock output signal

A62

X_I2C3_SDA

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

OD-BI

I2C3 serial data input-output



SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A63

X_I2C4_SCL

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

OD

I2C4 serial clock output signal

A64

X_I2C4_SDA

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

OD-BI

I2C4 serial data input-output


Onboard I2C Bus

The first I2C module (I2C1) connects to the onboard EEPROM at U13 and the PMIC at U3. The following table shows the addresses of all I2C1 devices on the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini:

Device

Address

EEPROM
(section EEPROM)

0x51
0x59 (factory use only)

PMIC
(section PMIC)

0x08

RTC

0x52

MIPI to LVDS converter

0x2D


Synchronous Audio Interface (SAI)

The phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini features a Synchronous Audio Interface that supports full-duplex serial interfaces with frame synchronization such as I2S, AC97, and TDM. The interface is divided into four sub-interfaces: SAI1, SAI2, SAI3, and SAI5. All signals are routed directly to the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1. All signals are part of the VDD_3V3_S voltage domain.

SAI1 provides 8-bit transmit and 8-bit receive functionality with receive, transmit, and master clock output. Frame synchronization is available for receive and transmit operations. The tables below show the signal locations for each SAI interface.

Existing issues may be solved by referring to the following chapters in NXP Mask Set Errata for Mask 0N87W, Rev. 1, 09/2021:

  • ERR050542: SAI: The Bit Count Timestamp Register (TBCTR, RBCTR) may return a live rather than latched Timestamp


SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A81

X_SAI1_RXD0/BOOT_CFG[0]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive data 0 signal

A82

X_SAI1_RXD1/BOOT_CFG[1]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive data 1 signal

A83

X_SAI1_RXFS

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive frame synchronization signal

A84

X_SAI1_RXC

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive bit clock signal

A85

X_SAI1_RXD2/BOOT_CFG[2]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive data 2 signal

A86

X_SAI1_RXD3/BOOT_CFG[3]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive data 3 signal

A87

X_SAI1_RXD4/BOOT_CFG[4]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive data 4 signal

A88

X_SAI1_RXD5/BOOT_CFG[5]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive data 5 signal

A89

X_SAI1_RXD6/BOOT_CFG[6]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive data 6 signal

A90

X_SAI1_RXD7/BOOT_CFG[7]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 receive data 7 signal

A91

X_SAI1_MCLK

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 master clock signal

A92

X_SAI1_TXFS

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit frame synchronization signal

A93

X_SAI1_TXC

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit bit clock signal

A94

X_SAI1_TXD0/BOOT_CFG[8]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 0 signal

A95

X_SAI1_TXD1/BOOT_CFG[9]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 1 signal

A96

X_SAI1_TXD2/BOOT_CFG[10]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 2 signal

A97

X_SAI1_TXD3/BOOT_CFG[11]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 3 signal

A98

X_SAI1_TXD4/BOOT_CFG[12]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 4 signal

A99

X_SAI1_TXD5/BOOT_CFG[13]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 5 signal

A100

X_SAI1_TXD6/BOOT_CFG[14]

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 6 signal

A101

X_SAI1_TXD7

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 7 signal


SAI2 provides 1-bit transmit and 1-bit receive functionality with receive, transmit, and master clock output. Frame synchronization is available for receive and transmit operations.

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C58

X_SAI2_TXFS/UART1_CTS_B

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI2 transmit frame synchronization signal

C59

X_SAI2_MCLK

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI2 master clock signal

C60

X_SAI2_RXD0/UART1_RTS_B

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI2 receive data 0 signal

C61

X_SAI2_TXC

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI2 transmit bit clock signal

C62

X_SAI2_TXD0

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI2 transmit data 0 signal

C63

X_SAI2_RXC/UART1_RX

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI2 receive bit clock signal

C64

X_SAI2_RXFS/UART1_TX

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI2 receive frame synchronization signal


SAI3 provides 1-bit transmit and 1-bit receive functionality with receive, transmit, and master clock output. Frame synchronization is available for receive and transmit operations.

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A65

X_SAI3_TXFS/UART2_RX

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI3 transmit frame synchronization signal

A66

X_SAI3_MCLK

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI3 master clock signal

A67

X_SAI3_TXD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI3 transmit data signal

A68

X_SAI3_RXD/UART2_RTS_B

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI3 receive data signal

A69

X_SAI3_TXC/UART2_TX

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI3 transmit bit clock signal

A70

X_SAI3_RXC/UART2_CTS_B

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI3 receive bit clock signal

A71

X_SAI3_RXFS

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI3 receive frame synchronization signal


SAI5 provides 4-bit receive functionality with receive and master clock output. Frame synchronization is available for receive operations.

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C51X_SAI5_RXD3

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI5 receive data 3 signal

C52X_SAI5_RXD2

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI5 receive data 2signal

C53X_SAI5_RXD1

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI5 receive data 1 signal

C54X_SAI5_RXD0

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI5 receive data 0 signal

C55

X_SAI5_MCLK

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI5 master clock signal

C56X_SAI5_RXC

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI5 receive bit clock signal

C57X_SAI5_RXFS

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

SAI5 receive frame synchronization signal


PCI Express Interface

The 1-lane PCI Express interface of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini provides PCIe Gen. 2.0 functionality which supports 5 Gbit/s operations. Furthermore, the interface is fully backward compatible with the 2.5 Gbit/s Gen. 1.1 specification. Additional control signals which might be required (e.g. “present” and “wake”) can be implemented via the use of GPIOs. Please refer to the schematic of a suitable PHYTEC carrier board (e.g. phyBOARD‑Polis) for a circuit example. The table below show the signal location for the PCIe interface.

Existing issues may be solved by referring to the following chapters in NXP Mask Set Errata for Mask 0N87W, Rev. 1, 09/2021:

  • ERR011193: PCIE: EP, PM_PME: L1 Exit Does Not Occur when PME Service Timeout Mechanism Expires


SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A27

X_PCIe_CLK_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

PCIe negative clock signal

A28

X_PCIe_CLK_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

PCIe positive clock signal

A29

X_PCIe_TXN_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

PCIe negative transmit signal

A30

X_PCIe_TXN_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

PCIe positive transmit signal

A31

X_PCIe_RXN_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

PCIe negative receive signal

A32

X_PCIe_RXN_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

PCIe positive receive signal


General Purpose I/Os

The following table lists all pins not used by any of the other interfaces described explicitly in this manual and which, therefore, can be used as GPIO without harming other features of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini. In addition, most pins directly routed to the phyCORE-i.MX M Mini Connector X1 can be configured as GPIO due to the multiplexing functionality of the i.MX 8M Mini.

For more details on the possible GPIO settings, see the NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual.

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C36

X_PWM1/GPIO1_IO01

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

GPIO01 00 with PWM ability

C49

X_GPIO1_IO08/ETH_1588_EVENT_IN

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

GPIO01 08, also useable for IEEE 1588 protocol event out

C50

X_GPIO1_IO09/ETH_1588_EVENT_OUT

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

GPIO01 09, also useable for IEEE 1588 protocol event in

C44

X_GPIO1_IO12

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

GPIO01 12

A80

X_PWM2/GPIO1_IO13

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

GPIO01 13 with PWM ability

C46

X_PWM3/GPIO1_IO14

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

GPIO01 14 with PWM ability

C45

X_PWM4/GPIO1_IO15

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I/O

GPIO01 15 with PWM ability


JTAG Interface

The phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini is equipped with a JTAG interface for downloading program code into the external flash, internal controller RAM, or for any debugging programs that are executed. Location of the JTAG pins on the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1:

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

C9

X_JTAG_TCK

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I

JTAG clock signal

C10

X_JTAG_TMS

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I

JTAG test mode select signal

C11

X_JTAG_TDO

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

O

JTAG data out signal

C12

X_JTAG_TDI

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I

JTAG data in signal

C13

X_JTAG_MOD

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I

JTAG mode signal

C14

X_JTAG_TRST_B

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

I

JTAG tap reset signal


Display Interfaces

In the industrial market, LVDS is the default display with the best long-time availability. MIPI is normally used for the consumer market. For this reason, PHYTEC has added a MIPI to LVDS converter as part of the SOM design. This allows an LVDS display to be used in industrial applications. Alternatively, phyCORE-i.MX 8M MINI can be ordered without the converter and a jumper in its place so that a MIPI display can be used.

