Advantech SKY-MXM-A500 User manual

User Manual
SKY-MXM-A500
MXM 3.1 Type A NVIDIA®
Quadro® Embedded A500

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual ii
Copyright
The documentation and the software included with this product are copyrighted 2023
by Advantech Co., Ltd. All rights are reserved. Advantech Co., Ltd. reserves the right
to make improvements in 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 Advantech Co.,
Ltd. The information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable.
However, Advantech Co., Ltd. assumes no responsibility for its use, nor for any
infringements of the rights of third parties that may result from its use.
Acknowledgments
Quadro, RTX, and CUDA are trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation.
All other product names or trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
A Message to the Customer
Advantech Customer Service
Each and every Advantech product is built to the most exacting specifications to
ensure reliable performance in the harsh and demanding conditions typical of indus-
trial environments. Whether your new Advantech equipment is destined for the labo-
ratory or the factory floor, you can be assured that your product will provide the
reliability and ease of operation for which the name Advantech has come to be
known.
Your satisfaction is our primary concern. Here is a guide to Advantech’s customer
services. To ensure you get the full benefit of our services, please follow the instruc-
tions below carefully.
Technical Support
We want you to get the maximum performance from your products. So if you run into
technical difficulties, we are here to help. For the most frequently asked questions,
you can easily find answers in your product documentation. These answers are nor-
mally a lot more detailed than the ones we can give over the phone.
So please consult this manual first. If you still cannot find the answer, gather all the
information or questions that apply to your problem, and with the product close at
hand, call your dealer. Our dealers are well trained and ready to give you the support
you need to get the most from your Advantech products. In fact, most problems
reported are minor and are able to be easily solved over the phone.
In addition, free technical support is available from Advantech engineers every busi-
ness day. We are always ready to give advice on application requirements or specific
information on the installation and operation of any of our products.
Part No. 2001A50000 Edition 1
Printed in China March 2023

iii SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual
Declaration of Conformity
FCC Class A
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A dig-
ital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pro-
vide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance.
Product Warranty (2 years)
Advantech warrants the original purchaser that each of its products will be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not apply to any products that have been repaired or altered by
persons other than repair personnel authorized by Advantech, or products that have
been subject to misuse, abuse, accident, or improper installation. Advantech
assumes no liability under the terms of this warranty as a consequence of such
events.
Because of Advantech’s high quality-control standards and rigorous testing, most
customers never need to use our repair service. If an Advantech product is defective,
it will be repaired or replaced free of charge during the warranty period. For out-of-
warranty repairs, customers will be billed according to the cost of replacement mate-
rials, service time, and freight. Please consult your dealer for more details.
If you believe your product to be defective, follow the steps outlined below.
1. Collect all the information about the problem encountered. (For example, CPU
speed, Advantech products used, other hardware and software used, etc.) Note
anything abnormal and list any onscreen messages displayed when the prob-
lem occurs.
2. Call your dealer and describe the problem. Please have your manual, product,
and any helpful information readily available.
3. If your product is diagnosed as defective, obtain a return merchandise authori-
zation (RMA) number from your dealer. This allows us to process your return
more quickly.
4. Carefully pack the defective product, a completed Repair and Replacement
Order Card, and a proof of purchase date (such as a photocopy of your sales
receipt) into a shippable container. Products returned without a proof of pur-
chase date are not eligible for warranty service.
5. Write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the package and ship the pack-
age prepaid to your dealer.

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual iv
Initial Inspection
Before you begin installing your GPU, please make sure that the following materials
have been shipped:
SKY-MXM-A500 GPU card x 1
China RoHS Doc x 1
If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact your distributor or sales repre-
sentative immediately. We have carefully inspected the SKY-MXM-A500 mechani-
cally and electrically before shipment. It should be free of marks and scratches and in
perfect working order upon receipt. As you unpack the SKY-MXM-A500, check it for
signs of shipping damage. (For example, damaged box, scratches, dents, etc.) If it is
damaged or it fails to meet the specifications, notify our service department or your
local sales representative immediately. Also notify the carrier. Retain the shipping
carton and packing material for inspection by the carrier. After inspection, we will
make arrangements to repair or replace the unit.

v SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual
Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Configuration......................1
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 2
1.2 Features .................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Specifications ............................................................................................ 2
1.3.1 Processor System......................................................................... 2
Table 1.1: Processor System ...................................................... 2
1.3.2 Memory ......................................................................................... 2
Table 1.2: Memory....................................................................... 2
1.3.3 Display Support and Options ........................................................ 3
Table 1.3: Display Support and Options...................................... 3
1.3.4 Operating Systems ....................................................................... 3
Table 1.4: Operating Systems ..................................................... 3
1.3.5 Software Support .......................................................................... 3
1.3.6 Physical......................................................................................... 3
1.3.7 Environment................................................................................. 3
1.4 Block Diagram........................................................................................... 4
1.5 Board Dimensions..................................................................................... 4
1.6 MXM 3.1 Connector Pin Definitions .......................................................... 5
Table 1.5: Connector Pin Definitions ........................................... 5
1.7 Safety Precautions.................................................................................... 7
Chapter 2 System Requirements.........................9
2.1 Power Sequencing .................................................................................. 10
Figure 2.1 Power Sequencing ................................................... 10
Table 2.1: Signals Exempted from Power Sequencing ............. 10
2.2 Input Voltage Requirements.................................................................... 11
Table 2.2: Input Voltage Requirements ..................................... 11
2.3 Module Power Down and Power Up ....................................................... 11
Figure 2.2 Power Sequencing .............................11
2.4 Reset Requirements ............................................................................... 12
Figure 2.3 Reset Sequencing .............................12
2.5 Mechanical and Environmental Specifications........................................ 12
Table 2.3: DVI-I DDC Mapping.................................................. 12
2.6 GPU Thermal Policy................................................................................ 14
Table 2.4: GPU Thermal Policy ................................................. 14
2.7 System BIOS Requirements ................................................................... 14

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual vi

Chapter 1
1Hardware
Configuration

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual 2
1.1 Introduction
As an NVIDIA Elite Partner, Advantech offers MXM GPU cards powered by NVIDIA’s
embedded GPUs, perfect for image processing and Edge AI acceleration in manu-
facturing, medical, and gaming industries. Built on NVIDIA's latest architectures,
Advantech MXM GPUs deliver state-of-the-art performance and responsive capabili-
ties for systems, as well as reduced latency, which is ideal for deployment in applica-
tions such as auto-optical inspection, driver-assistance, and surgical systems.
The Advantech SKY-MXM-A500 MXM module is a high-performance MXM graphics
module based on the NVIDIA Ampere GA107 chip. The module epitomizes both per-
formance and stability. On one hand, it has 2048 CUDA cores, 2GB or 4GB GDDR6,
and 6.54 TFLOPS of Single-Precision Performance; it’s powerful enough to handle
professional CAD drawing, medical applications, and even image processing. On the
other hand, the small form factor allows for easier system integration. The lower
power requirement allows it to run cool. All these features make this module an ideal
choice for an embedded solution with a need for high-end graphics capability.
1.2 Features
NVIDIA® Quadro® A500 with MXM 3.1 TYPE A form factor (82 x 70 mm)
Up to 2048 CUDA cores, 6.54 TFLOPS
GDDR6 2GB/4GB memory, 64-bit, bandwidth 112 GB/s
Headless design, supports MS-Hybrid mode only
Long life cycle, supports 5+ years of availability
1.3 Specifications
1.3.1 Processor System
1.3.2 Memory
Table 1.1: Processor System
GPU Quadro® A500
Graphics Architecture NVIDIA® Ampere™ GA107-910
CUDA Parallel-Processing Cores 2048 CUDA® cores
GPU Base/Boost Clock 652 MHz / 1597 MHz
FP32 Performance 6.54 TFLOPS
Table 1.2: Memory
Technology GDDR6 2GB/4GB memory
Interface Width 64-bit
Bandwidth 112 GB/s
Max Clock 7000 MHz

3 SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual
Chapter 1 Hardware Configuration
1.3.3 Display Support and Options
1.3.4 Operating Systems
1.3.5 Software Support
CUDA Toolkit 8.0 and higher
CUDA Compute version 6.1 and higher
OpenCL™ 1.2
DirectX® 12
OpenGL 4.5
Vulcan 1.0
1.3.6 Physical
Dimensions: 82 (W) x 70 (D) mm
Form Factor: MXM 3.1 Type A
1.3.7 Environment
Operating: 0 ~ 55 °C (Depending on the CPU and cooler solution)
Non-Operating: -40 °C ~ 85 °C
Table 1.3: Display Support and Options
Display Headless design, no display function, supports MS-
Hybrid mode only
Table 1.4: Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows 10/11, 64-bit
Linux Linux Drivers, 64-bit

