VersaLogic Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference guide

Brand: VersaLogic

Model: Zebra (VL-EPC-2701)

Type: Reference guide

VersaLogic Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) is an Arm* i.MX6 Single Board Computer that provides high-performance processing, connectivity, and I/O capabilities. With its compact size and rugged construction, it's ideal for a wide range of embedded applications. Here's a brief overview of its key features and potential use cases:

Processing Power: The Zebra is powered by an i.MX6 processor, providing ample processing power for demanding applications. It can run various operating systems, including Linux and Android, enabling you to develop and deploy custom software solutions.
Connectivity: The Zebra features Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and Serial I/O ports, allowing for flexible connectivity options. You can connect to networks, peripherals, and other devices seamlessly.

Processing Power: The Zebra is powered by an i.MX6 processor, providing ample processing power for demanding applications. It can run various operating systems, including Linux and Android, enabling you to develop and deploy custom software solutions.
Connectivity: The Zebra features Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and Serial I/O ports, allowing for flexible connectivity options. You can connect to networks, peripherals, and other devices seamlessly.

Hardware

Reference

Manual

REV. January 2021

Zebra

(VL-EPC-2701)

Arm* i.MX6 Single Board Computer

with Gigabit Ethernet, Video, USB,

Serial I/O, Digital I/O, CAN Bus,

SPI and I

ii Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual

WWW.VERSALOGIC.COM

12100 SW Tualatin Road

Tualatin, OR 97062-7341

(503) 747-2261

Fax (971) 224-4708

Notice:

Although every effort has been made to ensure this document is error-free, VersaLogic makes no representations or

warranties with respect to this product and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness

for any particular purpose.

VersaLogic reserves the right to revise this product and associated documentation at any time without obligation to

notify anyone of such changes.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual iii

Product Release Notes

Rev 1.0

Initial release for the Rev 1.0 board

Rev 1.01

Added VL-CBR-0406

Rev 1.02

Updated various connector details in table 2

Rev 1.03

Added a backdrive note to table 13

Rev 1.04

Added SD Card Illustration (figure 5)

Support Page

The Zebra Product Page contains additional information and resources for this product including:

 Operating system information and software drivers

 Data sheets and manufacturers’ links for chips used in this product

 U-Boot information and upgrades

Customer Support

If you are unable to solve a problem after reading this manual, visiting the product support page,

contact VersaLogic Technical Support at (503) 747-2261. VersaLogic support engineers are also

available via e-mail at [email protected]om.

Repair Service

If your product requires service, you must obtain a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number

by calling 503-747-2261. Be ready to provide the following information:

 Your name, the name of your company, your phone number, and e-mail address

 The name of a technician or engineer that can be contacted if any questions arise

 The quantity of items being returned

 The model and serial number (barcode) of each item

 A detailed description of the problem

 Steps you have taken to resolve or recreate the problem

 The return shipping address

Warranty Repair: All parts and labor charges are covered, including return shipping charges for

UPS Ground delivery to United States addresses.

Non-warranty Repair: All approved non-warranty repairs are subject to diagnosis and labor

charges, parts charges and return shipping fees. Specify the shipping method you prefer and

provide a purchase order number for invoicing the repair.

Note: Mark the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box before returning.

iv Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual

Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................... 6

Description .......................................................................................................................... 6

Features and Construction ..................................................................................... 6

Technical Specifications ..................................................................................................... 7

Thermal Considerations ...................................................................................................... 7

Block Diagram .................................................................................................................... 9

Cautions ............................................................................................................................ 10

Electrostatic Discharge ........................................................................................ 10

Handling Care ...................................................................................................... 10

Earth Ground Requirement .................................................................................. 10

Configuration and Setup ............................................................................................. 11

Initial Configuration ......................................................................................................... 11

Basic Setup ....................................................................................................................... 11

Physical Layout ................................................................................................................ 12

Zebra Dimensions ................................................................................................ 12

Hardware Assembly ............................................................................................. 12

