VIA Technologies SOM-6X50 User manual

USER MANUAL
SOM-6X50
Compact cost-eecve soluon for HMI
applicaons with rapid me-to-market
1.02-08222018-143700

Copyright
Copyright ©2018 VIA Technologies Incorporated. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced, transmied, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnec, opcal, chemical, manual or otherwise without the prior wrien permission of
VIA Technologies, Incorporated.
Trademarks
All trademarks are the property of their respecve holders.
Disclaimer
No license is granted, implied or otherwise, under any patent or patent rights of VIA Technologies. VIA Technologies makes no warranes,
implied or otherwise, in regard to this document and to the products described in this document. The informaon provided in this
document is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the publicaon date of this document. However, VIA Technologies assumes no
responsibility for the use or misuse of the informaon (including use or connecon of extra device/equipment/add-on card) in this
document and for any patent infringements that may arise from the use of this document. The informaon and product specicaons
within this document are subject to change at any me, without noce and without obligaon to nofy any person of such change.
VIA Technologies, Inc. reserves the right the make changes to the products described in this manual at any me without prior noce.
Regulatory Compliance
FCC-A Radio Frequency Interference Statement
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 reasonable protecon against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instrucon manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communicaons. Operaon of this equipment in a residenal area is likely to
cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his personal expense.
Noce 1
The changes or modicaons not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
Noce 2
Shielded interface cables and A.C. power cord, if any, must be used in order to comply with the emission limits.
Noce 3
The product described in this document is designed for general use, VIA Technologies assumes no responsibility for the conicts or
damages arising from incompability of the product. Check compability issue with your local sales representaves before placing an
order.

Baery Recycling and Disposal
• Only use the appropriate baery specied for this product.
• Do not re-use, recharge, or reheat an old baery.
• Do not aempt to force open the baery.
• Do not discard used baeries with regular trash.
• Discard used baeries according to local regulaons.
Safety Precauons
• Always read the safety instrucons carefully.
• Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.
• All cauons and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
• Keep this equipment away from humidity.
• Put this equipment on a reliable at surface before seng it up.
• Check the voltage of the power source and adjust to 110/220V before connecng the equipment to the
power inlet.
• Do not place the power cord where people will step on it.
• Always unplug the power cord before inserng any add-on card or module.
• If any of the following situaons arise, get the equipment checked by authorized service personnel:
• The power cord or plug is damaged.
• Liquid has entered into the equipment.
• The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
• The equipment is faulty or you cannot get it work according to User’s Manual.
• The equipment has been dropped and damaged.
• The equipment has an obvious sign of breakage.
• Do not leave this equipment in extreme temperatures or in a storage temperature above 70°C (158°F). The
equipment may be damaged.
• Do not leave this equipment in direct sunlight.
• Never pour any liquid into the opening. Liquid can cause damage or electrical shock.
• Do not place anything over the power cord.
• Do not cover the venlaon holes. The openings on the enclosure protect the equipment from
overheang

SOM-6X50 User Manual
Box Contents
Items for STK-SOM6X50-00A1
• 1 x SOM-6X50 module
• 1 x SOMDB1 carrier board
• 1 x 7” LCD touch panel
• 2 x USB cables
• 1 x COM cable
• 1 x speaker
Ordering Informaon
Part Number Descripon
00GJQ10E00020 SOM module with 800MHz VIA Cortex-A9 SoC, 8GB eMMC, 512KB
SPI ROM, 512MB DDR3 SDRAM, 1 HDMI or Single-Channel LVDS or
DVO, CSI, 3 USB 2.0, 6 UART, GPIO, 10/100Mbps Ethernet
STK-SOM6X50-00A1 SOM-6X50 starter kit
iv

