HDMI status always disconnected

Technical Support
1

Verdin iMX8M Mini HDMI not detected.
/sys/class/drm/*/HDMI-A-1/status always shows disconnected.
Tested with multiple HDMI cables, monitors, external 12 V power, and on a second carrier board.
Software verified working via VNC.
Issue follows the SoM, not the carrier.

2

Hi, I’m the Toradex AI Assistant.

I might make mistakes or occasionally get you wrong. Our support team will step in if needed.

HDMI Support on Verdin iMX8M Mini

The issue you’re experiencing is related to the limited HDMI support on the Verdin iMX8M Mini. According to the compatibility information, there are important limitations to be aware of(1).

Key Hardware Limitation

The Verdin iMX8M Mini has limited HDMI capabilities compared to other Verdin modules(1). Specifically:

  • The iMX 8M Mini SoC features only USB 2.0 High Speed, and consequently has limitations on display interfaces(2)
  • HDMI functionality depends on the specific carrier board and module version combination(3)

Carrier Board Compatibility

If you’re using a Mallow carrier board, this explains the issue - HDMI is not supported natively on certain Verdin modules with Mallow(1). The Mallow carrier board HDMI is only compatible with specific Verdin modules, and the iMX8M Mini may not be among the fully supported variants.

Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Verify Module Version: Check your exact Verdin iMX8M Mini version (V1.0B, V1.1A, etc.) as compatibility varies between generations(3)

  2. Check Carrier Board Compatibility: The compatibility matrix shows different levels of support between module versions and carrier boards(3)

  3. Alternative Display Options: Consider using the MIPI DSI interface instead, which has broader support across Verdin modules(4)

Recommended Solution

Since the issue follows the SoM and you’ve verified the software works via VNC, the most likely cause is a hardware compatibility limitation rather than a software configuration issue. You may need to:

  • Use a different carrier board that fully supports HDMI with your specific iMX8M Mini version
  • Consider upgrading to a Verdin iMX8M Plus module for full HDMI support(4)
  • Use an external MIPI DSI-to-HDMI adapter if your carrier supports DSI

Best regards, Toradex AI Assistant.

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3

Hi @Adityag!

Are you using Torizon or our BSP image? If so, which version?

Additionally, which overlays are currently enabled? I recommend testing with only the HDMI overlay enabled. If you’re not familiar with changing overlays, please refer to this article for Torizon and this one for BSP.

Best regards.

4

Hi @Adityag!

I made a mistake in my last reply. The Verdin iMX8M Mini does not have native HDMI, so if you are trying to use it, you won’t be able to. Instead, you may use a DSI-to-HDMI adapter.

Best regards.