External Connectors ......................................................................................................... 13

System Features .......................................................................................................... 16

Power Supply .................................................................................................................... 16

Power Connectors ................................................................................................ 16

CPU ................................................................................................................................... 16

System RAM ..................................................................................................................... 16

Interfaces and Connectors ......................................................................................... 18

Headers and Jumpers ........................................................................................................ 18

V1 – BOOT_MODE0 Jumper ............................................................................. 18

V2 - USB_OTG_ID Jumper ................................................................................ 18

V3 - CAN1 Termination Jumper ......................................................................... 19

V4 – CAN2 Termination Jumper ........................................................................ 19

Storage Interfaces ............................................................................................................. 20

MicroSD Interface (J4) ........................................................................................ 20

Network Interface ............................................................................................................. 21

Ethernet Interface (J5) ......................................................................................... 21

Video Interfaces ................................................................................................................ 22

HDMI (J6) ........................................................................................................... 22

I/O Interfaces .................................................................................................................... 23

USB Interfaces (J1) ............................................................................................. 23

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual v

Serial I/O (J12) .................................................................................................... 23

User I/O (J13) ...................................................................................................... 24

Audio (J10) .......................................................................................................... 25

CAN Interface (J17, J18) ..................................................................................... 25

COM1 Interface (J16) .......................................................................................... 25

mikroBUS Socket (J19A and J19B) .................................................................... 25

Push Buttons ..................................................................................................................... 26

Appendix A – References............................................................................................ 27

Figures

Figure 1. Major Components and Connectors ................................................................................................. 7

Figure 2. Zebra Board Block Diagram ............................................................................................................ 9

Figure 3. Zebra Board Dimensions and Mounting Holes .............................................................................. 12

Figure 4. Connector Locations (Top Side) .................................................................................................... 13

Figure 5. Opening MicroSD Card Cover ....................................................................................................... 20

Tables

Table 1. Environmental Specifications ............................................................................................................ 7

Table 2. Connector Functions and Interface Cables ...................................................................................... 14

Table 3. Jumper Information ......................................................................................................................... 15

Table 4. J15 Main Power Connector Pinout .................................................................................................. 16

Table 5. Power Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 16

Table 6. Memory Configurations .................................................................................................................. 17

Table 7. V1 Pinout ........................................................................................................................................ 18

Table 8. V2 Pinout ........................................................................................................................................ 19

Table 9 . V3 Pinout ....................................................................................................................................... 19

Table 10. V4 Pinout ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Table 11. J4 MicroSD Pinout ........................................................................................................................ 20

Table 12. J5 Ethernet RJ45 Pinout ................................................................................................................ 21

Table 13. HDMI Connector Pinout ............................................................................................................... 22

Table 14. USBx2 2.0 Connector Pinout ........................................................................................................ 23

Table 15. Serial I/O Pinouts .......................................................................................................................... 23

Table 16. User I/O Pinouts ............................................................................................................................ 24

Table 17. Audio Jack Pinout ......................................................................................................................... 25

Table 18. CAN Pinouts ................................................................................................................................. 25

Table 19. COM1 Pinout ................................................................................................................................ 25

Table 20. mikroBUS Socket Pinout .............................................................................................................. 25

Table 21. Push Buttons and Designators ....................................................................................................... 26

vi Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual

Introduction

Description

Features and Construction

The Zebra products are Arm-based embedded computers with power-efficient single- or dual-core

CPUs. They are designed, tested and ready for deployment into demanding applications that

require rugged, power-efficient solutions with long-term availability. The Zebra is an Arm-based

single board computer designed around NXP i.MX6 processors, with options for a DualLite (dual

core) or Solo (single core) processor.

Zebra boards are designed around the industry standard COM-Express footprint and mounting

points, simplifying installation and upgrading. Zebra products are a complete board level

computer. Additional carrier boards, connector boards, or I/O expansion is not required for

operation. Zebra is delivered with on-board RAM, ready to plug-in and run.