It is not possible to use both an LVDS and MIPI display at the same time. Only one type of display can be used at any given time.

LVDS (Flatlink)

The LVDS interface of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini, using an optional MIPI to LVDS converter, is converted from the i.MX 8M Mini’s MIPI-DSI2 interface. The converter supports resolutions of up to 1920x1200 (WUXGA) at 60 frames per second with 24 bpp and reduced blanking. It is also suitable for resolutions of 1366x768 with 60 frames per second and 1280x800 at 60 frames per second, both 18 and 24 bpp. The LVDS interface is available only when U5 is mounted. Please refer to the Texas Instruments SN65DSI83 datasheet for more information.

Location of the LVDS signals on the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector:

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A43

X_FLATLINK_D0_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA0_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative LVDS data 0 signal

A44

X_FLATLINK_D0_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA0_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive LVDS data 0 signal

A45

X_FLATLINK_D1_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA1_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative LVDS data 1 signal

A46

X_FLATLINK_D1_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA1_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive LVDS data 1 signal

A47

X_FLATLINK_D2_N/MIPI_DSI_CLK_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative LVDS data 2 signal

A48

X_FLATLINK_D2_P/MIPI_DSI_CLK_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive LVDS data 2 signal

A49

X_FLATLINK_D3_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA2_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative LVDS data 3 signal

A50

X_FLATLINK_D3_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA2_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive LVDS data 3 signal

A51

X_FLATLINK_CLK_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA3_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative LVDS clock signal

A52

X_FLATLINK_CLK_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA3_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive LVDS clock signal


MIPI-Display Serial Interface 2 (MIPI-DSI2)

The i.MX 8M Mini’s MIPI-DSI2 interface provides resolutions of up to 1920x1080 at 60 frames per second. It uses four data channels and one clock channel. The MIPI-DSI2 interface is only available if the MIPI to LVDS converter U5 is not mounted. The interface provides a maximum bit rate of 1,5 Gbit/s.

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A43

X_FLATLINK_D0_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA0_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative MIPI-DSI data 0 signal

A44

X_FLATLINK_D0_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA0_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive MIPI-DSI data 0 signal

A45

X_FLATLINK_D1_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA1_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative MIPI-DSI data 1 signal

A46

X_FLATLINK_D1_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA1_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive MIPI-DSI data 1 signal

A47

X_FLATLINK_D2_N/MIPI_DSI_CLK_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative MIPI-DSI clock signal

A48

X_FLATLINK_D2_P/MIPI_DSI_CLK_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive MIPI-DSI clock signal

A49

X_FLATLINK_D3_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA2_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative MIPI-DSI data 2 signal

A50

X_FLATLINK_D3_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA2_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive MIPI-DSI data 2 signal

A51

X_FLATLINK_CLK_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA3_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Negative MIPI-DSI data 3 signal

A52

X_FLATLINK_CLK_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA3_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

O

Positive MIPI-DSI data 3 signal


MIPI CSI-2 Camera Interface

The phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini features a MIPI CSI-2 camera interface. It is routed directly to phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1. The interface provides a maximum bit rate of 1,5 Gbit/s. It uses four data channels and one clock channel. All signals, including control signals and an I2C interface, to use the camera interfaces, according to PHYTEC's phyCAM‑S standard, are available at the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini Connector.

The i.MX 8M Mini microcontroller is equipped with one MIPI camera interface. The following table shows the location of all MIPI CSI-2 interface signals on the phyCORE-Connector X1:

SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A33

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA3_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Negative MIPI-CSI data 3 signal

A34

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA3_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Positive MIPI-CSI data 3 signal

A35

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA2_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Negative MIPI-CSI data 2 signal

A36

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA2_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Positive MIPI-CSI data 2 signal

A37

X_MIPI_CSI_CLK_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Negative MIPI-CSI clock signal

A38

X_MIPI_CSI_CLK_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Positive MIPI-CSI clock signal

A39

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA1_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Negative MIPI-CSI data 1 signal

A40

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA1_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Positive MIPI-CSI data 1 signal

A41

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA0_N

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Negative MIPI-CSI data 0 signal

A42

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA0_P

VDD_1V8

DIFF

I

Positive MIPI-CSI data 0 signal


SPDIF Interface

The phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini features a SPDIF interface. It is routed directly to phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Connector X1.

Existing issues may be solved by referring to the following chapters in NXP Mask Set Errata for Mask 0N87W, Rev. 1, 09/2021:

  • ERR050448: SPDIF: SPDIF clock limitation


SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description































































SOM Connector Pin / phyBOARD-Polis Carrier Board Connector Pin

SOM Signal Name

SOM Voltage Domain

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

A72

X_SPDIF_EXT_CLK

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

O

I2C4 serial clock output signal

A73

X_SPDIF_TX

VDD_3V3_S

3,3 V

O

I2C4 serial data input-output

A74X_SPDIF_RXVDD_3V3_S3,3 VI


CPU Core Frequency Scaling

The i.MX 8M Mini on the phyBOARD‑Polis is able to scale the clock frequency and voltage. This is used to save power when the full performance of the CPU is not needed. Scaling the frequency and voltage is referred to as Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS).

The i.MX 8M Mini BSP supports the DVFS feature. The Linux kernel provides a DVFS framework that allows each CPU core to have a minimum/maximum frequency as well as the applicable voltage and a governor that regulates these values depending on the system load. Depending on the i.MX 8M Mini variant used, several different frequencies are supported. Further details on how to configure this governor can be found in the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini BSP Manual.

Technical Specifications

Due to changes in functionality and design that are currently being developed, there are several values that cannot be determined in time for the release of this manual. All values with "TBD (To Be Determined)" are currently being evaluated. These values will be added to future manual editions.

The module’s profile is a maximum of 10 mm thick, with a maximal component height of 3.0 mm on the bottom (connector) side of the PCB and approximately 5.0 mm on the top (microcontroller) side. The board itself is approximately 1.4 mm thick. 

phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Footprint


To facilitate the integration of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini into your design, the footprint of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini can be downloaded (see Integrating the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini).

Additional Specifications:

Dimensions:

37 mm x 40 mm

Weight:

0,008 kg

Storage temperature:

tbd

Operating temperature:

-40°C - +85°C

Humidity:

tbd


These specifications describe the standard configuration of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini as of the printing of this manual.

phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Power Consumption

In order to illustrate the power consumption of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini in various realistic load scenarios, multiple measurements were conducted. It is important to note, that these measurements are a sole depiction of the specific stresses, asserted to the SOM through the specified software applications. The given results may be utilized to dimension a power supply for the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini on custom hardware. Especially custom software may yield different results in power consumption compared to the values posted in the table below. It is vital that power consumption of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini is evaluated when it is intended to be used with custom software.

The power consumption of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini was measured at the 3.3 V SOM input voltage rail. The results below do not account for a possible current draw through the switched 3.3 V voltage rail VDD_3V3_S. The SOM is capable of drawing the measured current continuously. In case the ambient temperature varies greatly from the underlying test conditions for this measurement, a difference in power consumption may be observed.

In the applicable datasheet, the manufacturer of the i.MX 8M Mini CPU defines maximum current ratings for each voltage rail, which are designated as a guideline during the dimensioning of the on-module power supply and the resulting voltage rails. The mentioned absolute current ratings were considered in the design process of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini's power infrastructure, yet does not represent realistic use cases for the SOM.

