Connect Tech Astro Carrier User manual

Astro Carrier for NVIDIA®
Jetson™ TX2/TX2i
CTIM-00456 Revision 0.24 2021-10-04

Astro Carrier for NVIDIA® Jetson™ TX2/TX2i
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Preface.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Disclaimer........................................................................................................................................................4
Customer Support Overview ...........................................................................................................................4
Contact Information ........................................................................................................................................4
Limited Product Warranty...............................................................................................................................5
Copyright Notice..............................................................................................................................................5
Trademark Acknowledgment ..........................................................................................................................5
ESD Warning....................................................................................................................................................6
Revision History ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Product Features and Specifications ...............................................................................................................8
Part Numbers / Ordering Information.............................................................................................................9
Product Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Block Diagram................................................................................................................................................10
Connector Locations......................................................................................................................................11
Connector Summary......................................................................................................................................12
DIP Switch Summary .....................................................................................................................................12
Detailed Feature Description....................................................................................................................... 13
Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i Board-to-Board Connector...........................................................................................13
Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i Compatibility ................................................................................................................14
Auto-Power Mode.........................................................................................................................................15
microSD Card Slot..........................................................................................................................................15
NVIDIA Jetson TX2 or TX2i Fan ......................................................................................................................16
Mini-PCIe and mSATA Modules.....................................................................................................................17
Half and Full Length Mini-PCIe Module Installation ...........................................................................17
Mini-PCIe .......................................................................................................................................................18
mSATA ...........................................................................................................................................................20
Connect Tech High Density Connector..........................................................................................................22
HD AUDIO – HDC ...........................................................................................................................................25
CAN Bus – HDC ..............................................................................................................................................25
USB 2.0 – HDC ...............................................................................................................................................26
Force USB Recovery Mode .................................................................................................................26
USB 3.0 – HDC ...............................................................................................................................................27
System/I2C/GPIO – HDC................................................................................................................................27
HDMI – HDC...................................................................................................................................................28
Serial – HDC ...................................................................................................................................................29
Serial Configuration ............................................................................................................................29
Locked/Hardwired Configuration .......................................................................................................29
Dual RS-232.......................................................................................................................................29
Serial 0 RS-232/Serial 1 RS-485 ............................................................................................................29
Dual RS-485.......................................................................................................................................30
Dual Disable ......................................................................................................................................30

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10/100/1000 Ethernet (GBE) – HDC..............................................................................................................30
Camera Serial Interface (CSI-2) – HDC...........................................................................................................31
Power Input – HDC ........................................................................................................................................31
+3.3V Power Output – HDC ...........................................................................................................................31
+1.8V Power Output – HDC ...........................................................................................................................32
Typical Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 32
Power Supply .............................................................................................................................................. 33
On-Board Indicator LEDs ............................................................................................................................. 33
CURRENT CONSUMPTION DETAILS.............................................................................................................. 34
Software / BSP Details ................................................................................................................................ 34
Connect Tech’s Custom L4T BSP (CTI-L4T) ....................................................................................................34
NVIDIA Linux For Tegra (L4T).........................................................................................................................35
NVIDIA Jetpack for L4T ..................................................................................................................................35
Thermal Details ........................................................................................................................................... 35
Mechanical Drawings .................................................................................................................................. 37
3D Model Download......................................................................................................................................37
Weight ...........................................................................................................................................................37
Astro Carrier Outline and Dimensions...........................................................................................................37
Astro System Stacking Height........................................................................................................................38
CTI Breakout Boards.................................................................................................................................... 39
Available Breakout Boards ............................................................................................................................39
Breakout Board XBG201, XBG206 Technical Details .....................................................................................40
XBG201 Connector Locations .............................................................................................................40
Stereo Output Header ........................................................................................................................40
RTC Battery Header ............................................................................................................................41
Input Power Connector ......................................................................................................................41
System Control Header.......................................................................................................................42
Force Recovery ...................................................................................................................................42
GPIO Header .......................................................................................................................................43
I2C Header ..........................................................................................................................................43
Serial (RS-232/485) Header ................................................................................................................44
MIPI Camera Connector .....................................................................................................................45
Astro Breakout Board XBG201 Outline and Dimensions ....................................................................46
Custom Breakout Board ................................................................................................................................46
Reference Design Package – OEM Astro Breakout Board ..................................................................46
Cables ......................................................................................................................................................... 47
Available Cables.............................................................................................................................................47