 Arm* i.MX6 single or dual-core

processors

 95 x 95 mm size

 Low power draw

 Fanless Operation

 Up to 4 GB soldered-on RAM

 Gigabit Ethernet

 HDMI video

 CAN Bus

 mikroBUS* Expansion socket

 USB 2.0 ports

 Serial I/O

 MicroSD card socket

 SPI

 I2C

 Optional eMMC Flash. Up to 32 GB

 Optional 6-axis e-compass

VL-EPC-2701 boards receive complete functional testing and are backed by a limited five-year

warranty. Careful parts sourcing and US-based technical support ensure the highest possible

quality, reliability, service, and product longevity for this exceptional single-board computer (SBC).

The next figure shows the locations of the Zebra board’s connectors and major components on

the top.

Introduction

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual 7

Figure 1. Major Components and Connectors

Technical Specifications

See the Zebra Data Sheet for complete specifications.

Thermal Considerations

The operating temperature for the Zebra is -40°C to +85°C, de-rated -1.1 °C per 305m (1,000 ft.)

above 2,300m (7,500 ft.).

Table 1. Environmental Specifications

Characteristic

Value

Operating Temperature Ext Temp (-40°C to +85°C)

Storage Temperature -40 to +85

Cooling Fanless. Heatsink for SoC

Airflow Requirements 100 Linear Feet per Minute

Thermal Shock 5ºC/min. over operating temperature

Humidity Less than 95%, noncondensing

Introduction

8 Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual

Characteristic Value

Vibration, Sinusoidal Sweep MIL-STD-202G

Sinusoidal sweep: Method 204, Modified Condition A, 2g constant

acceleration from 5 to 500 Hz, 20 minutes per axis

Vibration, Random Random vibration: Method 214A, Condition A, 5.35g rms, 5 minutes per

axis

Mechanical Shock Shock: Method 213B, Condition G, 20g half-sine, 11 msec duration per

axis

Introduction

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual 9

Block Diagram

Figure 2. Zebra Board Block Diagram

Introduction

10 Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual

Cautions

Electrostatic Discharge

CAUTION:

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage circuit boards, disk drives, and other

components. Handle circuit board at an ESD workstation. If an approved station is not

available, wearing a grounded antistatic wrist strap provides some measure of

protection. Keep all plastic away from the board, and do not slide the board over any

surface.

After removing the board from its protective wrapper, place the board on a grounded,

static-free surface, component side up. Use an antistatic foam pad if available.

Ship and store the board inside a closed metallic antistatic envelope for protection.

Note: The exterior coating on some metallic antistatic bags is sufficiently conductive to cause

excessive battery drain if the bag comes in contact with the bottom side of the Zebra.

Handling Care

CAUTION:

Avoid touching the exposed circuitry with your fingers when handling the board. Though

it will not damage the circuitry, it is possible that small amounts of oil or perspiration on

the skin could have enough conductivity to cause the contents of CMOS RAM to

become corrupted through careless handling, resulting in CMOS resetting to factory

defaults.

Earth Ground Requirement

CAUTION:

All mounting standoffs for EPC boards should be connected to earth ground (chassis

ground). This provides proper grounding for EMI purposes.

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual 11

Configuration and Setup

Initial Configuration

Use the following components for a typical development system:

 Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) computer

 VL-PS-WALL5-15 ~ 264 VAC to 5VDC @ 3A, 5.5 mm ID Plug, International wall adaptors

 VL-F41-8SBN-LINUX2 – 8GB MicroSD card with bootable Linux, standard temp

 VL-HDW-108 – M2.5 x 6 mm Metric Nylon Screw kit (10ea) RoHS

 USB keyboard and mouse

 HDMI monitor and cable

Note: VL-CKR-Zebra includes: VL-F41-8SBN-LINUX2, CBR-0504, 2603, 3407, PS-WALL5-15,

HDW-108

Use the following VersaLogic cables for wiring access points to serial (J12) and user (J13)

interfaces:

 VL-CBR-2603 -- 0.5m 26-pin 2mm IDC to Ribbon Cable

 VL-CBR-3407 – 0.5m 34-pin 2mm IDC to Ribbon Cable

Basic Setup

1. Attach Cables and Peripherals

 Attach a HDMI display to the HDMI connector at J6.Plug a USB keyboard, and a USB

mouse into the USB connectors at J1 (Note if using the top USB port, you must install the

jumper on V2 pins 1-2 for the OTG USB port to be placed in Host mode. Alternatively,

you can use an external USB Hub to provide separate mouse and keyboard connections

for the bottom USB port. Make sure the upstream USB Hub port (connecting to the EPC-

2701 host port) does not provide VBUS power, but the downstream USB Hub port(s) can

be externally powered to ease the loading on the EPC-2701 power supply.)

 Insert a VL-F41-8SBN-LINUX2 MicroSD card into the MicroSD slot located at J4

2. Review Configuration

 Before you power up the system, double-check all the connections. Make sure all cables

are oriented correctly and that there is adequate power to the VL-EPC-2701 and

peripheral devices.

3. Power On

 Turn on the video monitor, then plug the power adapter cable VL-PS-WALL5-15 into the

power jack J15 the presence of a video signal indicates proper configuration of the

system.

Note: Booting and operating the Yocto Linux operating system is covered in the VersaLogic Yocto

Linux User Guide.

Configuration and Setup

12 Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual

Physical Layout

Zebra Dimensions

The figure below shows board dimensions to help with pre-production planning and layout.

Figure 3. Zebra Board Dimensions and Mounting Holes

(Not to scale. All dimensions in millimeters.)

Hardware Assembly

The entire assembly can fit on a tabletop. When bolting the unit down, make sure to secure all

standoffs to the mounting surface to prevent circuit board flexing. Standoffs secure the top circuit

board using four pan head screws.

Configuration and Setup

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual 13

External Connectors

Figure 4. Connector Locations (Top Side)

Configuration and Setup

14 Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual

Zebra Connector Functions and Interface Cables

The table below provides information about the function, mating connectors, and transition cables

for Zebra connectors.

Table 2. Connector Functions and Interface Cables

Connector Function Mating Connector/Device

Transition

Cable

Cable/Device Description

J1 USB (dual

stacked) Standard USB Type A USB Male Type A USB 2.0 to Male

Type B for downstream devices,

Male Type A USB 2.0 to Male

Type A USB 2.0 for top port only

when OTG port is set as Device

mode (V2 jumper off).

MicroSD

8GB microSD card with

bootable Linux

2GB microSD card

4GB microSD card

8GB microSD card

N/A

VL-F41-8SBN-LINUX2 (MLC,

Standard Temperature)

VL-F41-2EBN (SLC, Extended

Temperature)

VL-F41-4EBN (SLC, Extended

Temperature)

VL-F41-8EBN (SLC, Extended

Temperature)

Ethernet

RJ45 Crimp-on Plug

Cat5e

Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable

HDMI

Standard HDMI Plug

HDMI

Standard HDMI Cable

J10

Audio

3.5mm 4-Pole Audio Plug

TRRS

TRRS Male 4-Conductor Audio

Devices like a PC Headset

J12

Serial I/O

26-pin 2mm pitch IDC

Female

VL-CBR-2603

Serial Interface Ribbon Cable

J13

User I/O

34-pin 2mm pitch IDC

Female

VL-CBR-3407

User Input/Output Interface

Ribbon Cable

J15

Power

DC Power Plug, 2.5mm

positive center pin

AC/DC 5V -

VL-PS-WALL5-

AC/DC 5V Power Adapter for the

VL-PS-WALL5-15

J16

COM1

Housing = Molex 51065-

0500 and Pin Crimps =

Molex 050212-8000

VL-CBR-0504

DB9 COM Port Interface Cable

J17, J18

CAN1, CAN2

Housing = Molex 51065-

0400 and Pin Crimps =

Molex 050212-8000

VL-CBR-0405

VL-CBR-0406

(Micro-Latch to Micro-Latch)