Load scenarioApplications usedCase temperature [°C] (measured after 90s of load scenario active)Current [A]Voltage [V]Power [W]
System idle power save modesetup_powersave

CPU: 39.1
PMIC: 38.2
RAM: 38.2
Ethernet transceiver: 36.7
LVDS-converter: 37.9

0.1303.3600.437
System idle on-demand modesetup_default

CPU: 39.1
PMIC: 38.2
RAM: 38.2
Ethernet transceiver: 36.7
LVDS-converter: 37.8

0.2783.3600.934

Intermediate load
GPU

setup_video.sh
gpu_glmark.sh

CPU: 51.2
PMIC: 36.9
RAM: 40.5
Ethernet transceiver: 35.3
LVDS-converter: 46.2

0.5963.3602.003

Intermediate load
video playback

setup_video.sh
vpu_g2dec.sh

CPU: 51.0
PMIC: 41.4
RAM: 42.5
Ethernet transceiver: 38.6
LVDS-converter: 48.4

0.8163.3602.742

Intermediate load
ARM core

setup.sh
cpu_stress.sh

CPU: 63.8
PMIC: 45.3
RAM: 44.9
Ethernet transceiver: 43.4
LVDS-converter: 49.2

0.7643.3602.567

Intermediate load
RAM

setup.sh
memory_stress.sh

CPU: 45.6
PMIC: 38.3
RAM: 37.5
Ethernet transceiver: 36.8
LVDS-converter: 44.1

0.5933.3601.992

Intermediate load
Ethernet

all_setup.sh
iperf3 client active

CPU: 51.7
PMIC: 44.0
RAM: 42.8
Ethernet transceiver: 48.6
LVDS-converter: 49.4

0.6113.3602.053

Heavy load #1


setup_video.sh
memtester_bind.sh
vpu_g2dec.sh

CPU: 68.3
PMIC: 47.6
RAM: 50.6
Ethernet transceiver: 43.5
LVDS-converter: 54.8

0.9543.3603.205
Heavy load #2

all_setup.sh
all_stress.sh
eth0 link established

CPU: 79.9
PMIC: 57.9
RAM: 59.9
Ethernet transceiver: 59.2
LVDS-converter: 63.2

1.1963.3604.019
Heavy load #3

all_setup.sh
all_stress.sh
iperf3 client active

CPU: 79.3
PMIC: 58.9
RAM: 58.7
Ethernet transceiver: 59.3
LVDS-converter: 63.8

1.1803.3603.965



For further information and assistance regarding your application's power consumption, please contact PHYTEC sales.

Low-Power Modes

The i.MX 8M Mini offers various low-power modes. For further, more detailed information, on how to activate and utilize the different low-power modes please refer to the PHYTEC phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini BSP Manual and NXP i.MX 8M Mini Reference Manual. The phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini supports the following low-power modes:

-

-

-


Product Temperature Grades

The right temperature grade of the module greatly depends on the use case. It is necessary to determine if the use case suits the temperature range of the chosen module (see below). If necessary, a heat spreader can be used for temperature compensation.

The feasible operating temperature of the SOM highly depends on the use case of your software application. Modern high-performance microcontrollers and other active parts, such as the ones described within this manual, are usually rated by qualifications based on tolerable junction or case temperatures. Therefore, making a general statement about minimum or maximum ambient temperature ratings for the described SOM is not possible.

However, the above-mentioned parts are available at different temperature qualification levels by the producers. We offer our SOMs in different configurations, making use of those temperature qualifications. To indicate which level of temperature qualification is used for active and passive parts of a SOM configuration, we have categorized our SOMs into three temperature grades.

The Product Temperature Grades table describes these grades in detail. These grades describe a set of components that, in combination, add up to a useful set of product options with different temperature grades. This enables us to make use of cost optimizations depending on the required temperature range.

In order to determine the right temperature grade and whether the minimum or maximum qualification levels are met within an application, the following conditions must be defined by considering the use case:

Product Temp. Grade

Controller Temp Range
(Junction Temp)

RAM
(Case Temp)

Others
(Ambient)

I

Industrial -40°C to +105°C / Automotive -40°C to+125°C

Industrial
-40°C to +95°C

Industrial
-40°C to +85°C

C

Commercial 0°C to +95°C

Consumer
0°C to +95°C

Consumer
0°C to +70°C


phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini FTGA Mounting

The phyCORE i.MX 8M Mini uses Fused Tin Grid Array (FTGA) to mount to a carrier board (for example, phyBOARD-Polis). FTGA provides several advantages:

For more information about FTGA soldering, please refer to the PHYTEC FTGA Soldering Guide (LAN-095e.A1 i.MX 8M Mini Fused Tin Grid Array (FTGA) Soldering Information).

Hints for Integrating and Handling the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini

Integrating the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini

Apart from this hardware manual, more information is available to facilitate the integration of the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini into customer applications.

  1. The design of the phyBOARD‑Polis can be used as a reference for any customer application.
  2. Many answers to common questions can be found at: https://www.phytec.de/produkt/system-on-modules/phycore-imx-8m-mini-nano/ or https://www.phytec.eu/product-eu/system-on-modules/phycore-imx-8m-mini-nano/
  3. The link “Carrier Board” within the category Dimensional Drawing leads to the layout data as shown in phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Footprint. It is available in different file formats. The use of this data allows the user to integrate the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini SOM as a single component of your design.
  4. Different support packages are available for support in all stages of embedded development. Please visit http://www.phytec.de/de/support/support-pakete.html or https://www.phytec.eu/support/support-packages/ or contact our sales team for more details.
  5. Many answers to common questions can be found at:
    https://www.phytec.de/produkt/system-on-modules/phycore-imx-8m-mini-nano/
    or
    https://www.phytec.eu/product-eu/system-on-modules/phycore-imx-8m-mini-nano/

Integrating the phyCORE into a Target Application

Successful integration in user target circuitry greatly depends on the adherence to the layout design rules for the GND connections of the phyCORE module. For maximum EMI performance, PHYTEC recommends, as a general design rule, connecting all GND pins to a solid ground plane. As a minimum, all GND pin neighboring signals which are being used in the application circuitry should be connected to GND.

Handling the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini

phyCORE Module Modifications

The removal of various components, such as the microcontroller or the standard quartz, is not advisable given the compact nature of the module. Should this nonetheless be necessary, please ensure that the board, as well as surrounding components and sockets, remain undamaged while desoldering. Overheating the board can cause the solder pads to loosen, rendering the module inoperable. If soldered components need to be removed, the use of a desoldering pump, desoldering braid, an infrared desoldering station, desoldering tweezers, hot air rework stations, or other desoldering methods is strongly recommended.  Follow the instructions carefully for whatever method of removal is used.

The manufacturer guarantee is voided if any modifications to the module are performed, regardless of their nature.

phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini on the phyBOARD-Polis

Hardware Overview

The phyBOARD‑Polis for phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini is a low-cost, feature-rich software development platform supporting the NXP Semiconductors i.MX 8M Mini microcontroller. Due to numerous standard interfaces, the phyBOARD‑Polis can serve as the bedrock for any application. At the core of the phyBOARD‑Polis is the PCL-069/phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini System On Module (SOM) containing the processor, DRAM, eMMC, power regulation, supervision, transceivers, and other core functions required to support the i.MX 8M Mini processor. Surrounding the SOM is the PB-02820-xxxxx.Ax/phyBOARD‑Polis carrier board, adding power input, buttons, connectors, signal breakout, and Ethernet connectivity along with other peripherals.

The PCL-069 System On Module connects to the phyBOARD‑Polis carrier board using a Ball Grid Array (BGA). The PCL-069 SOM is soldered directly onto the phyBOARD‑Polis using PHYTEC's Direct Solder Connect technology. This solution offers an ultra-low-cost Single Board Computer for the i.MX 8M Mini processor, while maintaining most of the advantages of the SOM concept. 

phyBOARD-Polis Concept

phyCORE carrier boards are designed and tested to be used in:

PHYTEC phyCORE carrier boards are fully equipped with all mechanical and electrical components necessary for a fast, secure start-up. Subsequent communication to and programming of applicable PHYTEC System on Modules (SOM) is made easy.