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual 4
1.4 Block Diagram
1.5 Board Dimensions
NVIDIA
Quadro A500
EN20-M02-A1
GDDR6 x32
memory down
GDDR6 memory, 64-bit
16Mb
+VPWR_SRC (7~20V)
+5V
+3.3V
PCIe x4
DP_A: Display Port
DP_B: Display Port
DP_C: Display Port
DP_D: Display Port
PCIe x4 Gen3
SPI
Reserved (MS-hybrid only)
Reserved (MS-hybrid only)
Power Management (PWR_EN, PWR_GOOD)
GDDR6
GDDR6 x32
memory down
SPI - VBIOS
VBIOS GDDR6 PWM
NVIDIA
Quadro A500
MXM V3.1 G/F
MXM V3.1 Gold Finger
P_+3.3V
P_+12V (7~20V)
PCIe x4 gen3
IFPA
IFPB
IFPC
IFPE
DP_A
DP_B
DP_C
DP_D
PCIe x4PCIe x4
IFPA
IFPB
IFPC
IFPE
FBA
I2CS
PM
SPI
P_+5V
82.00
70.00 59.80
1.50
39.00
Ø3.25
9.0046.00
12.2546.00
1.20
2.05
3.00
23.00
23.00
14.54
13.62
3.5023.50
12.00
14.00
22.97
23.00
Unit: mm
8QLWPP

5 SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual
Chapter 1 Hardware Configuration
1.6 MXM 3.1 Connector Pin Definitions
Table 1.5: Connector Pin Definitions
Pin Signal
Name Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name
E1 PWR_SRC E2 PWR_SRC 141 PEX_RX1# 142 PEX_TX1#
E3 GND E4 GND 143 PEX_RX1 144 PEX_TX1
1 5V 2 PRSNT_R
#145 GND 146 GND
3 5V 4 RSVD 147 PEX_RX0# 148 PEX_TX0#
5 5V 6 PWR_-
GOOD 149 PEX_RX0 150 PEX_TX0
7 5V 8 PWR_EN 151 GND 152 GND
9 5V 10 RSVD 153 PEX_REF-
CLK# 154
PEX_-
CLK_REQ
#
11 GND 12 GND 155 PEX_REF-
CLK 156 PEX_RST#
13 GND 14 RSVD 157 GND 158 RSVD
15 GND 16 RSVD 159 RSVD 160 RSVD
17 GND 18 RSVD 161 RSVD 162 RSVD
19 RSVD 20 TH_OVER
T# 163 RSVD 164 RSVD
21 RSVD 22 TH_ALERT
#165 RSVD 166 GND
23 RSVD 24 RSVD 167 RSVD 168 RSVD
25 RSVD 26 RSVD 169 RSVD 170 RSVD
27 RSVD 28 RSVD 171 RSVD 172 RSVD
29 RSVD 30 RSVD 173 GND 174 GND
31 RSVD 32 SMB_DAT 175 RSVD 176 RSVD
33 RSVD 34 SMB_CLK 177 RSVD 178 RSVD
35 RSVD 36 GND 179 GND 180 GND
37 GND 38 RSVD 181 RSVD 182 RSVD
39 RSVD 40 RSVD 183 RSVD 184 RSVD
41 RSVD 42 RSVD 185 GND 186 GND
43 RSVD 44 RSVD 187 RSVD 188 RSVD
45 RSVD 46 GND 189 RSVD 190 RSVD
47 GND 48 PEX-
_TX15# 191 GND 192 GND
49 PEX-
_RX15# 50 PEX_TX15 193 RSVD 194 RSVD
51 PEX_RX15 52 GND 195 RSVD 196 RSVD
53 GND 54 PEX-
_TX14# 197 GND 198 GND
55 PEX-
_RX14# 56 PEX_TX14 199 DP_C_L0# 200 RSVD
57 PEX_RX14 58 GND 201 DP_C_L0 202 RSVD
59 GND 60 PEX-
_TX13# 203 GND 204 GND

