DFI NXP i.MX8 Series User manual

VC900-M8M
NXP i.MX8 Series
ARM-Based In-vehicle System
User’s Manual
© May 10, 2023 DFI Inc.

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User's Manual | VC900-M8M
Copyright
This publication contains information that is protected by copyright. No part of it may be repro-
duced in any form or by any means or used to make any transformation/adaptation without the
prior written permission from the copyright holders.
This publication is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer makes no
representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use of this manual and specifi-
cally disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. The user will assume the entire risk of the use or the results of the use of this docu-
ment. Further, the manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and make changes
to its contents at any time, without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revisions or
changes.
Changes after the publication’s first release will be based on the product’s revision. The website
will always provide the most updated information.
© 2023. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks
Product names or trademarks appearing in this manual are for identification purpose only and
are the properties of the respective owners.
FCC and DOC Statement on Class A
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated 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 interference 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 encour-
aged 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 the 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 help.
Notice:
1. The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
2. Shielded interface cables must be used in order to comply with the emission limits.

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User's Manual | VC900-M8M
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction................................................................................................................6
Overview.................................................................................................................................. 6
Front View ........................................................................................................................ 6
Rear View .........................................................................................................................6
Dimensions ............................................................................................................................. 7
Key Features ...........................................................................................................................7
Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 2 - Hardware Installations............................................................................................10
Removing the Chassis Cover ..............................................................................................10
Installing an M.2 Card .........................................................................................................11
Installing an Antenna ...........................................................................................................12
Mounting Options.................................................................................................................13
Wall Mount .....................................................................................................................13
DIN Rail Mount...............................................................................................................13
Chapter 3 - System Settings ......................................................................................................14
Board Layout.........................................................................................................................14
Power Board...................................................................................................................14
System Board.................................................................................................................15
System Board - uSD Card Slot......................................................................................16
Jumper Settings- Power Board ...........................................................................................17
Host Bus Communication (JP3, JP4)..........................................................................17
Remote Switch High/Low Active (JP2) .......................................................................17
SW1.................................................................................................................................18
24V / 12V Select............................................................................................................18
POWER ON Delay Switch ..............................................................................................18
POWER OFF Delay Switch.............................................................................................18
POWER ON Delay Time Select .....................................................................................19
POWER OFF Delay Time Select....................................................................................19
Jumper Settings- System Board .........................................................................................20
Boot Config (JP1)..........................................................................................................20
LED Backlight (JP5) ......................................................................................................20
Pin Assignment- Power Board ............................................................................................21
12V DC-Out (CN3)..........................................................................................................21
9V~36V In (J1) ..............................................................................................................21
MCU Connector (J2) .....................................................................................................22
MCU Debug (JP1)..........................................................................................................22
Remote Switch (J3).......................................................................................................23
Pin Assignment- System Board ..........................................................................................24
COM1 Debug (J10)........................................................................................................24
USB2_3 (UBJ1) ..............................................................................................................24
Speaker (AUJ1)..............................................................................................................25
Audio (AUJ2)..................................................................................................................25
DIO (IOJ1).......................................................................................................................26
I2C (J8)...........................................................................................................................26
VP IO (VPJ1) ..................................................................................................................27
I2C (J8)...........................................................................................................................27
LVDS (J11) .....................................................................................................................28
Chapter 4 - Software User Guide..............................................................................................29
Flash Images into eMMC/SD card using UUU tool ...........................................................29
Software Features ................................................................................................................32
General Support List......................................................................................................32
Linux AP/API Support List ............................................................................................32
Yocto Support List.........................................................................................................32
Android Support List .....................................................................................................34

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User's Manual | VC900-M8M
About this Manual
This manual can be retrieved from the website.
The manual is subject to change and update without notice, and may be based on editions that
do not resemble your actual products. Please visit our website or contact our sales representa-
tives for the latest editions.
Warranty
1. Warranty does not cover damages or failures that arises from misuse of the product,
inability to use the product, unauthorized replacement or alteration of components and
product specifications.
2. The warranty is void if the product has been subjected to physical abuse, improper
installation, modification, accidents or unauthorized repair of the product.
3. Unless otherwise instructed in this user’s manual, the user may not, under any circum-
stances, attempt to perform service, adjustments or repairs on the product, whether
in or out of warranty. It must be returned to the purchase point, factory or authorized
service agency for all such work.
4. We will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages to
the product that has been modified or altered.
About this Package
The package contains the following items. If any of these items are missing or damaged,
please contact your dealer or sales representative for assistance.
• 1 x VC900-M8M system unit
• 1 x 3-pole terminal block cable for power input
• 1 x Wall mount bracket/screw pack
• 1 x Quick installation guide
Note: The items are subject to change in the developing stage.Note: The items are subject to change in the developing stage.
The product and accessories in the package may not come similar to the information listed
above. This may differ in accordance with the sales region or models in which it was sold. For
more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your dealer or
sales representative.