This modular development platform concept includes the following components:

The carrier board can also serve as a reference design for the development of custom target hardware in which the phyCORE SOM is deployed. Carrier board schematics are available under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Reuse of carrier board circuitry enables users of PHYTEC SOMs to shorten time-to-market, reduce development costs, and avoid substantial design issues and risks.

SBCplus Concept

The SBCplus concept was developed to meet the many, small differences in customer requirements with little development effort. This greatly reduces the time to market. The core of the SBCplus concept is the SBC design library (a kind of construction set) that consists of a large number of function blocks (so-called "building blocks") that are continuously being refined and updated.

Recombining these function blocks allows PHYTEC to develop a customer-specific SBC within a short time. We are able to deliver production-ready custom Single Board Computers within a few weeks at very low costs. The already developed SBCs, such as the phyBOARD-Polis, each represent a combination of different customer wishes. This means all necessary interfaces are already available on the standard versions, allowing PHYTEC SBCs to be integrated into a large number of applications without modification.

For any necessary detail adjustment, extension connectors are available which allow a wide variety of functions to be added.

For further information, please contact PHYTEC sales.

phyBOARD-Polis Features

The phyBOARD‑Polis i.MX 8M Mini supports the following features:


phyBOARD-Polis Block Diagram

phyBOARD-Polis Block Diagram

phyBOARD-Polis Component Placement

phyBOARD-Polis Components (Top)


phyBOARD-Polis Components (Bottom)

phyBOARD-Polis Component Overview

The phyBOARD‑Polis features many different interfaces and is equipped with the components listed in table Connectors and Pin Headers. For a more detailed description of each component, refer to the appropriate section listed in the table below. phyBOARD-Polis Components (Top) and phyBOARD-Polis Components (Bottom) highlight the location of each component for easy identification. 

Connectors and Pin Headers

This is a list of all available connectors on the phyBOARD-Polis. 

Reference
Designator

Description

Section

X1

Ethernet0 connector (RJ45 with speed and link LED)

Ethernet

X2

USB On-the-Go connector (USB Micro-AB)

USB OTG

X3

phyCORE connector

phyCORE-Connection

X4

Secure Digital / Multi-Media Card (Micro-slot)

SD /MM Card

X5

USB host connector (USB 2.0 Standard-A)

USB

X6

PCI Express connector (Mini PCI Express)

PCIe

X7

CAN FD connector (2x5 pin header 2.54 mm pitch)

CAN FD

X8

Expansion connector (2×30 socket connector 2 mm pitch)

Expansion

X9

RS-232 with RTS and CTS, or RS-485 (UART3 2×5 pin header 2.54 mm pitch)

UART

X10

Camera phyCAM-M connector (30-pole Hirose FFC-connector, 0.5 mm pitch)

MIPI CSI-2

X16

A/V connector #1 (2×8 dual-entry connector 2 mm pitch)


A/V

X18

A/V connector #2 (2×15 dual-entry connector 2 mm pitch)

X30

Debug FTDI (USB Debug)

USB Debug

X33

Power supply 12-24 V (2-pole Phoenix Contact Mini COMBICON base strip)

Power Supply
X38Voice Array ConnectorVoice Array



Module connections must not exceed their expressed maximum voltage or current. Maximum signal input values are indicated in the corresponding controller manuals/datasheets. As damage from improper connections varies according to use and application, the user must take appropriate safety measures to ensure that the module connections are protected from overloading through connected peripherals.   

LEDs

The phyBOARD-Polis is populated with one LED, which is user-programmable. phyBOARD-Polis Components (Top) shows the location of the LED.

LEDColorDescriptionSection
D11RGBUser-programmable RGB LEDMulticolor LED


Switches

The phyBOARD-Polis is populated with 3 switches. The tables below show their function:

SwitchDescriptionSection
S2RESETSystem Reset
S3ON/OFFSystem ON/OFF


Additionally, S1 is a 5-port dip switch bar populated for several functions:

Jumpers

The phyBOARD-Polis comes pre-configured with several solder jumpers (J). The jumpers enable the flexible configuration of a limited number of features for development purposes.

 Due to the small footprint of the solder jumpers (J), PHYTEC does not recommend manual jumper modifications. This may also render the warranty invalid. Contact our sales team if you need jumper configurations different from the default configuration.

phyBOARD-Polis SBC Component Details

This section provides a more detailed look at the phyBOARD‑Polis components. Each subsection details a particular connector/interface for configuring that interface.

Where possible, we also provide any useful information regarding design considerations for components. This can be used if you plan to design your own carrier board.

phyCORE-Connection (X3)

phyCORE Connector (X3)

Power Supply (X33)

Do not change modules or jumper settings while the phyBOARD‑Polis is supplied with power!


Power Supply Connector (X33)

The phyBOARD-Polis is available with one power supply connector, a 2-pole Combicon Phoenix connector suitable for a single supply voltage (X33).

The required current load capacity for all power supply solutions depends on the specific configuration of the phyCORE mounted on the phyBOARD-Polis, the particular interfaces enabled while executing software, as well as whether an optional expansion board is connected to the carrier board.  The power input is protected against overcurrent with a fuse (F1). A suppressor diode (D36) protects against polarity reversal. The pin assignment of the power input connector X33:

Interface Pin #

Signal

Description

1

VCC_IN_24V

24 V power supply

2

GND

Ground


Power Design Considerations

It is recommended to route high current rails, like the SOM supply voltage, as planes to keep series resistance at a minimum. The same thing should be applied to ground paths. For more information, see phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini Power Consumption.

UART Connectivity (X8 and X9)

UART Connector (X9)

The phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini features 4 UART interfaces. On the phyBOARD-Polis, TTL level UART2 is available at the A/V connector (X18) and TTL level UART4 is available at the expansion connector (X8). The availability of UART3 at the expansion connector depends on the state of the debug USB port and the configuration of switch S1 (Multi-port Switch) If a USB device is connected to the debug USB port (USB Debug), UART3 will only be available for the FTDI U66. The following is a detailed description of UART states and conditions:

Further information on the switch S1 can be found in the section Multi-port Switch. Further information on the expansion connector X8 can be found in the section Expansion Connector. The following table shows the signal mapping of the RS-232 and RS-485 level signals at connector X9:

Interface Pin #

Signal

Pin #

Signal

1

NC

2

NC

3

UART1_RXD_RS232

4

UART1_RTS_RS232

5

UART1_TXD_RS232

6

UART1_CTS_RS232

7

UART1_RS485_A

8

UART1_RS485_B

9

GND

10

NC


UART Design Consideration

When designing a custom carrier board, remember the TTL level is 3.3 V. Route signals as single-ended 50 Ohm lines.

Ethernet Connectivity (X1)

Ethernet Connector (X1)

The phyBOARD‑Polis is equipped with an RJ45 connector supporting a 10/100/1000Base-T network connection. The LEDs for LINK (green) and ACTIVITY (yellow) indications are integrated into the connector. The Ethernet transceiver supports Auto MDI-X, eliminating the need for a direct connect LAN or cross-over cable. They detect the TX and RX pins of the connected device and automatically configure the PHY TX and RX pins accordingly.

The following table shows the pin assignment of the Ethernet0 connector X1:

Interface Pin #

Signal name

Signal Type

Signal Level

Description

1X_ETH_A_PEthernetAnalogD1+
2X_ETH_A_NEthernetAnalogD1-
3X_ETH_B_PEthernetAnalogD2+
4X_ETH_B_NEthernetAnalogD2-
5GND--MDCT1
6GND--MDCT2
7X_ETH_C_PEthernetAnalogD3+
8X_ETH_C_NEthernetAnalogD3-
9X_ETH_D_PEthernetAnalogD4+
10X_ETH_D_NEthernetAnalogD4-
11VCC_3V3Ethernet3.3 VLED_GR_A
12X_ETH0_LED0_LINKEthernetAnalogLED_GR_C
13VCC_3V3Ethernet3.3 VLED_YE_A
14X_ETH0_LED2_ACTEthernetAnalogLED_YE_C


Ethernet Design Consideration

The data lanes should be routed with a differential impedance of 100 Ohm and kept as short as possible. The center taps of each pair's transformer have to be connected to GND through a 100nF capacitor. The LED pins are open-drain outputs of the SOM without a resistor, so they should be connected to the cathodes of the LEDs through a suitable resistor.

