Aaeon BOXER-8521AI User manual

Last Updated: December 16, 2020
BOXER-8521AI
Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC
with Google® Edge TPU™
User’s Manual 1st Ed

Preface II
Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
Copyright Notice
This document is copyrighted, 2020. All rights are reserved. The original manufacturer
reserves the right to make improvements to the products described in this manual at
any time without notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted in any
form or by any means without the prior written permission of the original
manufacturer. Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and
reliable. However, the original manufacturer assumes no responsibility for its use, or for
any infringements upon the rights of third parties that may result from its use.
The material in this document is for product information only and is subject to change
without notice. While reasonable efforts have been made in the preparation of this
document to assure its accuracy, AAEON assumes no liabilities resulting from errors or
omissions in this document, or from the use of the information contained herein.
AAEON reserves the right to make changes in the product design without notice to its
users.

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Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
Acknowledgements
All other products’ name or trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
⚫Google® and Google Edge TPU™ are trademarks of Google LLC
⚫ITE is a trademark of Integrated Technology Express, Inc.
⚫IBM and VGA are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
⚫Ubuntu is a registered trademark of Canonical
All other product names or trademarks are properties of their respective owners. No
ownership is implied or assumed for products, names or trademarks not herein listed
by the publisher of this document.

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Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
Packing List
Before setting up your product, please make sure the following items have been
shipped:
Item
Quantity
⚫BOXER-8521AI
1
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact your distributor or sales
representative immediately.

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Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
About this Document
This User’s Manual contains all the essential information, such as detailed descriptions
and explanations on the product’s hardware and software features (if any), its
specifications, dimensions, jumper/connector settings/definitions, and driver installation
instructions (if any), to facilitate users in setting up their product.
Users may refer to the product page at AAEON.com for the latest version of this
document.

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Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
Safety Precautions
Please read the following safety instructions carefully. It is advised that you keep this
manual for future references
1. All cautions and warnings on the device should be noted.
2. All cables and adapters supplied by AAEON are certified and in accordance with
the material safety laws and regulations of the country of sale. Do not use any
cables or adapters not supplied by AAEON to prevent system malfunction or
fires.
3. Make sure the power source matches the power rating of the device.
4. Position the power cord so that people cannot step on it. Do not place anything
over the power cord.
5. Always completely disconnect the power before working on the system’s
hardware.
6. No connections should be made when the system is powered as a sudden rush
of power may damage sensitive electronic components.
7. If the device is not to be used for a long time, disconnect it from the power
supply to avoid damage by transient over-voltage.
8. Always disconnect this device from any AC supply before cleaning.
9. While cleaning, use a damp cloth instead of liquid or spray detergents.
10. Make sure the device is installed near a power outlet and is easily accessible.
11. Keep this device away from humidity.
12. Place the device on a solid surface during installation to prevent falls
13. Do not cover the openings on the device to ensure optimal heat dissipation.
14. Watch out for high temperatures when the system is running.
15. Do not touch the heat sink or heat spreader when the system is running
16. Never pour any liquid into the openings. This could cause fire or electric shock.

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Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
17. As most electronic components are sensitive to static electrical charge, be sure to
ground yourself to prevent static charge when installing the internal components.
Use a grounding wrist strap and contain all electronic components in any
static-shielded containers.
18. If any of the following situations arises, please the contact our service personnel:
i. Damaged power cord or plug
ii. Liquid intrusion to the device
iii. Exposure to moisture
iv. Device is not working as expected or in a manner as described in
this manual
v. The device is dropped or damaged
vi. Any obvious signs of damage displayed on the device
19. DO NOT LEAVE THIS DEVICE IN AN UNCONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT WITH
TEMPERATURES BEYOND THE DEVICE’S PERMITTED STORAGE TEMPERATURES
(SEE CHAPTER 1) TO PREVENT DAMAGE.