(Micro-Latch to DB9 )

J19A/J19B

mikroBUS Socket

mikroBUS Standard add-on

boards

N/A

When selecting an add-on board,

reference the pinout information

to determine compatibility

Configuration and Setup

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual 15

Table 3. Jumper Information

EPC-2701

Reference

Designator

EPC-2701

Signal Name

Control/Description

BOOT_MODE0

BOOT_MODE0 setting, to allow use

of USB OTG Device communications

using the NXP i.MX6 Serial

Downloader method. When this

jumper is installed V2 should not be

installed! Normal eFuse selected

boot via SPI NOR Flash U-Boot and

MicroSD card Yocto Linux when the

jumper is removed.

USB_OTG_ID

Install jumper to set USB_OTG port to

host mode. No jumper sets port to

Device Mode

CAN1 Termination Jumper

Provides 120 Ohm CAN1 bus

termination resistors when the jumper

is installed on pins 1-2.

CAN2 Termination Jumper

Provides 120 Ohm CAN2 bus

termination resistors when the jumper

is installed on pins 1-2.

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual 16

System Features

Power Supply

Power Connectors

Main power is applied to the Zebra through a 4-pin connector (J15), with mating connector

VersaLogic VL-PS-WALL5-15. See the table below for connector pinout.

CAUTION:

To prevent severe and possibly irreparable damage to the system, it is critical that the

power connectors are wired correctly. The power connector is not fuse or diode

protected. Proper polarity must be followed otherwise damage will occur.

There is an alternate method to provide power the power input via J13. Please see the I/O

Interfaces User I/O pin out information. Choose one power input method, as there is no reason to

use of both.

Table 4. J15 Main Power Connector Pinout

Pin Signal Description

1 V5 (first pin) Center Pin Voltage

1 V5 (second pin) Center Pin Voltage

2 Ground Ground

3 Plug Detection

Ground when no plug,

open otherwise.

Table 5. Power Requirements

Model Idle Typical Max.

VL-EPC-2701-EAK-005

1.5W

2.5W

VL-EPC-2701-EBK-01

2.5W

3.5W

CPU The Zebra uses a low power Arm i.MX 6 single-core or dual-core processor featuring:

 NXP i.MX 6Solo or DualLite Arm processors - Specifications

System RAM

The Zebra ships with soldered-on DDR3L RAM. 512MB of RAM is standard on the EPC-2701-

EAK-005 and 1GB of RAM is standard on the EPC-2701-EBK-01.

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual 17

Table 6. Memory Configurations

Processor

Type

Density Component

Technology

Organization Number of

Components

Number

of Ranks

i.MX.6 Solo

32-bit bus

512MB DDR3L 128Mx16 2 1

1GB DDR3L 256Mx16 2 1

2GB DDR3L 512Mx16 2 1

i.MX.6

DualLite

64-bit bus

1GB DDR3L 128Mx16 4 1

2GB DDR3L 256Mx16 4 1

4GB DDR3L 512Mx16 4 1

Note: 512MB of RAM is standard on the EPC-2701-EAK-005 and 1GB of RAM is standard on the

EPC-2701-EBK-01(highlighted above in green).

18 Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual

Interfaces and Connectors

Headers and Jumpers

V1 – BOOT_MODE0 Jumper

The EPC-2701 uses a jumper to provide access to two required boot modes. BOOT_MODE[1:0]

are input pins on the i.MX6 quad-core processor, and when not connected, the signals are held

low by 100k Ohm pull-downs internal to the SoC. By default, the jumper is in the store position

resting on pin 2 (open) and the BOOT_MODE[1:0] settings of “00” select the default mode of

“Boot from fuses.”

