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Nerves System - NPi i.MX6ULL
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nerves_system_npi_imx6ull
README.md
README.md
# NPi i.MX6ULL Support
*This is a work in progress. It currently boots off MicroSD cards and not eMMC*
[](https://circleci.com/gh/fhunleth/nerves_system_npi_imx6ull)
[](https://hex.pm/packages/nerves_system_npi_imx6ull)
This is the base Nerves System configuration for the [NPi
i.MX6ULL](https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/seeed-technology-co-ltd/102991306/1597-102991306-ND/10492211).
<br><sup>[Image credit](#digikey)</sup>
| Feature | Description |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| CPU | 800 MHz ARM Cortex-A7 |
| Memory | 512 MB DRAM |
| Storage | 8 GB eMMC Flash and MicroSD |
| Linux kernel | 5.10 w/ RCN patches |
| IEx terminal | UART `ttymxc0` |
| GPIO, I2C, SPI | Yes - [Elixir Circuits](https://github.com/elixir-circuits) |
| Display | Yes, but not supported yet |
| ADC | Yes |
| PWM | Yes, but no Elixir support |
| UART | ttymxc0 |
| Camera | None |
| Ethernet | Two 100 Mbps (eth0 and eth1) |
| WiFi | Requires USB WiFi dongle/driver |
| RTC | Yes w/ battery |
| HW Watchdog | i.MX6 watchdog enabled on boot. Be sure to enable `heart` in your vm.args or the device will reboot |
WARNING: 32 GB and larger MicroSD cards don't work!
## Using
This port currently only runs off a MicroSD card. It has not been updated to
support eMMC usage. If you're interested, please see
[#1](https://github.com/fhunleth/nerves_system_npi_imx6ull/issues/1). Because of
this, you'll need to modify the boot select switches to `SD` boot (It's
`01001001`, but see legend on PCB)
The most common way of using this Nerves System is create a project with `mix
nerves.new` and add `npi_imx6ull` references where needed and in a similar way
to the default systems like `bbb`, etc. Then export `MIX_TARGET=npi_imx6ull`.
See the [Getting started
guide](https://hexdocs.pm/nerves/getting-started.html#creating-a-new-nerves-app)
for more information.
If you need custom modifications to this system for your device, clone this
repository and update as described in [Making custom
systems](https://hexdocs.pm/nerves/customizing-systems.html).
## Console access
The console is configured to output to the 4-pin white header near the power
connectors. A 3.3V FTDI cable is needed to access the output.
In theory, the console could be routed to the display. The display hasn't been
enabled. See
[#2](https://github.com/fhunleth/nerves_system_npi_imx6ull/issues/2).
If you would like console access via the LCD, you will need to enable LCD
support in the Linux kernel, and change `erlinit.conf` to output to `tty1`.
## Networking
The board has two 100 Mbps Ethernet interfaces. Here's an example `:vintage_net`
configuration that enables both of them:
```elixir
config :vintage_net,
config: [
{"eth0",
%{
type: VintageNetEthernet,
ipv4: %{method: :dhcp}
}},
{"eth1",
%{
type: VintageNetEthernet,
ipv4: %{method: :dhcp}
}}
]
```
The USB C connector provides a virtual Ethernet connection making it possible to
both power and connect to the board using one cable. This is enabled in
`:vintage_net` by adding a `"usb0"` entry to the network config:
```elixir
config :vintage_net,
config: [
{"usb0", %{type: VintageNetDirect}}
]
```
You can combine the two configs and have three network interfaces or add a USB
WiFi dongle for a fourth one. If adding a WiFi dongle, though, you'll need to
enable the kernel drivers and add the firmware for it to a custom image.
## Linux and U-Boot versions
The NPi i.MX6ULL vary by kernel version and patch set. Nerves tracks those
maintained by Robert Nelson at
[eewiki.net](https://www.digikey.com/eewiki/display/linuxonarm/NPi+i.MX6ULL)
Nerves also integrates the NPi i.MX6ULL's U-boot patches but modifies them to
support the Nerves U-Boot environment variables.
[Image credit](#digikey): This image is from [Digikey](http://digikey.com/).