Title: Using MSC Q7-NT2 Tegra Modules with Xtreme/SBC
Keywords: Xtreme/CPU, Qseven, MSC, Tegra, NT2, Compatibility
Date: 2012/06/01
KDB: KDB-333
Revision: 0.00
Author: MF
Distribution: External
Introduction
This application note provides some instruction on how to integrate and use Connect Tech’s Xtreme/SBC products QCG001 and QCG002 with the MSC Q7-NT2 NVIDIA Tegra290 based Qseven module.
The Q7-NT2 comes pre-loaded with a boot loader and a Linux variant supplied by MSC, pre-configured with the standard Tegra2 BSP.
This application note assumes the reader is familiar with Qseven technology and knows how to properly install a Qseven module and heat spreader.
Supported Features of Carriers
Xtreme/SBC carriers part numbers QCG001 and QCG002 have been tested with the Q7-NT2 for basic functionality. The following tables summarizes the supported features of these products.
| Feature | QCG001 | QCG002 | Notes & Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | Y | Y | |
| LVDS | Y | Y | |
| USB Host | Y | Y | |
| USB Client | N | N | The Q7-NT2 allows USB client mode on Port 1; however the Xtreme/SBC hardware does not support this mode. |
| SATA | Y | Y | The Q7-NT2 implements a USB to SATA bridge |
| VGA | N | N | VGA output of these carriers is not supported as this functionality is implemented via SDVO, which is not supported by Tegra/ARM based modules.
Qseven multiplexes HDMI with SDVO and DisplayPort; in this case the HDMI interface is in-active at drive to 0V. However, the HDMI I2C from the Q7-NT2 is driven to 5V, which is beyond the threshold the of the SDVO-VGA converter populated on the Xtreme/SBC. |
| RS232 | N | N | This feature is implemented using a LPC Super I/O; Super I/O are not supported by this module. |
| RS485 | N | N | Same as above |
| PS/2 | N | N | Same as above |
| PCI-104 | N/A | Y | The Tegra290 has some limitations with regards to PCIe transaction ordering; certain PCI-104 peripherals might be affected. |
| PCIe-104 | Y | N/A | The Tegra290 has some limitations with regards to PCIe transaction ordering; certain PCIe-104 peripherals might be affected. |
| SDIO | N/A | N/A | |
| HDMI | N/A | N/A | |
| AC/7 | N/A | N/A | |
| I2C | N/A | N/A |
N/A = feature is not applicable because it is not implemented on the carrier.
Using the Debug Adapter
Connect the debug adaptor to the Qseven module. The blue coloured side of the cable should face away from the circuit boards of both of the module and debug adaptor. The debug adaptor will need to be connected via a Null-Modem cable to a standard RS-232 serial port. This port should be configured for 57600 baud, with no parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit.
Many users may find the following jumper configuration to be useful for initial setup:
| Jumper | Jumper Position |
|---|---|
| J1 | 3.3 |
| J2 | 5v |
| J6 | 5v |
| J7 | 1-2 |
| J8 | 1-2 |
| J9 | Momentary Power Switch |
During both standby and boot, information will be displayed on the console port of the debug adaptor. Until the preloaded Linux distribution is fully booted, one should not expect to see any video output on the LVDS interface.
References and Helpful Links
Connect Tech Qseven Product Page
Xtreme/SBC PCIe/104 user manual
Xtreme/SBC PCI-104 user manual
Qseven Specification
End of KDB-333