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PREFACE
Disclaimer
The information contained within this user’s guide, including but not limited to any product
specification, is subject to change without notice.
Connect Tech assumes no liability for any damages incurred directly or indirectly from any technical or
typographical errors or omissions contained herein or for discrepancies between the product and the
user’s guide.
Customer Support Overview
If you experience difficulties after reading the manual and/or using the product, contact the Connect
Tech reseller from which you purchased the product. In most cases the reseller can help you with
product installation and difficulties.
In the event that the reseller is unable to resolve your problem, our highly qualified support staff can
assist you. Our support section is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our website at:
https://connecttech.com/support/resource-center. See the contact information section below for more
information on how to contact us directly. Our technical support is always free.
Contact Information
Contact Information
Mail/Courier
Connect Tech Inc.
Technical Support
489 Clair Rd. W.
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1L 0H7
Contact Information
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
www.connecttech.com
Toll Free: 800-426-8979 (North America only)
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: 519-836-4878 (on-line 24 hours)
Support
Please go to the Connect Tech Resource Center for product manuals,
installation guides, device drivers, BSPs and technical tips.
Submit your technical support questions to our support engineers.
Technical Support representatives are available Monday through Friday,
from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

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Limited Product Warranty
Connect Tech Inc. provides a one-year Warranty for the Astro Carrier for Jetson™ TX2/TX2i. Should this
product, in Connect Tech Inc.'s opinion, fail to be in good working order during the warranty period,
Connect Tech Inc. will, at its option, repair or replace this product at no charge, provided that the
product has not been subjected to abuse, misuse, accident, disaster or non-Connect Tech Inc.
authorized modification or repair.
You may obtain warranty service by delivering this product to an authorized Connect Tech Inc. business
partner or to Connect Tech Inc. along with proof of purchase. Product returned to Connect Tech Inc.
must be pre-authorized by Connect Tech Inc. with an RMA (Return Material Authorization) number
marked on the outside of the package and sent prepaid, insured and packaged for safe shipment.
Connect Tech Inc. will return this product by prepaid ground shipment service.
The Connect Tech Inc. Limited Warranty is only valid over the serviceable life of the product. This is
defined as the period during which all components are available. Should the product prove to be
irreparable, Connect Tech Inc. reserves the right to substitute an equivalent product if available or to
retract the Warranty if no replacement is available.
The above warranty is the only warranty authorized by Connect Tech Inc. Under no circumstances will
Connect Tech Inc. be liable in any way for any damages, including any lost profits, lost savings or other
incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of, or inability to use, such product.
Copyright Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Connect Tech Inc. shall
not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance, or use of this material. This document contains proprietary information that is
protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied,
reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior written consent of Connect Tech, Inc.
Copyright 2021 by Connect Tech, Inc.
Trademark Acknowledgment
Connect Tech, Inc. acknowledges all trademarks, registered trademarks and/or copyrights referred to in
this document as the property of their respective owners. Not listing all possible trademarks or
copyright acknowledgments does not constitute a lack of acknowledgment to the rightful owners of the
trademarks and copyrights mentioned in this document.