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Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
FCC Statement
This device complies with Part 15 FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Caution:
There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries
according to the manufacturer’s instructions and your local government’s recycling or
disposal directives.
Attention:
Il y a un risque d’explosion si la batterie est remplacée de façon incorrecte.
Ne la remplacer qu’avec le même modèle ou équivalent recommandé par le constructeur.
Recycler les batteries usées en accord avec les instructions du fabricant et les directives
gouvernementales de recyclage.

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China RoHS Requirements (CN)
产品中有毒有害物质或元素名称及含量
AAEON System QO4-381 Rev.A0
部件名称
有毒有害物质或元素
铅
(Pb)
汞
(Hg)
镉
(Cd)
六价铬
(Cr(VI))
多溴联苯
(PBB)
多溴二苯
醚(PBDE)
印刷电路板
及其电子组件
×
○
○
○
○
○
外部信号
连接器及线材
×
○
○
○
○
○
外壳
○
○
○
○
○
○
中央处理器
与内存
×
○
○
○
○
○
硬盘
×
○
○
○
○
○
液晶模块
×
×
○
○
○
○
光驱
×
○
○
○
○
○
触控模块
×
○
○
○
○
○
电源
×
○
○
○
○
○
电池
×
○
○
○
○
○
本表格依据 SJ/T 11364 的规定编制。
○ ：表示该有毒有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含量均在
GB/T 26572标准规定的限量要求以下。
×：表示该有害物质的某一均质材料超出了GB/T 26572的限量要求，然而该
部件
仍符合欧盟指令2011/65/EU 的规范。
备注：
一、此产品所标示之环保使用期限，系指在一般正常使用状况下。
二、上述部件物质中央处理器、内存、硬盘、光驱、电源为选购品。
三、上述部件物质液晶模块、触控模块仅一体机产品适用。

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China RoHS Requirement (EN)
Hazardous and Toxic Materials List
AAEON System QO4-381 Rev.A0
Component
Name
Hazardous or Toxic Materials or Elements
Lead (Pb)
Mercury (Hg)
Cadmium (Cd)
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI))
Polybrominat ed biphenyls (PBBs)
Polybrominat ed diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
PCB and
Components
X
O
O
O
O
O
Wires &
Connectors for
Ext.Connections
X
O
O
O
O
O
Chassis
O
O
O
O
O
O
CPU & RAM
X
O
O
O
O
O
HDD Drive
X
O
O
O
O
O
LCD Module
X
X
O
O
O
O
Optical Drive
X
O
O
O
O
O
Touch Control
Module
X
O
O
O
O
O
PSU
X
O
O
O
O
O
Battery
X
O
O
O
O
O
This form is prepared in compliance with the provisions of SJ/T 11364.
O: The level of toxic or hazardous materials present in this component and its parts is
below the limit specified by GB/T 26572.
X: The level of toxic of hazardous materials present in the component exceed the
limits specified by GB/T 26572, but is still in compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU
(RoHS 2).
Notes:
1. The Environment Friendly Use Period indicated by labelling on this product is
applicable only to use under normal conditions.
2. Individual components including the CPU, RAM/memory, HDD, optical drive, and
PSU are optional.
3. LCD Module and Touch Control Module only applies to certain products which
feature these components.

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Product Specifications.......................................................................................... 1
1.1 Specifications............................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Product Notice......................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2 –Hardware Information ....................................................................................... 5
2.1 Dimensions ............................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Jumpers and connectors........................................................................................8
2.3 List of Jumpers ........................................................................................................10
2.3.1 Setting Jumpers ......................................................................................10
2.3.2 COM Port Mode Select Header (JP1)................................................. 11
2.4 List of Connectors...................................................................................................13
2.4.1 Google Edge TPU Module Connector (CN1)....................................14
2.4.2 Google Edge TPU Module Connector (CN2)...................................16
2.4.3 Google Edge TPU Module Connector (CN3)...................................18
2.4.4 40-Pin Expansion Header (CN4).........................................................21
2.4.5 HDMI Port (CN5)...................................................................................23
2.4.6 Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port (CN6) ..........................................................24
2.4.7 Micro USB Port (CN7)...........................................................................25
2.4.8 Dual USB 2.0 Port (CN8)......................................................................25
2.4.9 Fan Control Connector (CN9).............................................................26
2.4.10 COM Port Connector (CN11)...............................................................26
2.4.11 Micro SD Card Slot (CN12) ..................................................................27
2.4.12 DC-In Jack (CN13)..................................................................................28
2.4.13 LAN with PoE PD Port (CN14).............................................................28
2.4.14 Line Out 3.5mm Jack (CN15)...............................................................29
2.4.15 Mic In 3.5mm Jack (CN16) ...................................................................30
2.4.16 DMIC Connector (CN17/18).................................................................30