SOM-6X50 User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Product Overview .............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Key Features ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 ProductSpecicaons ......................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Layout Diagram .................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Product Dimensions ............................................................................................................................ 5
2. Onboard I/O Connector .................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Debug Connector ................................................................................................................................. 6
3. HardwareInstallaon ........................................................................................................ 7
3.1 Installing the SOM-6X50 Module on the SOMDB1 Carrier Board ........................................................ 7
4. SowareandTechnicalSupport ........................................................................................ 9
4.1 Linux Support ....................................................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Technical Support and Assistance......................................................................................................... 9
Appendix A.SOMDB1 Carrier Board Reference ..................................................................... 10
A.1. BoardSpecicaons .......................................................................................................................... 10
A.2. SOMDB1 Layout Diagram ................................................................................................................... 11
A.2.1. SOMDB1 Onboard I/O ................................................................................................................. 13
A.2.1.1. LCD Panel Connector......................................................................................................... 13
A.2.1.2. Touch Connector ............................................................................................................... 14
A.2.1.3. USB 2.0 Connector ........................................................................................................... 15
A.2.1.4. Camera Connector ............................................................................................................ 15
A.2.1.5. COM Connector and UART Pin Header ............................................................................. 16
A.2.1.6. GPIO Pin header ............................................................................................................... 17
A.2.1.7. SPI Pin Header .................................................................................................................. 17
A.2.1.8. I2C Pin header ................................................................................................................... 18
A.2.1.9. Headphone Pin Header ..................................................................................................... 18
A.2.1.10. Mic-In Connector .............................................................................................................. 19
A.2.1.11. Mono Speaker Out Connector & Pin Header .................................................................... 19
A.2.1.12. Audio Mono Out Signal Pin Header................................................................................... 20
A.2.1.13. LeChannelSpeakerConnector&PinHeader................................................................ 20
A.2.1.14. Right Channel Speaker Connector & Pin Header .............................................................. 21
A.2.1.15. Line-In Pin Header............................................................................................................. 21
A.2.1.16. IR Receiver Sensor & Pin Header....................................................................................... 22
A.2.1.17. Debug Connector & Pin Header ....................................................................................... 22
A.2.1.18. PowerBuon.................................................................................................................... 23
A.2.1.19. SystemRecoveryBuon................................................................................................... 23
A.2.1.20. Watchdog Timer Switch .................................................................................................... 23
A.2.1.21. RCA Pin Header ................................................................................................................ 24
A.2.1.22. RTCBaeryConnector ...................................................................................................... 24
A.2.1.23. DC-In Connector ............................................................................................................... 25
A.2.1.24. SOM DDR3 SODIMM Slot .................................................................................................. 26
A.2.2. SOMDB1 External I/O .................................................................................................................. 28
A.2.2.1. HDMI®Port ........................................................................................................................ 28
A.2.2.2. Micro USB 2.0 OTG Port .................................................................................................... 28
A.2.2.3. 10/100Mbps Ethernet Port ............................................................................................... 29
A.2.2.4. Headphone Jack ............................................................................................................... 29
A.2.2.5. Micro SD Card Slot ............................................................................................................ 30
A.2.2.6. RCA Jack ............................................................................................................................ 30
A.3. SOMDB1 Dimensions ......................................................................................................................... 31
v