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual 6
61 PEX-
_RX13# 62 PEX_TX13 205 DP_C_L1# 206 DP_D_L0#
63 PEX_RX13 64 GND 207 DP_C_L1 208 DP_D_L0
65 GND 66 PEX-
_TX12# 209 GND 210 GND
67 PEX-
_RX12# 68 PEX_TX12 211 DP_C_L2# 212 DP_D_L1#
69 PEX_RX12 70 GND 213 DP_C_L2 214 DP_D_L1
71 GND 72 PEX-
_TX11# 215 GND 216 GND
73 PEX-
_RX11# 74 PEX_TX11 217 DP_C_L3# 218 DP_D_L2#
75 PEX_RX11 76 GND 219 DP_C_L3 220 DP_D_L2
77 GND 78 PEX-
_TX10# 221 GND 222 GND
79 PEX-
_RX10# 80 PEX_TX10 223 DP_C_AU X# 224 DP_D_L3#
81 PEX_RX10 82 GND 225 DP_C_AU
X226 DP_D_L3
83 GND 84 PEX_TX9# 227 RSVD 228 GND
85 PEX_RX9# 86 PEX_TX9 229 RSVD 230 DP_D_AU
X#
87 PEX_RX9 88 GND 231 RSVD 232 DP_D_AU
X
89 GND 90 PEX_TX8# 233 RSVD 234 DP_C_HP
D
91 PEX_RX8# 92 PEX_TX8 235 RSVD 236 DP_D_HP
D
93 PEX_RX8 94 GND 237 RSVD 238 RSVD
95 GND 96 PEX_TX7# 239 RSVD 240 3V3
97 PEX_RX7# 98 PEX_TX7 241 RSVD 242 3V3
99 PEX_RX7 100 GND 243 RSVD 244 GND
101 GND 102 PEX_TX6# 245 RSVD 246 DP_B_L0#
103 PEX_RX6# 104 PEX_TX6 247 RSVD 248 DP_B_L0
105 PEX_RX6 106 GND 249 RSVD 250 GND
107 GND 108 PEX_TX5# 251 GND 252 DP_B_L1#
109 PEX_RX5# 110 PEX_TX5 253 DP_A_L0# 254 DP_B_L1
111 PEX_RX5 112 GND 255 DP_A_L0 256 GND
113 GND 114 PEX_TX4# 257 GND 258 DP_B_L2#
115 PEX_RX4# 116 PEX_TX4 259 DP_A_L1# 260 DP_B_L2
117 PEX_RX4 118 GND 261 DP_A_L1 262 GND
119 GND 120 PEX_TX3# 263 GND 264 DP_B_L3#
121 PEX_RX3# 122 PEX_TX3 265 DP_A_L2# 266 DP_B_L3
123 PEX_RX3 124 GND 267 DP_A_L2 268 GND
125 GND 126 KEY 269 GND 270 DP_B_AU
X#
127 KEY 128 KEY 271 DP_A_L3# 272 DP_B_AU
X
129 KEY 130 KEY 273 DP_A_L3 274 DP_B_HP
D
Table 1.5: Connector Pin Definitions

7 SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual
Chapter 1 Hardware Configuration
1.7 Safety Precautions
131 KEY 132 KEY 275 GND 276 DP_A_HP
D
133 GND 134 GND 277 DP_A_AU
X# 278 3V3
135 PEX_RX2# 136 PEX_TX2# 279 DP_A_AU
X280 3V3
137 PEX_RX2 138 PEX_TX2 281 PRSNT_L# - -
139 GND 140 GND
Note! On SKY-MXM-A500, PEX lanes 4-15 and DP A-D pins are reserved.
Table 1.5: Connector Pin Definitions
Warning! Always completely disconnect the power cord from your chassis when-
ever you work with the hardware. Do not make connections while the
power is on. Sensitive electronic components can be damaged by sud-
den power surges. Only experienced electronics personnel should open
the PC chassis.
Caution! Always ground yourself to remove any static charge before touching the
GPU. Modern electronic devices are very sensitive to static electric dis-
charge. As a safety precaution, use a grounding wrist strap at all times.
Place all electronic components on a static-dissipative surface or in a
static-shielded bag when they are not in the chassis.

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual 8

Chapter 2
2System Requirements

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual 10
2.1 Power Sequencing
There is no power sequencing requirement for the input voltages to the MXM mod-
ule. However, the PWR_EN signal may be asserted only after all power rails are
within specified tolerance. The state of PWR_GOOD is undefined until all rails are
fully ramped. Refer to Figure 2.1 for details.
Figure 2.1 Power Sequencing
Table 2.1: Signals Exempted from Power Sequencing
Group Signals
Power and Thermal SMB_CLK, SMB_DAT, TH_OVER#, TH_ALERT#, PWR_GOOD
System Management WAKE#, PEX_CLK_REQ#
Display DP_x_HPD, LVDS_x_HPD
Note! No voltage shall be applied to any MXM module signal pin (except
power pins and open drain signals specified in Table 2.1) until PWR_-
GOOD is asserted.

