Hi, I use Apalis i.MX8 SOM in my system with my custom baseboard. We are looking migrating from 471103 (Rev D) to 471104 (Rev E). We received the new 471104 Rev E boards. I wanted to understand if I can swap the boards to the latest version on my baseboard and start my system testing or is there any recommendations from Toradex to test the SOM independently before using it in the system.
Also, what kind of testing is done on these SoMs by Toradex before shipping?
Hi, I’m the Toradex AI Assistant.
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Before swapping your Apalis iMX8 modules from Rev D to Rev E on your custom baseboard, I’d recommend verifying a few things to ensure compatibility and proper operation.
Toradex performs extensive functional testing on every module before shipping. According to the documentation, “Every module has a unique serial number fully traceable. At the end of the assembly line, every module goes through a functional tester and is validated.”(1) Each module undergoes validation testing to ensure it meets specifications before it leaves the factory.
While the modules are functionally tested at the factory, I recommend the following approach for your migration:
Initial Standalone Testing: Before integrating the Rev E modules into your system, test them on a Toradex reference carrier board (such as the Apalis Evaluation Board or Ixora Carrier Board) if available. This helps verify basic functionality independent of your custom baseboard.(2)
Review Hardware Changes: Check for any hardware differences between Rev D and Rev E that might affect your custom baseboard design. Review the latest Apalis iMX8 datasheet and any Product Change Notifications (PCNs) that may have been issued for the revision change.(2)(3)
Gradual System Integration: Once basic functionality is confirmed, proceed with integration on your custom baseboard, starting with power-up verification and basic interface testing before full system validation.
For detailed testing procedures and compliance information, you can review the shock and vibration compliance tests performed by independent testing laboratories.(1) Sample functional tester log files are also available in the documentation to understand the scope of factory testing.
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Hello @somur1,
Apalis iMX8 471103 (Rev D) and 471104 (Rev E) are pin compatible, so swapping on your existing board is something that can be done.
The main differences may come on the software side.
For more details, I recommend that you take a look at the PCN:
The main change that is worth highlighting is the higher storage capacity on the new version.
It has 32 GB instead of 16 GB.
This could cause issues depending on what kind of software configuration is done to the board.
An additional change is that the SoC no longer has a DSP.
There was never support for the DSP in the Apalis iMX8, but if it was being used it would be a relevant difference.
Regarding what kind of testing is done to the SoMs before shipping, there are two different types of testing.
The first type of testing is verification and validation, when a new SoM variant is developed, samples from this new variant go through a whole suite of tests to guarantee that the SoM can still operate within its specification.
Once that is done and the new variant is confirmed to work, the SoM goes into sample stage.
This is the first stage where SoMs get into customer’s hands.
After some time in sample stage, if no issue is found, the new variant then goes into volume production.
The second type of testing is the production testing, it is done to every single SoM, independent if in sample or volume.
The production testing is automated, during it the SoM is put into a testing board that does the initial programming with the Toradex Easy Installer and runs tests on many different SoM interfaces and functionalities.
If the SoM passes the tests, it means that it is booting and the tested interfaces are working.
It then can then be shipped to customers.
I hope this gives you an idea of our testing and considerations when a new SoM variant is released.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Best Regards,
Bruno