SOM-6X50 User Manual
List of Figures
Figure 1: Layout diagram of the SOM-6X50 module (top side)........................................................................... 4
Figure2: LayoutdiagramoftheSOM-6X50module(boomside) .................................................................... 4
Figure 3: Dimensions of the SOM-6X50 module (top view)................................................................................ 5
Figure 4: Dimensions of the SOMDB1 carrier board with the SOM-6X50 module installed ............................... 5
Figure 5: Debug connector diagram ................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 6: Installing the thermal pad ................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 7: Installing the SOM-6X50 module ......................................................................................................... 7
Figure 8: Securing the SOM-6X50 module .......................................................................................................... 8
Figure9: LayoutdiagramoftheSOMDB1connectors,slot,buons,switch(topside).................................... 11
Figure 10: Layout diagram of the SOMDB1 pin headers (top side)..................................................................... 11
Figure 11: SOMDB1 front panel I/O .................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 12: SOMDB1 back panel I/O..................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 13: SOMDB1 right panel I/O..................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 14: LCD panel connector diagram ........................................................................................................... 13
Figure 15: Touch connector diagram .................................................................................................................. 14
Figure 16: USB 2.0 connectors diagram ............................................................................................................. 15
Figure 17: Camera connector diagram ............................................................................................................... 15
Figure 18: COM connectors and UART pin headers diagram ............................................................................ 16
Figure 19: GPIO pin header diagram .................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 20: SPI pin header diagram ..................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 21: I2C pin header diagram ...................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 22: Headphone pin header diagram ....................................................................................................... 18
Figure 23: Mic-in connector diagram ................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 24: Mono speaker out connector & pin header diagram ........................................................................ 19
Figure 25: Audio mono out signal pin header diagram....................................................................................... 20
Figure26: Lechannelspeakerconnector&pinheaderdiagram .................................................................... 20
Figure 27: Right channel speaker connector & pin header diagram .................................................................. 21
Figure 28: Line-in pin headers diagram .............................................................................................................. 21
Figure 29: IR receiver sensor and pin header diagram ....................................................................................... 22
Figure 30: Debug connector & pin header diagram ........................................................................................... 22
Figure31: Powerbuondiagram....................................................................................................................... 23
Figure32: Systemrecoverybuondiagram ...................................................................................................... 23
Figure33: Watchdogmerswitchdiagram ........................................................................................................ 23
Figure 34: RCA pin header diagram..................................................................................................................... 24
Figure35: RTCbaeryconnectordiagram.......................................................................................................... 24
Figure 36: DC-in connector diagram .................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 37: SOM DDR3 SODIMM slot diagram .................................................................................................... 26
Figure 38: HDMI port diagram ........................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 39: Micro USB 2.0 OTG port diagram ...................................................................................................... 28
Figure 40: 10/100Mbps Ethernet port diagram ................................................................................................. 29
Figure 41: Headphone jack diagram .................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 42: Micro SD card slot diagram ............................................................................................................... 30
Figure 43: RCA jack diagram ............................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 44: Dimensions of the SOMDB1 carrier board......................................................................................... 31
Figure 45: Dimensions of the SOMDB1 front panel I/O ..................................................................................... 31
Figure 46: Dimensions of the SOMDB1 back panel I/O ...................................................................................... 31
Figure 47: Dimensions of the SOMDB1 right panel I/O ...................................................................................... 31
vi

SOM-6X50 User Manual
List of Tables
Table 1: Debug connector pinouts .................................................................................................................... 6
Table 2: LCD panel connector pinouts ............................................................................................................ 13
Table 3: Touch connector pinouts ................................................................................................................... 14
Table 4: USB 2.0 connectors pinouts ............................................................................................................... 15
Table 5: Camera connector pinouts ................................................................................................................ 15
Table 6: COM connectors pinouts.................................................................................................................... 16
Table 7: UART pin headers pinouts ................................................................................................................. 16
Table 8: GPIO pin header pinouts.................................................................................................................... 17
Table 9: SPI pin header pinouts ....................................................................................................................... 17
Table 10: I2C pin header pinouts........................................................................................................................ 18
Table 11: Headphone pin header pinouts ........................................................................................................ 18
Table 12: Mic-in connector pinouts .................................................................................................................. 19
Table 13: Mono speaker out connector & pin header pinouts ......................................................................... 19
Table 14: Audio mono out signal pin header pinouts ....................................................................................... 20
Table15: Lechannelspeakerconnector&pinheaderpinouts ..................................................................... 20
Table 16: Right channel speaker connector & pin header pinouts.................................................................... 21
Table 17: Line-in pin headers pinouts................................................................................................................ 21
Table 18: IR receiver sensor & pin header pinouts............................................................................................ 22
Table 19: Debug connector & pin header pinouts............................................................................................. 22
Table 20: RCA pin header pinouts...................................................................................................................... 24
Table21: RTCbaeryconnectorpinouts........................................................................................................... 24
Table 22: DC-in connector pinouts .................................................................................................................... 25
Table 23: SOM DDR3 SODIMM slot pinouts ...................................................................................................... 27
Table 24: HDMI port pinouts ............................................................................................................................ 28
Table 25: Micro USB 2.0 OTG port pinouts ........................................................................................................ 28
Table 26: 10/100Mbps Ethernet port pinouts................................................................................................... 29
Table27: 10/100MbpsEthernetportLEDcolordenion............................................................................... 29
Table 28: Micro SD card slot pinouts ................................................................................................................ 30
vii