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ESD Warning
Electronic components and circuits are sensitive to
ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD). When handling any
circuit board assemblies including Connect Tech
COM Express carrier assemblies, it is recommended
that ESD safety precautions be observed. ESD safe
best practices include, but are not limited to:
•Leaving circuit boards in their antistatic
packaging until they are ready to be installed.
•Using a grounded wrist strap when handling
circuit boards, at a minimum you should touch a
grounded metal object to dissipate any static
charge that may be present on you.
•Only handling circuit boards in ESD safe areas,
which may include ESD floor and table mats,
wrist strap stations and ESD safe lab coats.
•Avoiding handling circuit boards in carpeted
areas.
•Try to handle the board by the edges, avoiding
contact with components.
REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Changes
0.00
2016/02/25
Initial Release
0.01
2016/03/11
Updated images
0.02
2016/06/08
Added additional product information
0.03
2016/06/10
Corrected assembly drawings
0.04
2016/06/14
Added fan, software, and thermal sections
0.05
2016/07/07
Fixed formatting on thermal section
0.06
2016/08/10
Fixed BSP Download Link
0.07
2016/10/14
Added note on video input
0.08
2016/11/16
Updated assembly drawings and cable information
0.09
2016/11/24
Added note on power supply, MSG062
0.10
2016/12/01
Added link to breakout board reference design package
0.11
2017/04/18
Updated MSG062 Cable Drawing
0.12
2017/04/27
Updated feature set, added TX2 specs

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0.13
2017/05/11
Updated mating connector PN for break out power connector
0.14
2017/05/29
Updated power supplies
0.15
2017/06/30
RTC Battery, Corrected Pinout Label
0.16
2017/08/04
Added cable drawing links, removed drawings from doc
0.17
2017/09/08
Added TX1/2 Support Switch Settings
0.18
2018/03/08
Added GPIO KDB link
0.19
2018/03/29
Corrected XBG201 serial pinout
0.20
2018/07/27
Added GMSL video inputs (ASG012), Updated table format, Added
TX2i and XBG206.
0.21
2018/10/01
Added CAN bus to HDC, updated S1 function
0.22
2019-04-17
Added TX2i Power Circuitry Note; HDMI 2.0 support
0.23
2020-07-08
Corrected serial ports for UART0 and UART1
0.24
2021-10-04
Updated format, Updated address, Removed TX1

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INTRODUCTION
Astro is specifically designed to work with the NVIDIA®Jetson™ TX2/TX2i supercomputer-on-module.
The Astro Carrier provides access to features found on the Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i module in an extremely
small footprint (87mm x 57mm / 3.43" x 2.24").
The Astro Carrier for Jetson™ TX2/TX2i provides a high-density board to board connector for use with
either off-the-shelf or custom breakout boards, dramatically reducing the need for cabling.
With all of the complex circuitry already on the Astro carrier, such as Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, Serial,
and Display, the design of a unique breakout board can be done with minimal effort using Connect
Tech’s design services or by the user. Connect Tech already offers the XBG201 breakout board, as well as
a single board carrier solution called the Astro Carrier for Jetson™ TX2/TX2i. For more information on
these two products please contact [e-mail].
The Astro Carrier provides expansion via Mini PCI Express and mSATA, in addition to a micro-SD Card
slot.
Product Features and Specifications
Specifications
PCB Size /
Overall Size
87mm x 57mm (3.43” x 2.24”)
3D STEP Model: download here
Display
1x HDMI Interface (Supports up to HDMI 2.0 UHD 4K [2160p] at 60Hz)
Ethernet
2x Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) Links
USB
1x USB 3.0 Links
2x USB 2.0 Links
SATA
1x SATA Link
Audio
HD Audio Link: 1x Output
Serial
2x RS-232/RS-485 Links
Mini-
PCIe/mSATA
1x Mini-PCIe Half or Full Sized (Use of Full Size Removes mSATA Slot)
1x mSATA Half Size
SD Card
1x microSD Card Slot
GPIO
4x GPIO
CAN BUS
1x CAN bus
Video Input
1x MIPI CSI-2 (2-lane)
2x GMSL*
•Note: GMSL video inputs only supported on PN: ASG012 with RidgeRun
Drivers/Software Support. GMSL Software Info Link:
https://developer.ridgerun.com/wiki/index.php?title=MAX96705_MAX9286_G
MSL_SERDES_Linux_Drivers. Contact: [e-mail]