USB OTG and 2.0 Connectivity (X2 and X5)

USB OTG and 2.0 Connectors (X2 and X5)

The phyBOARD-Polis provides one USB 2.0 and one USB OTG interface. 

USB1 is accessible at the USB Micro-AB connector X2 and is configured as USB OTG. USB OTG devices are capable of initiating a session, controlling the connection, and exchanging host and peripheral roles with each other. This interface is compliant with USB revision 2.0. USB2 is accessible at the Standard-A connector X5 and is configured as a USB host.

The following tables show the pin assignments of the USB OTG and USB 2.0 interface:

Interface Pin #

Signal name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

USB_OTG1_VBUS

5 V

PWR_I

5 V USB supply voltage

2

X_USB1_DN

Diff

USB_I/O

Negative USB1 data signal

3

X_USB1_DP

Diff

USB_I/O

Positive USB1 data signal

4

X_USB1_ID

3,3 V

I

USB 1 identification signal

5

GND

-

-

Ground

6SHIELD1Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
7SHIELD2Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
8SHIELD3Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
9SHIELD4Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
10SHIELD5Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
11SHIELD6Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm



Interface Pin #

Signal name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

USB_HUB_VBUS1

5 V

PWR_I

5 V USB supply voltage

2

USB_HUB_DM1

Diff

USB_I/O

Negative USB HUB1 data signal

3

USB_HUB_DP1

Diff

USB_I/O

Positive USB HUB1 data signal

4

GND

-

-

Ground

S1

SHIELD1Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm

S2

SHIELD2Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
S3SHIELD3Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
S4SHIELD4Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm


USB Design Consideration

The data lanes should be routed with a differential impedance of 90 Ohm and kept as short as possible.

USB Debug (X30)

USB Debug Connector (X30)

The phyBOARD-Polis offers a USB debug interface, that is accessible via the USB micro-AB connector X30. When a USB device is plugged into X30, UART3 will automatically be routed to the UART to USB converter U87. The following table shows the pin configuration of the debug USB micro-AB connector X30:

Interface Pin #

Signal name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

VBUS_DEBUG_USB

5 V

PWR_I

5 V USB supply voltage

2

DEBUG_USB_DM

Diff

USB_I/O

Negative debug USB data signal

3

DEBUG_USB_DP

Diff

USB_I/O

Positive debug USB data signal

4

DEBUG_USB_ID

3,3 V

I

Debug USB identification signal (not connected)

5

GND

-

-

Ground

6SHIELD1Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
7SHIELD2Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
8SHIELD3Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
9SHIELD4Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
10SHIELD5Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm
11SHIELD6Shield-Shield connected to Ground over 2,2 nF parallel to 1 MOhm


Debug Design Considerations

The UART data signals to the UART to USB converter should be routed as singled-ended signals with an impedance of 50 Ohm and kept as short as possible. The USB data lanes should be routed with a differential impedance of 90 Ohm and kept as short as possible.

Secure Digital Memory / MultiMedia Card (X4)

The phyBOARD‑Polis provides a standard microSDHC card slot at X4 for use with SD/MMC interface cards. It allows for a fast, easy connection to peripheral devices like SD and MMC cards. Power to the SD interface is supplied by inserting the appropriate card into the SD/MMC connector. It also features card detection, a lock mechanism, and a smooth extraction function by pushing the card in and out.

DIP switch S1 provides a toggle between default and SD-Card boot. In order to boot from SD-Card, S1 (pads 1-12) must be switched ON (refer to Multi-port Switch for further information).

Interface Pin #

Signal name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

X_SD2_DATA21,8 V/3,3 VI/OSD2 data 2

2

X_SD2_DATA31,8 V/3,3 VI/OSD2 data 3

3

X_SD2_CMD1,8 V/3,3 VOSD2 command

4

VCC_3V33,3 VPWR_I3,3 V supply voltage

5

X_SD2_CLK1,8 V/3,3 VOSD2 clock

6

GND

Ground

7

X_SD2_DATA01,8 V/3,3 VI/O

SD2 data 0

8

X_SD2_DATA11,8 V/3,3 VI/OSD2 data 1

9

X_SD2_CD_B1,8 V/3,3 VISD2 card detect

10

GND--Ground

11

GND--Ground

12

GND--Ground

13

GND--Ground

14

GND--Ground


SD / MM Card Design Considerations

Series resistors in data and clock signals should be placed as close as possible to the signal source. For I/O signals this means two resistors in one electric net are recommended. The voltage of the SD2 signal lanes is NVCC_SD2 and can switch between 1.8 V and 3.3 V. The supply voltage of the SD-Card remains 3.3 V and should not be connected to NCVV_SD2. All signals should be routed as 50 Ohm single-ended lines.

PCIe Connectivity (X6)

PCIe Connector (X6)

The 1-lane PCI Express interface of the phyBOARD‑Polis provides PCIe Gen. 2.0 functionality, which supports 5 Gbit/s operations. The interface is fully backward compatible with the Gen. 1.1, 2.5 Gbit/s specifications. Various control signals are implemented with GPIOs. The pin assignment of the Mini PCI Express connector is shown in the following table:

Interface Pin #

Signal name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

X_SAI1_RXD5/BOOT_CFG[5]

3,3 V

O

X_SAI1_RXD5/BOOT_CFG[5] switches nWAKE
High level only possible when nPOR_IN_DELAYED is not active (low)

2

VCC_3V3

3,3 V

PWR_I

Supply voltage 3,3 V

3

X_SAI1_TXD0/BOOT_CFG[8]

3,3 V

IO

PCI express reserved

4

GND

-

-

Ground

5

X_SAI5_TXD7

3,3 V

IO

PCI express reserved

6

VCC_1V5

1,5 V

PWR_I

Supply voltage 1,5 V

7

X_PCIE2_CLKREQ_B

-

-

PCI express clock request

8

NC

-

-

Not connected

9

GND

-

-

Ground

10

NC

-

-

Not connected

11

X_PCIe_CLK_N

Diff

PCIe_O

Negative PCIe clock signal

12

NC

-

-

Not connected

13

X_PCIe_CLK_P

Diff

PCIe_O

Positive PCIe clock signal

14

NC

-

-

Not connected

15

GND

-

-

Ground

16

NC

-

-

Not connected

17

NC

-

-

Not connected

18

GND

-

-

Ground

19

NC

-

-

Not connected

20

NC

-

-

Not connected

21

GND

-

-

Ground

22

miniPCIe_nPERST

3,3 V

O

PCI express reset

23

X_PCIE_RXN_N

Diff

PCIe_I

Negative PCIe receive signal

24

VCC_3V3

3,3 V

PWR_I

Supply voltage 3,3 V

25

X_PCIE_RXN_P

Diff

PCIe_I

Positive PCIe receive signal

26

GND

-

-

Ground

27

GND

-

-

Ground

28

VCC_1V5

1,5 V

PWR_I

Supply voltage 1,5 V

29

GND

-

-

Ground

30

X_I2C2_SCL

3,3 V

OD

I2C2 serial clock

31

X_PCIE_TXN_N

Diff

PCIe_O

Negative PCIe transmit signal

32

X_I2C2_SDA

3,3 V

OD-BI

I2C2 serial data signal

33

X_PCIE_TXN_P

Diff

PCIe_O

Positive PCIe transmit signal

34

GND

-

-

Ground

35

GND

-

-

Ground

36

USB_HUB_DM3

Diff

USB_I/O

Negative USB HUB 3 signal

37

GND

-

-

Ground

38

USB_HUB_DP3

Diff

USB_I/O

Positive USB HUB 3 signal

39

VCC_3V3

3,3 V

PWR_I

Supply voltage 3,3 V

40

GND

-

-

Ground

41

VCC_3V3

3,3 V

PWR_I

Supply voltage 3,3 V

42

TP1

-

-

Test pad 1

43

GND

-

-

Ground

44

TP2

-

-

Test pad 2

45

NC

-

-

Not connected

46

TP3

-

-

Test pad 3

47

NC

-

-

Not connected

48

VCC_1V5

1,5 V

PWR_I

Supply voltage 1,5 V

49

NC

-

-

Not connected

50

GND

-

-

Ground

51

NC

-

-

Not connected

52

VCC_3V3

3,3 V

PWR_I

Supply voltage 3,3 V

S1

GND

-

-

Ground

S2

GND

-

-

Ground


PCIe Design Considerations

100nF AC-Coupling capacitors are placed close to output pins of the i.MX 8M Mini on the PCL-069 in series to the TX-Lanes. No further TX coupling capacitors are needed. The differential impedance should be 85 Ohm.