SOM-6X50 User Manual
1
1. Product Overview
The VIA SOM-6X50 is an ARM-based system-on-module powered by a 800MHz VIA Cortex-A9 SoC which
deliverstheperfectbalanceofperformanceandrichmulmediafeaturesinanultra-compact,highly-exible
packageforawiderangeofIoTautomaonandHMIapplicaonssuchastransportaon,retailandmedical.
Measuring a mere 67.6mm x 48mm, the ultra-compact VIA SOM-6X50 module features 8GB eMMC Flash
memoryand512MBDDR3SDRAMonboard.ThemoduleoersrichI/Oanddisplayexpansionopons
including three USB 2.0 ports, one HDMI port or one single-channel 18/24-bit LVDS panel, six UART, one CSI
camera input, 10/100Mbps Ethernet, nine GPIO, and one Micro SD Card slot.
The VIA SOM-6X50 features a Linux BSP which includes the kernel (3.4.5) and bootloader source codes. Other
features include a Tool Chain to help make adjustments to the kernel and to support the VIA SOMDB1 carrier
board I/O and other hardware features.
1.1 Key Features
• Powered by a 800MHz VIA Cortex-A9 SoC
• Supports two integrated, independent 3D/2D graphics processing units
• Supports MPEG-2 and H.264 video decoding up to 1080p
• Supports HDMI, 18/24-bit Single-Channel LVDS, 10/100Mbps Ethernet and CSI camera input
• Supports Line-in, Line-out and Mic-in
• Supports up to six UART and three USB 2.0
•Fanlessandultra-lowpowerconsumpon
• 8GB onboard eMMC Flash memory
• 512MB DDR3 SDRAM onboard
•LinuxKernel3.4.5operangsystem
• Reference carrier board available

SOM-6X50 User Manual
2
1.2 ProductSpecicaons
Processor
• 800MHz VIA Cortex-A9 SoC
System Memory
• 512MB DDR3 SDRAM
Storage
• 8GB eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Loader
• 512KB SPI Flash ROM
Graphics
• Mali-400 SP GPU
* Two integrated, independent 3D/2D graphics processing units
* GraphicsenginesupporngOpenGL®ES2.0hardwareacceleraon
* Supports MPEG-2 and H.264 video decoding up to 1080p
LAN
• Realtek RTL8201 10/100 base-TX PHY chip
Audio
• Wolfsen WM8960 I2S Audio Codec
HDMI
• IntegratedHDMI1.4Transmier
USB to UART
• CP2108-B02-GM USB to UART 4-port controller
Supported I/O
• 1 x HDMI or 1 Single-Channel LVDS
• 1 x DVO
• 1 x CSI
• 3 x USB 2.0 ports
• 6 x UART (5 TX/RX, RTS/CTS, 1 Debug TX/RX)
• 9 x GPIO
• 1 x 10/100Mbps Ethernet port
• 3 x I2C
• 1 x SDIO
• 1 x SD Card slot
• 2 x SPI
• 4 x PWM
• 1 x Line-in, Line-out, Mic-in
• 1 x Headphone-out

SOM-6X50 User Manual
3
Operang System
• Linux Kernel 3.4.5
Operang Temperature
• 0°C ~ 60°C
Operang Humidity
• 0% ~ 95% (non-condensing)
Form Factor
• 67.6mm x 48mm (2.66” x 1.89”)
Notes:
1.AstheoperangtemperatureprovidedinthespecicaonsisaresultofthetestperformedinVIA’schamber,
anumberofvariablescaninuencethisresult.Pleasenotethattheworkingtemperaturemayvarydependingon
theactualsituaonandenvironment.Itishighlyrecommendedtoexecuteasolidtesngprogramandtakeallthe
variablesintoconsideraonwhenbuildingthesystem.Pleaseensurethatthesystemrunswellundertheoperang
temperatureintermsofapplicaon.
2. Please note that the lifespan of the onboard eMMC memory chip may vary depending on the amount of access.
More frequent and larger data access on the eMMC memory makes its lifespan shorter. Therefore, it is highly
recommended to use a replaceable external storage (e.g., Micro SD card) for large data access.