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User's Manual | VC900-M8M
Static Electricity Precautions
It is quite easy to inadvertently damage your PC, system board, components or devices even
before installing them in your system unit. Static electrical discharge can damage computer
components without causing any signs of physical damage. You must take extra care in han-
dling them to ensure against electrostatic build-up.
1. To prevent electrostatic build-up, leave the system board in its anti-static bag until you
are ready to install it.
2. Wear an antistatic wrist strap.
3. Do all preparation work on a static-free surface.
4. Hold the device only by its edges. Be careful not to touch any of the components, con-
tacts or connections.
5. Avoid touching the pins or contacts on all modules and connectors. Hold modules or
connectors by their ends.
Safety Precautions
• Use the correct DC / AC input voltage range.
• Unplug the power cord before removing the system chassis cover for installation or
servicing. After installation or servicing, cover the system chassis before plugging in
the power cord.
• There is danger of explosion if battery incorrectly replaced.
• Replace only with the same or equivalent specifications of batteries recommend by
the manufacturer.
• Dispose of used batteries according to local ordinance.
• Keep this system away from humid environments.
• Make sure the system is placed or mounted correctly and stably to prevent the chance
of dropping or falling may cause damage.
• The openings on the system shall not be blocked and shall be kept in distance from
other objects to make sure of proper air ventilation to protect the system from over-
heating.
• Dress the cables, especially the power cord, so they will not be stepped on, in contact
with high temperature surfaces, or cause any tripping hazards.
• Do not place anything on top of the power cord. Use a power cord that has been ap-
proved for use with the system and is compliant with the voltage and current ranges
required by the system’s electrical specifications.
• If the system is to be unused or stored for a long time, disconnect it from the power
source to avoid damage by transient overvoltage.
• If one of the following occurs, consult a service personnel:
- The power cord or plug is damaged.
- Liquid has penetrated the system.
- The system has been exposed to moisture.
- The system is not working properly.
- The system is physically damaged.
• The unit uses a three-wire ground cable which is equipped with a third pin to ground
the unit and prevent electric shock. Do not defeat the purpose of this pin. If your outlet
does not support this kind of plug, contact your electrician to replace the outlet.
• Disconnect the system from the electricity outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth
for cleaning the surface. Do not use liquid or spray detergents for cleaning.
• Before connecting, make sure that the power supply voltage is correct. The device is
connected to a power outlet which should be grounded connection.
Important:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drive and other
components. Perform the upgrade instruction procedures described at an ESD
workstation only. If such a station is not available, you can provide some ESD pro-
tection by wearing an antistatic wrist strap and attaching it to a metal part of the
system chassis. If a wrist strap is unavailable, establish and maintain contact with
the system chassis throughout any procedures requiring ESD protection.
The system may burn fingers while running.
Wait for 30 minutes to handle electronic parts after power off.

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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
Chapter 1 - Introduction
XOverview
Front View Rear View
1
2
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
7
8
USB 3.0
LAN
Power Input
COM 1
Reset Button
HDMI
OTG
CAN BUS
Status LED
COM 4
COM 2
COM 3
12
6
345
78
10 11
12
9
9

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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
XDimensions XKey Features
ARM-Based System:
Support Yocto Linux 2.5 and Android 9.0 (Optional)
Storage Choice:
16GB/64GB eMMC and Micro SD card slot
Rich I/O Connectivity:
1 GbE, 4 COM, 1 CAN Bus, 2 USB 3.0, 1 Micro USB (OTG)
Wide-Voltage:
9~36V vehicle power input with ACC/IGN function
Wide-Temperature:
-20°C~70°C operation without active fan
• The energy efficiency in-vehicle telematics system assists smart vehicles in collecting
data, including vehicle speed, engine speed, network packet records, etc., and finally
uploads them to cloud storage through 4G synchronously for daily data analysis and
services.