Camera Connections

phyCAM-M MIPI CSI-2 Camera Connector (X10)

phyCAM-M MIPI CSI-2 Camera Connector (X10)

The phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini on the phyBOARD-Polis offers one interface to connect to digital cameras with the MIPI CSI-2 interface. The signals of the Camera Serial Interface (CSI) are available as a multi-lane LVDS camera interface together with an I2C interface to allow for a direct connection of appropriate camera modules. On the phyBOARD-Polis, the CMOS Camera Interface is brought out as a phyCAM-M camera interface at connector X10. Information on the phyCAM-M standard and other possibilities can be found in the phyCAM manual:  https://www.phytec.de/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/Manuals/L-748e_10.pdf.

Pin assignment of the phyCAM-M MIPI CSI-2 connector X10:

Interface Pin #

Signal Name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

GND

-

-

Ground

2

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA0_P

Diff

CSI2_I

Positive MIPI CSI data 0 signal

3

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA0_N

Diff

CSI2_I

Negative MIPI CSI data 0 signal

4

GND

-

-

Ground

5

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA1_P

Diff

CSI2_I

Positive MIPI CSI data 1 signal

6

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA1_N

Diff

CSI2_I

Negative MIPI CSI data 1 signal

7

GND

-

-

Ground

8

X_MIPI_CSI_CLK_P

Diff

CSI2_I

Positive MIPI CSI clock signal

9

X_MIPI_CSI_CLK_N

Diff

CSI2_I

Negative MIPI CSI clock signal

10

GND

-

-

Ground

11

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA2_P

Diff

CSI2_I

Positive MIPI CSI data 2 signal

12

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA2_N

Diff

CSI2_I

Negative MIPI CSI data 2 signal

13

GND

-

-

Ground

14

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA3_P

Diff

CSI2_I

Positive MIPI CSI data 3 signal

15

X_MIPI_CSI_DATA3_N

Diff

CSI2_I

Negative MIPI CSI data 3 signal

16

GND

-

-

Ground

17

X_SAI2_TXD0

3,3 V

IO

Multipurpose pin 4

18

X_SAI1_TXFS

3,3 V

IO

Multipurpose pin 3

19

X_SAI1_MCLK

3,3 V

IO

Multipurpose Pin 2 / Default = TRIGGER (IN)

20

X_SD2_RESET_B

1,8 V/ 3,3 V

OD

CSI reset signal

21

GND

-

-

Ground

22

X_I2C4_SCL

3,3 V

OD

I2C4 serial clock signal

23

X_I2C4_SDA

3,3 V

OD_BI

I2C4 serial data signal

24

CSI1_I2C_ADR

3,3 V

OD

I2C4 address select

25

CSI1_ nRESET

3,3 V


Camera reset signal

26

CSI1_VCC_SELECT

3,3 V


Set voltage on VCC pins

27

GND

-

-

Ground

28

VCC_CAM_CSI1

3,3 V/ 5 V

PWR_I

CSI supply voltage 3,3 V or 5 V

29

VCC_CAM_CSI1

3,3 V/ 5 V

PWR_I

CSI supply voltage 3,3 V or 5 V

30

VCC_CAM_CSI1

3,3 V/ 5 V

PWR_I

CSI supply voltage 3,3 V or 5 V


CAN FD (X7)

CAN FD (X7)

The CAN with Flexible Data-Rate (CAN FD) is an updated extension of the original CAN protocol. This enables extra data bytes and flexible bit rates. In general, the CAN FD offers 3 benefits to regular CAN:

  1. Increased Data Length
    CAN FD supports up to 64 data bytes per data frame vs. 8 data bytes for regular CAN.
  2. Increased Speed
    CAN FD supports dual bit rates: normal 1Mbit/S bit rate of a regular CAN and data bit rates up to 5Mbit/s, depending on network and transceiver types.
  3. Improved Reliability
    CAN FD uses an improved cyclic redundancy check (CRC), lowering the risks of undetected errors.

Pin assignment of the CAN FD Connector X7:

Interface Pin #

Signal Name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1NC---
2GND--Ground
3X_CAN_LDiffCAN_I/OCAN FD low signal
4X_CAN_HDiffCAN_I/OCAN FD high signal
5GND--Ground
6NC---
7NC---
8NC---
9NC---
10NC---


Audio/Video Connectors (X16 and X18)

The Audio/Video (A/V) connectors X16 and X18 provide an easy way to add typical A/V functions and features to the phyBOARD‑Polis. Standard interfaces such as parallel display, I2S, and I2C as well as different supply voltages are available at the two 2 mm pitch dual inline sockets. 

The A/V connector is intended for use with phyBOARD Expansion Boards

Please find additional information on phyBOARD Expansion Boards in the corresponding application guide (L-793e).

and to add specific audio/video connectivity with custom expansion boards. A/V connector X16 makes all data and clock signals for display connectivity available. X18 provides signals for audio and touch screen connectivity as well as an I2C bus and additional control signals.

Pin assignments for A/V connectors X16 and X18:

Interface Pin #

Signal Name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

GND

-

-

Ground

2

X_FLATLINK_D2_P/MIPI_DSI_CLK_P

Diff

DSI2_O

Positive LVDS data 2 signal or Positive MIPI DSI clock signal

3

X_FLATLINK_CLK_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA3_P

Diff

DSI2_O

Positive LVDS clock signal or Positive MIPI DSI data 3 signal

4

X_FLATLINK_D2_N/MIPI_DSI_CLK_N

Diff

DSI2_O

Negative LVDS data 2 signal or Negative MIPI DSI clock signal

5

X_FLATLINK_CLK_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA3_N

Diff

DSI2_O

Negative LVDS clock signal or Negative MIPI DSI data 3 signal

6

GND

-

-

Ground

7

GND

-

-

Ground

8

X_FLATLINK_D3_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA2_P

Diff

DSI2_O

Positive LVDS data 3 signal or Positive MIPI DSI data 2 signal

9

X_FLATLINK_D1_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA1_P

Diff

DSI2_O

Positive LVDS data 1 signal or Positive MIPI DSI data 1 signal

10

X_FLATLINK_D3_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA2_N

Diff

DSI2_O

Negative LVDS data 3 signal or Negative MIPI DSI data 2 signal

11

X_FLATLINK_D1_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA1_N

Diff

DSI2_O

Negative LVDS data 1 signal or Negative MIPI DSI data 1 signal

12

GND

-

-

Ground

13

GND

-

-

Ground

14

X_FLATLINK_D0_P/MIPI_DSI_DATA0_P

Diff

DSI2_O

Positive LVDS data 0 signal or Positive MIPI DSI data 0 signal

15

VCC_IN_24V

24 V

PWR_I

24 V display supply voltage

16

X_FLATLINK_D0_N/MIPI_DSI_DATA0_N

Diff

DSI2_O

Negative LVDS data 0 signal or Negative MIPI DSI data 0 signal



Interface Pin #

Signal Name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

USB_HUB_DP2

Diff

USB_I/O

Positive USB HUB 2 signal

2

USB_HUB_DM2

Diff

USB_I/O

Negative USB HUB 2 signal

3

X_nPOR_OD

3,3 V

OD

Open drain Power-On Reset of SoM

4

GND

-

-

Ground

5

X_SAI3_RXD / UART2_RTS_B

3,3 V

IO

SAI3 receive data

6

X_SAI3_TXFS / UART2_RX

3,3 V

IO

SAI3 transmit frame synchronization signal

7

X_SAI3_TXC / UART2_TX

3,3 V

IO

SAI3 transmit bit clock signal

8

X_SAI3_TXD

3,3 V

IO

SAI3 transmit data

9

X_SAI3_MCLK

3,3 V

IO

SAI3 master clock signal

10

X_SAI3_RXFS

3,3 V

IO

SAI3 receive bit clock signal

11

GND

-

-

Ground

12

X_SAI3_RXC / UART2_CTS_B

3,3 V

IO

SAI3 receive bit clock signal 

13

X_SAI5_RXD3

3,3 V

IO

SAI5 receive data 3

14

GND

-

-

Ground

15

X_SAI5_RXFS

3,3 V

IO

SAI5 receive frame synchronization signal

16

X_SAI5_RXD2

3,3 V

IO

SAI5 receive data 2

17

X_SAI5_RXC

3,3 V

IO

SAI5 receive bit clock 

18

X_SAI5_RXD1

3,3 V

IO

SAI5 receive data 1

19

X_SAI5_MCLK

3,3 V

IO

SAI5 master clock signal

20

X_SAI5_RXD0

3,3 V

IO

SAI5 receive data 0

21

GND

-

-

Ground

22

X_I2C3_SDA

3,3 V

OD-BI

I2C3 serial data 

23

X_UART2_RXD

3,3 V

IO

UART2 receive data 

24

X_I2C3_SCL

3,3 V

OD

I2C3 serial clock 

25

X_UART2_TXD

3,3 V

IO

UART2 transmit data

26

GND

-

-

Ground

27

VCC_5V

5 V

PWR_I

5 V supply voltage

28

VCC_3V3

3,3 V

PWR_I

3,3 V supply voltage

29

VCC_5V

5 V

PWR_I

5 V supply voltage

30

VCC_3V3

3,3 V

PWR_I

3,3 V supply voltage



A/V Design Consideration

All signals should be routed as short as possible and as 50 Ohm single-ended lines.

Voice Array Connector (X38)

Voice Array Connector (X38)

The phyBOARD-Polis offers a 2x9 socket as a voice array connector with UART, I2C, and I2S functionality. The following table shows the pin assignment of the voice array connector X38:

Interface Pin #

Signal Name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

VCC_5V

5 VPWR_I5 V supply voltage

2

VCC_3V3

3,3 VPWR_I3,3 V supply voltage

3

X_UART4_TXD

3,3 V

O

UART4 transmit data

4

X_UART4_RXD

3,3 V

I

UART4 receive data

5

X_I2C3_SCL

3,3 V

O

I2C3 serial clock

6

X_I2C3_SDA

3,3 V

IO

I2C3 serial data

7

X_SAI1_MCLK

3,3 V

IO

SAI1 master clock

8

X_SAI1_RXC

3,3 V

IO

SAI1 receive bit clock

9

X_SAI1_RXD0/BOOT_CFG[0]

3,3 V

IO

SAI1 receive data 0

10

X_SAI1_RXD1/BOOT_CFG[1]

3,3 V

IO

SAI1 receive data 1

11

X_SAI1_RXD2/BOOT_CFG[2]

3,3 V

IO

SAI1 receive data 2

12

X_SAI1_RXD3/BOOT_CFG[3]

3,3 V

IO

SAI1 receive data 3

13

GND

-

-

Ground

14

GND

-

-

Ground

15

X_SAI2_MCLK

3,3 V

IO

SAI2 master clock

16

X_SAI2_TXC

3,3 V

IO

SAI2 transmit bit clock

17

X_SAI2_TXD0

3,3 V

IO

SAI2 transmit data 0

18

X_SAI1_RXD4/BOOT_CFG[4]

3,3 V

IO

SAI1 receive data 4


Voice Array Design Considerations

All signals should be routed as short as possible and as 50 Ohm single-ended lines.

Expansion Connector (X8)

Expansion Connector (X8)

The expansion connector X8 provides an easy way to add other functions and features to the phyBOARD‑Polis. Standard interfaces such as USB, SPDIF, JTAG, UART, SPI, and I2C as well as different supply voltages and some GPIOs are available at the female expansion connector. The expansion connector is intended for use with phyBOARD Expansion Boards and to add specific functions with custom expansion boards. Information on the expansion boards available for the expansion connector can be found in the Application Guide for phyBOARD Expansion Boards (L-793e).

Pin assignment of the expansion connector X8:

Interface Pin #

Signal Name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

1

VCC_3V3

3,3 V

PWR_I

3,3 V supply voltage

2

VCC_5V

5 V

PWR_I

5 V supply voltage

3

VCC_1V5

1,5 V

PWR_I

1,5 V supply voltage

4

GND

-

-

Ground

5

X_ECSPI1_SS1

3,3 V

OD

SPI1 chip select

6

X_ECSPI1_MOSI

3,3 V

O

SPI1 master out slave in

7

X_ECSPI1_MISO

3,3 V

I

SPI1 master in slave out

8

X_ECSPI1_SCLK

3,3 V

O

SPI1 serial clock

9

GND

-

-

Ground

10

X_UART3_RXD_EXP

3,3 V

UART3 receive data

11

X_I2C3_SDA

3,3 V

OD_BI

I2C3 serial data 

12

X_UART3_TXD_EXP

3,3 V

O

UART3 transmit data

13

X_I2C3_SCL

3,3 V

OD

I2C3 serial clock

14

GND

-

-

Ground

15

X_JTAG_TMS

3,3 V

JTAG test mode select 

16

X_JTAG_TRST_B

3,3 V

JTAG tap reset

17

X_JTAG_TDI

3,3 V

JTAG data in

18

X_JTAG_TDO

3,3 V

O

JTAG data out

19

GND

-

-

Ground

20

X_JTAG_TCK

3,3 V

JTAG clock

21

USB_HUB_DP4

Diff

USB_I/O

Positive USB HUB 4 signal

22

USB_HUB_DM4

Diff

USB_I/O

Negative USB HUB 4 signal

23

X_nRESET_IN

3,3 V

OD

Open drain SoM reset input

24

GND

-

-

Ground

25

X_SPDIF_TX

3,3 V

O

SPDIF transmit data

26

X_SPDIF_RX

3,3 V

I

SPDIF receive data

27

X_SPDIF_EXT_CLK

3,3 V

O

SPDIF clock

28

X_nPOR_OD

3,3 V

OD

Open drain SoM Power-On Reset output

29

GND

-

-

Ground

30

X_TEST_MODE

3,3 V

I

Test Mode signal (boot signal for i.MX 8M Nano)

31

UART4_RXD

3,3 V 

UART4 receive data

32

X_SAI1_TXD1 / BOOT_MODE_CFG[9]

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 1

33

UART4_TXD

3,3 V

O

UART4 transmit data

34

GND

-

-

Ground

35

X_SAI1_TXD2 / BOOT_MODE_CFG[10]

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 2

36

X_SAI1_TXD3 / BOOT_MODE_CFG[11]

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 3

37

X_SAI1_TXD4 / BOOT_MODE_CFG[12]

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 4

38

X_SAI1_TXD5 / BOOT_MODE_CFG[13]

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 5

39

X_SAI1_TXD6 / BOOT_MODE_CFG[14]