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Power-Over-Coax Not Supported, external power must be provided to GMSL Camera
Module
Misc.
1x I2C Link
1x System Control (PWR and RST buttons, etc.)
1x RTC Battery Input
Power
Requirements
+7.5V to +14.0V DC Input Range
+12V DC Nominal Input
The above values represent the Astro Carrier only. Breakout board power input
requirements will not match the above. Please see the CTI Breakout Boards section of
this document for specific breakout board power requirements.
Operating
Temperature
-40oC to +85oC
Weight
46 grams (with stand-offs attached)
Accessories
Breakout Boards
Cable Kit
Warranty and
Support
1 Year Warranty and Lifetime Free Support
Part Numbers / Ordering Information
Part Number
ASG001
Astro Carrier for NVIDIA® Jetson™ TX2/TX2i
ASG012
Astro Carrier for NVIDIA® Jetson™ TX2/TX2i with GMSL
XBG201
Astro Carrier Breakout Board for NVIDIA® Jetson™ TX2
XBG206
Astro Carrier Breakout Board for NVIDIA® Jetson™ TX2i

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Block Diagram

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Connector Locations
TOP SIDE
SECONDARY SIDE

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Connector Summary
Designator
Connector
Description
P1
microSD Card Socket
microSD Card Socket
P2
High Density Board to Board
Connector
Connect Tech High Density Board to Board Connector that
mates with the Breakout Board
P3
High Density Board to Board
Connector
High Density Board to Board Connector that mates with
the Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i
P4
Mini-PCIe Slot
Mini-PCIe Half or Full Sized Card Slot
P5
mSATA Slot
mSATA Half Sized Card Slot
P6
Fan Connector
+5V Fan Connector
DIP Switch Summary
Designator
Function
Description
SW1A
Serial Selection
DIP Switches for Controlling Serial Format and Related
Features
SW1B
Serial Selection
DIP Switches for Controlling Serial Format and Related
Features
SW1C
Serial Selection
DIP Switches for Controlling Serial Format and Related
Features
SW1D
Serial Selection
DIP Switches for Controlling Serial Format and Related
Features
SW1E
Serial Selection
DIP Switches for Controlling Serial Format and Related
Features
SW1F
Serial Selection
DIP Switches for Controlling Serial Format and Related
Features
SW1G
OTG_ID
Enables/Disables USB Host operation of USB2 port 0
SW1H
RTC Voltage
Allows for shorting the RTC voltage to Ground
S1A
Auto-Power
Enable/Disable auto boot when power is applied
S1B
TX2 or TX2i Selection
Set this switch to match whatever module you are using:
Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i to ensure full compatibility

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DETAILED FEATURE DESCRIPTION
Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i Board-to-Board Connector
The processor and chipset are implemented on the Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i Module, which connects to the
Astro Carrier Board via a Samtec SEARAY™ stacking connector.
Function
Board-to-Board Mating Connector with
Jetson™ TX2/TX2i
Location
P3
Type
Samtec “SEARAY™” Connector
Carrier
Connector
P/N
SEAM-50-03.5-S-08-2-A-K-TR (8.5mm
stacking height)
Manufacturer: Samtec
Mating
Connector
P/N
SEAF-50-05-S-08-02-A-K (installed on
Jetson™ TX2/TX2i)
Manufacturer: Samtec
Pinout
Refer to NVIDIA’s Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i
System-on-Module datasheets for pinout
details.

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Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i Compatibility
Due to pin-muxing within the Jetson™ TX2 and TX2i modules, the Astro Carrier features a DIP switch that
will ensure full compatibility depending on which Jetson™ module you use. This DIP switch is only
present on-board revisions G and later. Astro Carrier board revisions F and earlier do not offer full
Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i compatibility.
To determine which revision of the Astro Carrier you have please see the revision label as per the image
below.
Function
Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i Select Switch
Location
S1B
Type
DIP Switch
Description
If you are using a Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i
then leave S1B in the ON position to
ensure full compatibility.
S1B ON = Full Jetson™ TX2/TX2i Support
For further information please see the following notice regarding Astro Carrier compatibility:
http://connecttech.com/resource-center/kdb344-cti-nvidia-jetson-carrier-board-tx2-tx1-compatibility/