The only time the jumper needs to be placed on pins 1-2 (BOOT_MODE[1:0] settings of “01”) is to

force the boot mode to use the “Serial downloader” instead of the fuses. At that point, a new

image can be loaded to the on-board boot device (SPI Flash).

Note: When you install the V1 jumper, make sure that the V2 jumper is off or in the stored position

and you have removed the microSD card.Do not hot-plug this jumper. There is no ESD protection

employed and the settings are only read when POR# is tripped.

VersaLogic part number for the jumper header is X2H2S1-R.

Table 7. V1 Pinout

Signal Name

PU_BOOT_MODE0

BOOT_MODE0

V2 - USB_OTG_ID Jumper

The EPC-2701 uses a jumper to provide control settings for the USB OTG block, allowing it to function

as either an OTG port set to device mode or set to host mode. By default, the jumper is in the store

position resting on pin 2 (open) so that the USB_OTG_ID signal is pulled high (device mode).

When the jumper is placed on pins 1-2, the USB_OTG_ID signal is grounded, which forces the

i.MX6 processor OTG port to behave as a Host enabling the VBUS 5V power switch for the USB

port. Make sure your OTG port USB connection is to a non-powered device or a non-powered

port on a downstream USB hub when this is installed.

Interfaces and Connectors

Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual 19

Note: Do not hot-plug this jumper. Host Negotiation Protocol (HNP) is not enabled for the port and

there is no ESD protection employed.

VersaLogic part number for the jumper header is X2H2S1-R.

Table 8. V2 Pinout

Signal Name

USB_OTG_ID

GND

V3 - CAN1 Termination Jumper

The Zebra uses a jumper to provide 120 Ohm CAN1 bus termination resistors when the jumper is

installed on pins 1-2. This provides one end of the termination for the CAN bus.

If no termination is preferred, the jumper can be removed and stored to open the termination path

for the bus signals. This setting may be used for a non-terminating CAN Node connection.

VersaLogic part number for the jumper header is X2H2S1-R.

Table 9 . V3 Pinout

Pin Signal Name

1 CAN1_JT (CAN1_P)

2 CAN1_SPLIT (CAN1_N)

V4 – CAN2 Termination Jumper

The Zebra uses a jumper to provide 120 Ohm CAN2 bus termination resistors when the jumper is

installed on pins 1-2. This provides one end of the termination for the CAN bus.

No termination requires that the jumper be removed and stored to open the termination path for

the bus signals. This setting may be used for a non-terminating CAN Node connection.

VersaLogic part number for the jumper header is X2H2S1-R.

Table 10. V4 Pinout

Pin Signal Name

1 CAN2_JT (CAN2_P)

2 CAN2_SPLIT (CAN2_N)

Interfaces and Connectors

20 Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference Manual

Storage Interfaces

MicroSD Interface (J4)

The table below lists the pinout of the 8-pin MicroSD connector.

Supported VersaLogic SLC extended temperature cards:

• VL-F41-2EBN (2 GB)

• VL-F41-4EBN (4 GB)

• VL-F41-8EBN (8 GB)

Note: MicroSD card number VL-F41-8SBN-LINUX2 is an 8 GB MLC MicroSD card with bootable

Linux, standard temperature

Table 11. J4 MicroSD Pinout

Signal

DAT2

CD/DAT3

CMD

VDD (+3.3V)

CLK

VSS (GND)

DAT0

DAT1

Figure 5. Opening MicroSD Card Cover

Slide Forward to Unlatch Lift to Open

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VersaLogic Zebra (VL-EPC-2701) Reference guide

Brand: VersaLogic

Model: Zebra (VL-EPC-2701)

Type: Reference guide

Processing Power: The Zebra is powered by an i.MX6 processor, providing ample processing power for demanding applications. It can run various operating systems, including Linux and Android, enabling you to develop and deploy custom software solutions.
Connectivity: The Zebra features Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and Serial I/O ports, allowing for flexible connectivity options. You can connect to networks, peripherals, and other devices seamlessly.

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