11 SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual
Chapter 2 System Requirements
2.2 Input Voltage Requirements
Input voltage to the GPU must strictly follow the ranges listed in the below table (ref-
erence to GND).
Operating outside the required voltage range will cause permanent damage to the
GPU.
2.3 Module Power Down and Power Up
The MXM module may be powered down using the PWR_EN signal. The system
designer may choose to shut down or keep the input power while the module is pow-
ered down. Refer to Figure 2.2 for details.
Figure 2.2 Power Sequencing
Table 2.2: Input Voltage Requirements
Power Rail Min. Typ. Max.
PWR SRC 6.5V 7-20V 22V
5V 4.7V 5V 5.3V
3V3 3.1V 3.3V 3.5V
Note! All output signals from the MXM module are undefined when PWR_-
GOOD is deasserted or undefined. It is recommended that the system
gate critical signals using an appropriate qualifier.

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual 12
2.4 Reset Requirements
System reset may be deasserted only after the assertion of the PWR_GOOD signal.
Figure 2.3 shows the reset requirements relative to the PWR_EN and PWR_GOOD
signals. This sequence must be followed on initial power on, system reset, and
resume from suspend/hibernate.
Figure 2.3 Reset Sequencing
2.5 Mechanical and Environmental Specifications
Table 2.3 describes the mechanical characteristics of the packages.
Note! In order to reduce boot time, a system that monitors the PWR_GOOD
signal is allowed to violate the TPVPERL specification as long as the
TPERST-PG timing is still met.
Table 2.3: DVI-I DDC Mapping
Symbol Parameter Min. Nominal Max. Units Notes
Pcont
Maximum allowable pres-
sure during PCA, system
assembly, and operation
-≤60 ≤80 (die
edge) psi 1
Tpkg
Maximum allowable package
temperature during device
operation
- ≤ TBD °C 2
emax
Maximum allowable strain
during PCA, system assem-
bly, or operation
≤ 500 μstrains 3

13 SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual
Chapter 2 System Requirements
Note! 1. This specification is based on the following conditions:
a. This specification is based on solder ball deformation and die
chips and cracks. Additional requirements may be needed to meet
the thermal performance and/or long term reliability as to specific
applications.
b. When a compliant thermal interface is used between die and
heat sink, the bond line thickness must have less than 20% in vari-
ation.
c. The pressure should be measured on the top of the die surface
by an instrument equipped with pressure sensors. See details in
“GPU Load Distribution Measurement Application Note”.
d. Nominal pressure is the total force divided by the die surface
area. Since the pressure may have variations across the entire sur-
face, the following additional requirement is applied:
i. The pressure has to be measured from the top of the die sur-
face with a grid resolution of 1x1 mm2 for the pressure sensor.
ii. Both nominal and maximum pressure requirements must be
met.
2. The maximum package temperature allowed includes the device
case and/or junction temperature.
3. Strain measurement shall follow IPC-9704, particularly for the fol-
lowing items:
a. The strain shall be measured on the top side of the PCB close to
the four corners of the package. A rigid PCB is assumed.
b. For generic application, the max. allowable strain must be no
more than 500 μstrains for a board thickness from 1.0 to 3.2 mm. A
separate requirement may be specified and the qualification test
should be performed if:
i. A sensitive PCB laminate and build-up structure is used where
the pad cratering occurs at a PCB strain of 500 μstrains or below.
ii. A weak surface finish is used on the PCB where a cracked sol-
der joint has been observed at a PCB strain of 500 μstrains or
below.
iii. The strain rate is too high (.5000 μstrains/second) during the
PCA operations.
c. For PCB thickness of less than 1.0 mm, the max. allowable
strain shall follow IPC 9704.

SKY-MXM-A500 User Manual 14
2.6 GPU Thermal Policy
The GPU Core Clock throttles at temperatures (Tj) higher than those listed in the
below table, which lists the throttling temperatures and behavior. Thermal throttling is
necessary to ensure that the hottest temperature on the die does not exceed the
threshold temperature for prolonged periods of time.
2.7 System BIOS Requirements
Before you install the MXM module, please make sure your system BIOS is config-
ured with the following settings:
1. CSM Support [Disabled]
Table 2.4: GPU Thermal Policy
Parameter SKY-MXM-A500 Units
Thermal Resistance (Junction to Case, RJC) 0.042 °C/W
Thermal Resistance (Junction to PCB Board, RJB) 2.38 °C/W
GPU Shutdown Temperature (OVERT)* 100 °C
GPU Slowdown Temperature (THERM_ALERT)** 98 °C
GPU Maximum Operating Temperature*** 89 °C
GPU Target Temperature 87 °C
Note! *OVERT assertion results in an 87.5% (÷8) hardware clock slowdown.
**THERM_ALERT assertion results in a 50% (÷2) hardware clock slow-
down.
***The GPU maximum operating temperature is the maximum GPU
temperature at which the GPU is guaranteed to operate at the target
performance (Base Clock) under the total board power level.