SOM-6X50 User Manual
4
1.3 Layout Diagram
Figure 1:Layout diagram of the SOM-6X50 module (top side)
Figure 2:LayoutdiagramoftheSOM-6X50module(boomside)
eMMC
DDR3 SDRAM
VIA Cortex-A9 SoC
Golden finger
Debug connector

SOM-6X50 User Manual
5
1.4 Product Dimensions
Figure 3:Dimensions of the SOM-6X50 module (top view)
Figure 4:Dimensions of the SOMDB1 carrier board with the SOM-6X50 module installed
44.3mm
67.6mm
48mm
O2mm
SOMDB1
VTS8666C
160mm
26mm
100mm
42mm
41mm

SOM-6X50 User Manual
6
2. Onboard I/O Connector
ThischapterprovidesinformaonabouttheSOM-6X50’sonboardI/Oconnectoranditsfunconality.
2.1 Debug Connector
The SOM-6X50 comes with a debug connector which is used for debugging purposes. It supports TX/RX. The
pinouts of the debug connector are shown below.
Table 1: Debug connector pinouts
Pin Signal
1 UART0TXD
2 UART0RXD
3 GND
4 SFCLK
5 SFDO
6 SFDI
7 SFCS0-
8 VCC33_SF
Figure 5:Debug connector diagram

SOM-6X50 User Manual
7
3. Hardware Installaon
Thischapterprovidesinformaonaboutthehardwareinstallaonprocedures.
3.1 Installing the SOM-6X50 Module on the SOMDB1
Carrier Board
Step 1
InstallthethermalpadonthetopoftheprocessorontheSOM-6X50modulethenipoverthemodule.
Figure 6:Installing the thermal pad
Step 2
Align the notch on the SOM-6X50 module with the counterpart on the SOM DDR3 SODIMM slot on the
SOMDB1 carrier board then insert the module at a 30° angle.
Figure 7:Installing the SOM-6X50 module
SOMDB1
1
1
VTS8666C
30

SOM-6X50 User Manual
8
Step 3
OncetheSOM-6X50modulehasbeenfullyinserted,pushdownthemoduleunlthestandoholesalignwith
the screw holes and then secure the module with the provided screws.
Figure 8:Securing the SOM-6X50 module
SOMDB1
1
1
VTS8666C

SOM-6X50 User Manual
9
4. Soware and Technical Support
4.1 Linux Support
TheSOM-6X50featuresacompletesowareevaluaonimagefeaturingtheLinuxKernel3.4.5operang
system.
4.2 Technical Support and Assistance
• ForuliesdownloadsandthelatestdocumentaonandinformaonabouttheSOM-6X50,pleasevisitour
website at hps://www.viatech.com/en/boards/modules/som-6x50/
• Fortechnicalsupportandaddionalassistance,alwayscontactyourlocalsalesrepresentaveor 
board distributor, or go to hps://www.viatech.com/en/support/driver-support-fag/technical-support/ for
technical support.
• ForOEMclientsandsystemintegratorsdevelopingaproductforlongtermproducon,other  
code and resources may also be made available. Please visit our website at h  p s : / / w w w. v i a t e c h . c o m / e n /
about/contact/ to submit a request.