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Auto-Power Mode
The Astro carrier features an Auto-Power circuit. If the switch the ON position the Jetson™ TX2/TX2i will
boot when power is applied to the carrier. If the switch is in the OFF position a power button input
signal is required to boot the Jetson™ TX2/TX2i module.
Function
Auto-Power Select Switch
Location
S1A
Type
DIP Switch
Description
S1A OFF = Auto-Power Disabled
S1A ON = Auto-Power Enabled
Note: Due to the changes done to the PMIC circuitry of the TX2i Jetson Module the Astro Carrier will
always remain ON when in AT (Automatic Power ON) and ATX (Push Power button) modes. This will
cause the Astro Carrier to automatically power ON when voltage is applied to the system. The system
will in addition be unable to shut down in software (Soft Shutdown), due to the characteristics of the
TX2i power circuitry as such the system will perform a Reset/Reboot function.
microSD Card Slot
The Astro Carrier features a microSD Card Slot for system purposes. It is connected directly to the
SDCARD interface on the Jetson™ TX2 or TX2i.
Function
microSD Card Slot
Location
P1
Type
Molex microSD Memory Card Connector
P/N
5025700893
Pinout
Pin
Description
1
SD_D2
2
SD_D3
3
SD_CMD
4
SD_VDD
5
SD_CLK
6
GND
7
SD_D0
8
SD_D1
9
GND
10
SD_CD#

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NVIDIA Jetson TX2 or TX2i Fan
Function
NVIDIA Jetson TX2 or TX2i Fan Control
Location
P6
Type
Molex PicoBlade Header
P/N
53261-0471
Mating
51021-0400
Pinout
Pin
Description
1
GND
2
+5V
3
TACH
4
PWM
NOTE: Please note that FAN PWM (speed control) is NOT natively supported by the stock L4T builds. To
enable PWM functionality (speed control) users must deploy CTI-L4T BSP. Please see the software
section of this document for more details.

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Mini-PCIe and mSATA Modules
Half and Full Length Mini-PCIe Module Installation
The Astro Carrier is designed to allow for two half sized mini modules, one mini PCIe and mSATA
module, or one full size mini PCIe module. To install a half-length module simply shift the spacers to the
appropriate location. The M2.5 spacers and screws required to mount the mini modules ship in the
same box as the Astro Carrier. Please see the images below showing the full assembly of both options:
two half-sized modules or one full-size module.
Mini PCIe Full Size Installation:

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Half Size Installation:
Mini-PCIe
Function
Mini-PCIe Slot
Location
P4
Type
Molex Card Edge connector
P/N
48338-0065
Pinout
Pin
Mini-PCIe Description
1
-
2
+3.3V
3
-
4
GND
5
-
6
+1.5V
7
CLKREQ#

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8
-
9
GND
10
-
11
PCIe CLK+
12
-
13
PCIe CLK-
14
-
15
GND
16
-
17
-
18
GND
19
-
20
W_DISABLE#
21
RESV
22
-
23
PCIe RX+
24
+3.3V
25
PCIe RX-
26
GND
27
GND
28
+1.5V
29
GND
30
-
31
PCIe TX-
32
-
33
PCIe TX+
34
GND
35
GND
36
USB D-
37
GND
38
USB D+
39
+3.3V
40
GND
41
+3.3V
42
-

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43
RESV
44
-
45
-
46
-
47
-
48
+1.5V
49
-
50
GND
51
-
52
+3.3V
mSATA
Function
mSATA Slot
Location
P5
Type
Molex Card Edge connector
P/N
48338-0065
Pinout
Pin
mSATA Description
1
-
2
+3.3V
3
-
4
GND
5
-
6
+1.5V
7
-
8
-
9
GND
10
-
11
-
12
-
13
-
14
-
15
GND
16
-
17
-