Question About Keeping the Display Active During Suspend Mode

Technical Support
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1

Hello,

I am currently working with the following platform:

Software summary

Bootloader: U-Boot

Kernel version: 6.6.101-7.4.0-devel-g4c58dbf091e3 #1-Torizon SMP PREEMPT Thu Jan 22 22:48:32 UTC 2026
Kernel command line: root=LABEL=otaroot rootfstype=ext4 quiet logo.nologo vt.global_cursor_default=0 plymouth.ignore-serial-consoles splash fbcon=map:3 ostree=/ostree/boot.1/torizon/19bd015e282a168e4bf71f7959f55fb7442b62ab909a3a1bc6c51017bffc2799/0
Distro name: NAME=“Torizon OS”
Distro version: VERSION_ID=7.4.0-devel-20260122232520-build.0
Distro variant: VARIANT=“Docker”
Hostname: lib

Hardware info

HW model: Toradex Verdin iMX8M Mini on Verdin Development Board

Toradex version: 0057 V1.1B
Serial number: 15477967
Processor arch: aarch64

In our product, the display is used in kiosk mode. We are currently evaluating options to reduce power consumption, and one of the approaches we are considering is putting the processor into suspend mode.

We would like to know whether it is possible to keep the display active while the system is in suspend mode, or if the display must also be turned off as part of that state.

If any additional technical information is needed, @rmendez can provide further details.

Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

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.

Based on your Verdin iMX8M Mini (0057 V1.1B) setup, keeping the display active during suspend mode is not possible with the standard suspend implementation(1).

Power Modes and Display Behavior

The iMX8M Mini processor supports several power modes, with suspend mode being the most power-efficient state where all clocks are turned off and unnecessary power supplies are disabled. In suspend mode, the display interface (MIPI DSI) will be powered down along with other peripherals(1).

According to the power consumption measurements for your specific module variant (0057 Verdin iMX8M Mini DualLite 1GB V1.1A), suspend mode consumes only 0.10W, which represents significant power savings compared to idle mode with screen (1.84W)(1).

Power Consumption Comparison

Here are the relevant power consumption figures for your evaluation(1):

  • Suspend mode: 0.10W
  • Idling mode with screen: 1.84W (2.17W peak)
  • Idling mode without screen: 1.84W (2.17W peak)
  • RTC mode (proper shutdown): 830 nW

Alternative Approaches

If you need visual feedback while minimizing power consumption, consider these alternatives:

  1. Idle mode without screen: Consumes 1.84W while keeping the processor active but display off(1)
  2. Custom power management: Implement a solution where the display periodically wakes up to show status updates
  3. External display controller: Use a separate low-power display controller that can operate independently of the main processor

Technical Limitations

The MIPI DSI interface requires active clocks and power rails that are disabled during suspend mode. The display subsystem cannot function when the processor enters its deepest sleep state(2).

For your kiosk application, you’ll need to balance power consumption with display requirements. Standard suspend mode prioritizes maximum power savings over peripheral functionality.

Best regards, Toradex AI Assistant.

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3

Hello @Isaga !

Unfortunately, keeping the display active during suspend is not possible when the system enters suspend mode, power and clock rails to the display subsystem are cut, which would cause the display to turn off entirely or produce glitching artifacts.

Depending on your display, the backlight is likely your biggest power draw. If you’re using a display with PWM-controlled backlight, you could reduce or cut it after a period of inactivity while keeping the system fully running. Could you share what display you’re using? That would help us confirm whether this is viable for your setup.