SOM-6X50 User Manual
10
Appendix A. SOMDB1 Carrier Board
Reference
A.1. BoardSpecicaons
Onboard I/O
• 1 x LCD panel connector
• 1 x Touch connector
• 2 x USB 2.0 connectors
• 4 x COM connectors
• 2 x UART pin headers
• 1 x Debug connector & pin header
• 1 x Camera connector
• 1 x GPIO pin header (9 GPIO)
• 1 x I²C pin header (3 x I2C)
• 1 x SPI pin header (2 x SPI)
• 1 x IR Receiver sensor & pin header
• 2 x Line-in pin headers
• 3xLine-outconnectors&pinheaders(forMono,Right&Lechannelspeakers)
• 1 x Audio mono out signal pin header
• 1 x Mic-in connector
• 1 x Headphone pin header
• 1 x RCA pin header
• 1xSystemrecoverybuon
• 1xWatchdogmerswitch
• 1xPowerbuon
• 1xRTCbaeryconnector
• 1 x DC-in connector
Front Panel I/O
• 1 x Composite RCA jack
• 1 x 10/100Mbps Ethernet port
• 1 x Headphone jack
Back Panel I/O
• 1 x Micro SD card slot
Right Panel I/O
• 1 x HDMI port
• 1 x Micro USB 2.0 OTG port
Power Supply
• 5V ~ 19V DC-in
Operang Temperature
• 0°C ~ 60°C
Operang Humidity
• 0% ~ 95% (non-condensing)
Form Factor
• 160mm x 100mm (6.3” x 3.94”)

SOM-6X50 User Manual
11
A.2. SOMDB1 Layout Diagram
Figure 9:LayoutdiagramoftheSOMDB1connectors,slot,buons,switch(topside)
Figure 10: Layout diagram of the SOMDB1 pin headers (top side)
SOMDB1
VTS8666C
LCD panel connector To uch connector
COM connectorCamera connector
Mic-in connector
Debug connector
DC-in connector
IR Receiver
Watchdog mer switch
System recovery buon
Power buon
Le channel
speaker connector
RTC baery
connector
Right channel
speaker connector
Mono speaker out
connector
SOM DDR3
SODIMM slot
USB 2.0
connector
SOMDB1
VTS8666C
Audio mono out
Headphone pin header
Le channel
speaker pin header
Right channel
speaker pin header
Mono speaker out
pin header
IR Receiver pin header
SPI pin header
GPIO pin header
Debug pin header
UART pin header
I C pin header
2
RCA pin header
Line-in pin header
signal pin header

SOM-6X50 User Manual
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Figure 11: SOMDB1 front panel I/O
Figure 12: SOMDB1 back panel I/O
Figure 13: SOMDB1 right panel I/O
10/100Mbps EthernetRCA jack
Headphone jack
Micro SD card slot
Micro USB 2.0 OTG
HDMI

SOM-6X50 User Manual
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A.2.1. SOMDB1 Onboard I/O
A.2.1.1. LCD Panel Connector
The SOMDB1 carrier board provides a 18/24-bit single-channel LCD panel connector labeled as “J34” which is
usedforconnecngtheLVDSLCDdisplay.ThepinoutsoftheLCDpanelconnectorareshownbelow.
Table 2: LCD panel connector pinouts
SOMDB1
VTS8666C
1
1
J34
Figure 14: LCD panel connector diagram
Pin Signal
1 LCM_LEDA
2 LCM_LEDA
3 LCM_LEDK
4 LCM_LEDK
5 GND
6VCOM
7 VCC33
8 MODE
9 LCD_EN
10 LCD_VSYNC
11 LCD_HSYNC
12 LCD_B7
13 LCD_B6
14 LCD_B5
15 LCD_B4
16 LCD_B3
17 LCD_B2
18 LCD_B1
19 LCD_B0
20 LCD_G7
21 LCD_G6
22 LCD_G5
23 LCD_G4
24 LCD_G3
25 LCD_G2
Pin Signal
26 LCD_G1
27 LCD_G0
28 LCD_R7
29 LCD_R6
30 LCD_R5
31 LCD_R4
32 LCD_R3
33 LCD_R2
34 LCD_R1
35 LCD_R0
36 GND
37 LCD_PCLK
38 GND
39 SHLR
40 UPDN
41 VGH
42 VGL
43 AVDD
44 RESET
45 NC
46 VCOM
47 DITH
48 GND
49 NC
50 NC