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2.4.17 MIPI CSI Connector (P1)........................................................................31
2.4.18 System Reset Button (SW1) .................................................................32
2.4.19 Boot Mode Select Switch (SW2).........................................................33
2.5 Hardware Assembly ..............................................................................................34
Chapter 3 –OS Flash Guide................................................................................................. 35
3.1 Before Installation..................................................................................................36
3.2 Connecting to PC/Entering Fastboot Mode ....................................................37
3.3 Flash Image to Board............................................................................................40

Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 - Product Specifications

Chapter 1 –Product Specifications 2
Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
1.1 Specifications
System
AI Accelerator
Google Edge TPU ML accelerator coprocessor
CPU
NXP i.MX 8M SoC (Quad-core Cortex-A53,
plus Cortex-M4F)
System Memory
1GB LPDDR4x
Storage Device
8GB eMMC
Display Interface
HDMI 2.0 x 1
Ethernet
10/100/1000Base-TX x 1
I/O
HDMI 2.0a x 1
USB Type A x 2 for USB3.2 Gen 1
USB Type A x 2 for USB2.0
RJ-45 x 1 for GbE LAN & PoE/PD (802.3at)
12Vdc (DC Jack w/lockable)
Mic –in x 1
Line-out x 1
40-pin I/O x 1 (GPIO/I2C/SAI/SPI/UART/PWM)
DB-9 x 1 for RS-232/485
OS Flash port x 1 (Micro USB)
Micro-SD slot x 1
Expansion
—
Indicator
Power LED x 1
OS Support
ACLinux 4.0 (Compatible with Debian 10)

Chapter 1 –Product Specifications 3
Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
Power Supply
Power Requirement
POE/PD (802.3at)
12Vdc (DC Jack w/lockable)
Mechanical
Mounting
Wall mount
Dimensions (W x D x H)
6.92” x 3.94” x 1.54”
(175.8 mm x 100.0 mm x 39.0 mm)
Gross Weight
2.31 lbs. (1.05 kg)
Net Weight
1.28 lbs. (0.58 kg)
Environmental
Operating Temperature
23°F ~ 122°F (-5°C ~ 50°C, according to
IEC60068-2 with 0.5 m/s airflow)
Storage Temperature
-49°F ~ 176°F (-45°C ~ 80°C)
Storage Humidity
95% @ 40°C, non-condensing
Anti-Vibration
Random, 3.5 Grms, 5~500Hz
Certification
CE/FCC class A

Chapter 1 –Product Specifications 4
Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
1.2 Product Notice
Micro-USB: Micro-USB port is ideally for flashing image only.
USB ports: USB ports do not support USB DVD ROM because of file system.
USB 3.2 Gen 1: USB 3.2 Gen 1 is the current name for 5Gbps specification, formerly USB
3.0.
LAN Indicator Behavior: Yellow LED indicates 100Mbps speed and activity. Green LED
indicates 1000Mbps speed and activity.

Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 –Hardware Information

Chapter 2 –Hardware Information 6
Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
2.1 Dimensions

Chapter 2 –Hardware Information 7
Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
40-pin I/O View

Chapter 2 –Hardware Information 8
Compact Fanless Embedded AI@Edge Box PC BOXER-8521AI
2.2 Jumpers and connectors
Board Top