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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
XSpecifications
SYSTEM Processor NXP i.MX8M Quad, Cortex-A53 1.3GHz (by model)
NXP i.MX8M Dual, Cortex-A53 1.3GHz (by model)
Memory On board memory 2GB/4GB (by model)
Single channel LPDDR4 up to 3200 MHz
GRAPHICS Display 1 x HDMI
Resolution up to 1920x1080 @ 60 Hz
STORAGE External Micro SD card slot
Internal eMMC 5.1 16GB on board, support up to 64GB (optional)
EXPANSION M.2 1 x M.2 2242/3042 B Key (USB 3.1 Gen1), Nano SIM Slot support
1 x M.2 2230 E Key (PCIex1/USB2.0)
SENSOR Sensor 6 axis IMU (3 Accelerometer + 3 Gyroscope)
LED Indicators 1 x Status LED
Front I/O Ethernet 1 x Giga LAN, RJ-45
Serial 1 x RS-232/422/485 (COM1)
USB 2 x USB 3.0, type A 1 x OTG, micro USB
Display 1 x HDMI
Audio with Amplifier to support 2W speaker (optional) 1 x Line-out & 1 x MIC-in (internal header)
Buttons 1 x Power reset button
CANbus 1 x CANbus, DB-9

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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
Rear I/O Antenna 4 x Antenna holes for LTE 4G, WiFi and GPS
Serial 1 x RS-232(TX,RX,RTS,CTS) (COM2, COM3, COM4)
POWER Type Wide range 9~36V with ACC/IGN function
Connector 3-pole terminal block
OS SUPPORT Linux Yocto Linux 2.5
Android Android 9.0 (option)
MECHANISM Construction Sheet Metal
Color Black
Mounting DIN-Rail mount
Wall mount
Dimensions
(W x H x D) 200 x 120 x 45mm
Weight 1.9kg
ENVIRONMENT Operating
Temperature -20 to 70°C
Storage Tem-
perature -40 to 85°C
Relative
Humidity 10 to 90% RH (non-condensing)
STANDARDS AND
CERTIFICATIONS
Shock Operating/non-operating: MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6, Procedure 1
Vibration Operating/non-operating: MIL-STD-810G Method 514.6, Category 4
Certifications CE, FCC, E-Mark R10

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Chapter 2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
Chapter 2 - Hardware Installations
XRemoving the Chassis Cover
Please observe the following guidelines and follow the instructions to open the system.
1. Make sure the system and all other peripheral devices connected to it have been
powered off.
2. Disconnect all power cords and cables.
Step 1:
The 3 screws on the side of the system are used to secure the cover to the chassis. Remove
the screws and put them in a safe place for later use.
Step 2:
Slide the cover to open the system.
Step 3:
The boards can be easily accessed after the chassis cover is removed.
Power Board
System Board

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Chapter 2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
XInstalling an M.2 Card
M.2 Sockets
M.2 Module M.2 Socket
Key
Stand-off
Notch
Step 3:
Screw tight the card onto the stand-off with a screw driver and a stand-off screw until the gap
between the card and the stand-off closes up. The card should be lying parallel to the board
when it’s correctly mounted.
Please follow the steps below to install the card into the socket.
Step 1:
Insert the card into the socket at an angle while making sure the notch and key are perfectly
aligned.
Step 2:
Press the end of the card far from the socket down until against the stand-off.
M.2 Module M.2 Socket
Key
Stand-off
Notch
M.2 Module M.2 Socket
Key
Stand-off
Notch

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Chapter 2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
XInstalling an Antenna
Before installing the antenna, please make sure that the following safety cautions are
wellattended.
1. Make sure the PC and all other peripheral devices connected to it has been
powered down.
2. Disconnect all power cords and cables.
Step 1:
There are antenna holes reserved on the right side of the system and by default cov-
ered by rubber plugs. Please remove the plug prior to installing an antenna.
Step 2:
Connect the internal cable to the board's antenna connector, screw the antenna con-
nector through the antenna hole with washers and nuts, and screw on the antenna as
illustrated below.
Antenna ConnectorCableModule Connector NutWasher
Chassis Wall Antenna

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Chapter 2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
XMounting Options
The wall mount kit containing two mounting brackets — purchased as optional items — can
be attached to the bottom of the system for mounting onto desired locations, such as walls,
stands, or shelves. Locate the mounting holes on the bottom of the system as shown in the
photo. Screw on the two brackets onto the system with four screws as illustrated below.
The DIN Rail Mount kit comes with one DIN Rail clip and screws. Please follow the steps to
mount the system onto a DIN Rail.
1. Locate the mounting screws for mounting the din-rail bracket on the chassis cover.
2. Align the mounting holes on the system and then use the screws to secure the DIN-rail
mount clip in place.
1
23
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
2
Wall Mount Bracket
Wall Mount Bracket
DIN-rail mount clip
Wall Mount DIN Rail Mount