3,3 V

I/O

SAI1 transmit data 6

40

X_CLKIN1

1,8 V

I

Serial clock 1 input

41

GND

-

-

Ground

42

X_CLKOUT1

1,8 V

O

Serial clock 1 output

43

X_POR_IN

3,3 V

I

SoM Power-On Reset input 

44

X_ETH_JTAG_TDI

1,8 V

I

Ethernet JTAG data in

45

X_ ETH_JTAG_TMS

1,8 V

I

Ethernet JTAG test mode

46

GND

-

-

Ground

47

X_ ETH_JTAG_TDO

1,8 V

O

Ethernet JTAG data out

48

X_ ETH_JTAG_CLK

1,8 V

I

Ethernet JTAG clock

49

X_ ETH_GPIO1

1,8 V

I/O

Ethernet GPIO1

50

X_CLKIN2

1,8 V

I

Serial clock 2 input

51

GND

-

-

Ground

52

X_CLKOUT2

1,8 V

O

Serial clock 2 output

53

USB_HUB_PRTPWR4

5 V

I

USB HUB 4 power enable

54

USB_HUB_nOSC4

5 V

I

USB HUB 4 over current sense

55

X_RTC_INT

3,3 V

O

RTC interrupt output

56

GND

-

-

Ground

57

VCC_IN_24V

24 V

PWR_I

24 V board input voltage

58

nPOR_IN_DELAYED

3,3 V

O

SoM Power-On Reset delayed

59

GND

-

-

Ground

60

VCC_5V_REG

5 V

PWR_I

5 V supply voltage


Expansion Connector Design Consideration

All signals should be routed as short as possible and as 50 Ohm single-ended lines.

I2C Connectivity

The I2C interfaces of the i.MX 8M Mini are available at different connectors on the phyBOARD‑Polis. The following table provides a list of the connectors and pins with I2C connectivity:

Interface

Interface Pin #

Signal NameSignal LevelSignal Type

X18

24

I2C3_SCL3,3 V

O

X1822I2C3_SDA3,3 VI/O

X8

13

I2C3_SCL3,3 VO
X811I2C3_SDA3,3 VI/O

X38

5

I2C3_SCL3,3 VO
X386I2C3_SDA3,3 VI/O
X1023I2C4_SCL3,3 VO
X1024I2C4_SDA3,3 VI/O


Onboard Functionalities

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

The phyBOARD-Polis is equipped with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The TPM is a chip developed, produced, tested, and certified according to the TCG specification that enhances the board with additional security functions. These security functions include the generation and secure storage (in the hardware) of keys for the authentication and identification of communication participants (SSH, server, cloud, etc.) and data, which can also be encrypted.

The TPM requires either an SPI or I2C interface, depending on the mounted module. The TPM is connected to the SOM through the following interfaces:

Pin #

Signal Name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

24

X_ECSPI2_MISO

3,3 V

ISPI2 master in slave out

21

X_ECSPI2_MOSI

3,3 V

OSPI2 master out slave in

20

X_ECSPI2_SS0

3,3 V

OSPI2 chip select

19

X_ECSPI2_SCLK

3,3 V

OSPI2 serial clock

29

X_I2C2_SDA

3,3 V

I/OI2C2 serial data

30

X_I2C2_SCL

3,3 V

OI2C2 serial clock
31 X_SD1_RESET_B/GPIO2_IO10

3,3 V

I/OTPM reset signal
32 X_SD1_STROBE/GPIO2_IO11

3,3 V

I/OTPM



For more information about your security needs, contact a PHYTEC salesperson.

Wireless WLAN and Bluetooth Transceiver Module

The phyBOARD-Polis is equipped with a Wireless WLAN and Bluetooth Transceiver Module that is capable of providing WLAN and Bluetooth functionality. The module requires a UART with handshake capability and a 4-bit SDIO interface. The module is connected to the SOM through the following interfaces:

Interface Pin #

Signal Name

Signal Level

Signal Type

Description

22

X_SD1_DATA0

3,3 V

I/OSD1 data 0

23

X_SD1_DATA1

3,3 V

I/OSD1 data 1

25

X_SD1_DATA2

3,3 V

I/OSD1 data 2

26

X_SD1_CMD

3,3 V

OSD1 command

27

X_SD1_DATA3

3,3 V

I/OSD1 data 3

29

X_SD1_CLK

3,3 V

OSD1 clock
31X_SAI3_RXD/UART2_RTS_B

3,3 V

I/OUART2 request to send
32X_SAI3_RXC/UART2_CTS_B

3,3 V

I/OUART2 clear to send
33X_SAI3_TXC/UART2_TX

3,3 V

I/OUART2 transmit data
34X_SAI3_TXFS/UART2_RX

3,3 V

I/OUART2 receive data
21X_SD1_DATA4

3,3 V

I/OSD1 data 4
12X_SD1_DATA5

3,3 V

I/OSD1 data 5
39X_SD1_DATA6

3,3 V

I/OSD1 data 6
40X_SD1_DATA7

3,3 V

I/OSD1 data 7


LEDs and Switches

phyBOARD-Polis Switches and LED Locations

Multicolor (RGB) LED (D11)

The phyBOARD-Polis provides one multicolor (RGB) LED (D11). The table below shows the signals that control colors:

Color

Signal

Description

Red

 X_GPIO1_IO00

PWM output for red LED

Green

 X_PWM3/GPIO1_IO14

PWM3 output for red LED

Blue

 X_PWM4/GPIO1_IO15

PWM4 output for red LED


LED Design Consideration

All signals should be routed as short as possible and as 50 Ohm single-ended lines.

Switches

Multi-port Switch (S1)

The phyBOARD‑Polis features a multi-port switch with six individually switchable ports. This switch controls the SOM boot mode, SOM boot configuration, UART functionality, and USB configuration when i.MX 8M NANO is mounted on the carrier board. The figures below show a visual representation of each S1 switch setting:

Default SOM Boot

Boot from SD Card

Default SOM Boot  Alternate boot mode



UART3 routed to X8 (Expansion Connector)

UART3 routed to U66 (FTDI)

SD-Card boot

QSPI boot



Internal boot
(eMMC, SD-Card, and QSPI)

Serial downloader (USB boot)



Serial Downloader

UART1 to RS232UART1 to RS485



UART1 to RS232 conversion

UART1 to RS485 conversion

USB NANO OTG portUSB NANO HUB



Switch Nr.:

Off position

On position

1Default SoM boot

Alternate boot mode (SD-Card and QSPI)

2SD-Card bootQSPI boot

3

Internal boot (eMMC, SD-Card, and QSPI)Serial downloader (USB boot)
4UART1 to RS232 conversionUART1 to RS485 conversion
5

i.MX 8M NANO:

USB interface connected to phyBOARD-POLIS USB HUB U2 and USB Type-A X5

i.MX 8M NANO:

USB interface connected to phyBOARD-POLIS OTG port X2

6Not connectedNot connected


Boot Mode Design Considerations

All signals should be routed as short as possible and as 50 Ohm single-ended lines.

System Reset Button (S2)

The phyBOARD‑Polis is equipped with a system reset button at S2. Pressing this button will toggle the X_nRESET_IN pin (C43) of the phyCORE-i.MX 8M Mini low, causing the module to reset with a complete power cycle. For more information regarding a manual reset, refer to Reset.

System ON/OFF Button (S1)

The phyBOARD-Polis is equipped with an ON/OFF button at S3. For more information on the ON/OFF switch, refer to the i.XM 8M Mini Reference Manual.

Revision History

Date

Version Numbers

Changes in this Manual

25.10.2019

Manual
L-862e.A0


Preliminary Edition.
Describes the phyCORE‑i.MX 8M Mini
SOM Version: 1518.1a
Describes the phyBOARD-Polis
PCB Version: 1532.0

03.07.2020L-862e.A1

PCB Revision: 1532.1
Updated PCB Figures and content
Section:  Power Consumption Updated

21.04.2021L-862e.A2Added section: Unused Signals
Updated section: System Boot Configuration
  • Updated section: i.MX 8M Mini System Boot Settings
  • Added section: i.MX 8M Nano System Boot Settings
05.07.2022L-862e.A3PDF Version available