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Chapter 3
SYSTEM SETTINGS
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
Chapter 3 - System Settings
XBoard Layout
Power Board
1
ON
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 2 34
9
5
6
7
8
10
11
1
1
1111
ST-Link / SWD
MCU Debug
Remote Switch
Remote Switch High/Low Active
12V DC Out
9V~36V In
Host Bus Communication
Host Bus Communication
SW1
LED1(Red): Debug LED for the MCU
LED2 (Green): R/W LED
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Important:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your board, processor, disk
drives, add-in boards, and other components. Perform installation pro-
cedures at an ESD workstation only. If such a station is not available,
you can provide some ESD protection by wearing an antistatic wrist
strap and attaching it to a metal part of the system chassis. If a wrist
strap is unavailable, establish and maintain contact with the system
chassis throughout any procedures requiring ESD protection.
Power Board
1
1

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Chapter 3
SYSTEM SETTINGS
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
System Board
System Board
65
2
65
21
1
2
39
40
M.2 B key
M.2 E key
1
1
1
1
11
20
19
2
6 5
1
2
1
1
12
1
1
12
3
4
5
67
8
10
9
11 12 13
16
15
14
17
18
USB2_4
HDMI
Battery
Power Link
SIM Slot
LAN
USB3.0
DC-IN
Audio
DIO
Speaker
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
USB2_3
VP IO
COM1 Debug
Boot CFG
LVDS
I2C
LED Backlight

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Chapter 3
SYSTEM SETTINGS
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
System Board
System Board - uSD Card Slot
CPU
1 1
1
19
uSD Card Slot
19

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Chapter 3
SYSTEM SETTINGS
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
1
ON
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
1
1111
XJumper Settings- Power Board
1
1
JP4
JP3
Host Bus Communication (JP3, JP4)
2-3 On: TX/RX UART (default)1-2 On: Reserved
31 2
1
ON
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
1
1111
Remote Switch High/Low Active (JP2)
31 2 31 2 31 2
2-3 On: Low Active
1-2 On: High Active (default)
1

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Chapter 3
SYSTEM SETTINGS
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
1
ON
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
1
1111
SW1
Important:
Power-off the system and then unplug the power cord prior to setting the switch-
es. Failure to do so will cause severe damage to the system and components.
24V / 12V Select
1Output Voltage
On 12V (default)
Off 24V
2Delay On/Off
On On, delay duration defined by 4 and 5
Off Off, delay = 3 seconds by default
3Delay On/Off
On On, delay duration defined by 6, 7, and 8
Off Off, delay = 0 second by default
POWER ON Delay Switch
POWER OFF Delay Switch

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Chapter 3
SYSTEM SETTINGS
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
POWER ON Delay Time Select
POWER OFF Delay Time Select
54Delay Duration
On On 10 seconds (default)
On Off 30 seconds
Off On 1 miniute
Off Off 5 minutes
876Delay Duration
On On On 30 seconds (default)
On On Off 1 minute
On Off On 3 minutes
On Off Off 5 minutes
Off On On 10 minutes
Off On Off 15 minutes
Off Off On 30 minutes
Off Off Off 1 hour

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Chapter 3
SYSTEM SETTINGS
User's Manual | VC900-M8M
65
2
65
21
1
2
39
40
M.2 B key
M.2 E key
1
1
1
11
20
19
2
6 5
1
2
1
1
12
1
1
1
XJumper Settings- System Board
Boot Config (JP1)
6
1
2
5
5-6 Off: EMMC@eSDHC3 (default)
5-6 On: uSD@eSDHC2
1-2 Off: Internal Boot (default)
1-2 On: Serial Downloader
65
21
65
2
65
21
1
2
39
40
M.2 B key
M.2 E key
1
1
1
11
20
19
2
6 5
1
2
1
1
12
1
1
1
LED Backlight (JP5)
65
2
1
65
21
1-2 On: 3.3V (Default)
1-3 On: 5V
65
21
5-6 On: Backlight Power 12V (default)
4-6 On: Backlight Power 5V
For VEN & VPWM For VLED Backlight
65
21