Compulab IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS Industrial ARM IoT Gateway User Guide
Table 1 Document Revision Notes
| Date | Description |
| 06 July 2022 |
|
| 11 July 2022 |
|
| 26 December 2022 |
|
| 2 February 2023 |
|
INTRODUCTION
About This Document
This document is part of a set of documents providing information necessary to operate and program Compulab IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS.
Related Documents
For additional information not covered in this manual, please refer to the documents listed in Table 2.
Table 2 Related Documents
| Document | Location |
| IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS resources | https://www.compulab.com/products/iot-gateways/iot-gate-imx8plus- industrial-arm-iot-gateway/#devres |
OVERVIEW
Highlights
- NXP i.MX8M-Plus CPU, quad-core Cortex-A53
- Up to 8GB RAM and 128GB eMMC
- LTE/4G modem, WiFi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3
- 2x LAN, USB3.0, 2x USB2.0 and 2x CAN bus
- Up-to 3x RS485 | RS232 and digital I/O
- Secure boot and Hardware Watchdog
- Fanless design in an aluminum, rugged housing
- Designed for reliability and 24/7 operation
- Wide temperature range of -40C to 80C
- Input voltage range of 8V to 36V and PoE client
- Supports DIN-rail and wall / VESA mounting
- Debian Linux and Yocto Project
Specifications
Table 3 CPU Core, RAM, and Storage
| Feature | Specifications |
| CPU | NXP i.MX8M Plus Quad, quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.8GHz |
| NPU | AI/ML Neural Processing Unit, up to 2.3 TOPS |
| Real-Time Co-processor | ARM Cortex-M7, 800Mhz |
| RAM | 1GB – 8GB, LPDDR4 |
| Primary storage | 16GB – 128GB eMMC flash, soldered on-board |
Table 4 Network
| Feature | Specifications |
| LAN | 2x 1000Mbps Ethernet portx, RJ45 connectors |
| WiFi and Bluetooth | 802.11ax WiFi and Bluetooth 5.3 BLE Implemented with Intel WiFi 6E AX210 module2x 2.4GHz / 5GHz rubber duck antennas |
| Cellular | 4G/LTE CAT4 cellular module, Quectel EC25-E/A Cellular rubber duck antenna |
| SIM card socket | |
| GNSS | GPSImplemented with Quectel EC25 module |
Table 5 Display and Graphics
| Feature | Specifications |
| Display Output | DVI-D, up to 1080p60 |
| GPU and Video | GC7000UL GPU1080p60 HEVC/H.265, AVC/H.264* only with C1800QM CPU option |
Table 6 I/O and System
| Feature | Specifications |
| USB | 2x USB2.0 ports, type-A connectors (back panel) |
| 1x USB3.0 port, type-A connector (front panel) | |
| RS485 / RS232 | Up-to 3x RS485 (half-duplex) | RS232 ports Isolated, terminal-block connector |
| CAN bus | Up to 2x CAN bus portIsolated, terminal-block connector |
| Digital I/O | 4x digital outputs + 4x digital inputsIsolated, 24V compliant with EN 61131-2, terminal-block connector |
| Debug | 1x serial console via UART-to-USB bridge, micro-USB connector |
| Support for NXP SDP/UUU protocol, micro-USB connector | |
| Expansion | Expansion connector for add-on boards LVDS, SDIO, USB, SPI, I2C, GPIOs |
| Security | Secure boot, implemented with i.MX8M Plus HAB module |
| TPM 2.0, Infineon SLB9670* implemented with add-on board installed in expansion connector | |
| LEDs | 2x general purpose dual-color LEDs |
| RTC | Real time clock operated from on-board coin-cell battery |
| Watchdog | Hardware watchdog |
| PoE | Support for PoE (powered device) |
Table 7 Electrical, Mechanical and Environmental
| Supply Voltage | Unregulated 8V to 36V |
| Dimensions | 132 x 84 x 25mm |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum housing |
| Cooling | Passive cooling, fanless design |
| Weight | 550 gram |
| MTTF | 2000,000 hours |
| Operation temperature | Commercial: 0° to 60° CIndustrial: -40° to 80° C |
CORE SYSTEM COMPONENTS
NXP i.MX8M Plus SoC
The i.MX8M Plus processors feature advanced implementation of a quad ARM® Cortex®-A53 core, which operates at speeds of up to 1.8 GHz. A general purpose Cortex®-M7 core processor enables low-power processing.
Figure 1 i.MX8M Plus Block Diagram
System Memory
DRAM
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS is available with up to 8GB of on-board LPDDR4 memory.
Primary Storage
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features up to 128GB of soldered on-board eMMC memory for storing the bootloader and operating system (Kernel and root filesystem). The remaining eMMC space is used to store general-purpose (user) data.
WiFi and Bluetooth
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS can be optionally assembled with the Intel WiFi 6 AX210 module providing 2×2 WiFi 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.3 interfaces. AX210 module is installed into M.2 socket (P22). WiFi and Bluetooth antenna connections are available via two RP-SMA connectors on IOT-GATEIMX8PLUS side panel
Cellular and GPS
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS cellular interface is implemented with a mini-PCIe cellular modem module and a nano-SIM socket. To set up IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS for cellular functionality, install an active SIM card into nano-SIM socket U10. The cellular module should be installed into mini-PCIe socket P3.
The cellular modem module also implements GNNS / GPS.
A secure lock panel is protecting the SIM card from external unauthorized tampering or extraction.
Modem antenna connections are available via SMA connectors on the IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS side panel.
CompuLab supplies IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS with the following cellular modem options:
Figure 2 service bay – cellular modem
Ethernet
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS incorporates two Ethernet ports implemetned with i.MX8M Plus internal MACs and two Realtek RTL8211 PHYs
ETH1 is available on connector P13; ETH2 is available on connector P14.
ETH2 port features optional POE 802.3af powered device capability.
NOTE: ETH2 port features PoE powered device capability only when the unit is ordered with the ‘POE’ configuration option.
USB
USB3.0
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features one USB3.0 host port routed to front panel USB connector J8. USB3.0 port is implemented directly with the native i.MX8M Plus port
USB2.0
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features two external USB2.0 host ports. The ports are routed to back panel USB connectors P17 and P18. All USB2.0 ports are implemented with MicroChip USB2514 USB hub.
CAN bus
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features up to 2 CAN 2.0B ports implemented with i.MX8M Plus CAN controller.
CAN bus signals are routed to industrial I/O connector P8. For pin-out details please refer to section 5.4.
NOTE: One CAN bus port is always available. Additional (2nd) CAN bus port occupies one of the industrial I/O (IE) slots and is only available when IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS is ordered with the FCCAN ordering option.
Serial Debug Console
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features a serial debug console via UART-to-USB bridge over micro USB connector. CP2104 UART-to-USB bridge is interfaced with i.MX8M Plus UART port. CP2104 USB signals are routed to micro USB connector P20, located on the front panel.
Display Output
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features DVI-D interface routed to standard HDMI connector. Display output interface support resolutions of up-to 1920 x 1080.
USB Programming Port
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features a USB programming interface that can be used for device recovery using the NXP UUU utility.
USB programming interface is routed to the front panel connector P16. The connector can be optionally protected from unauthorized access with a secure screw panel.
When a host PC is connected with a USB cable to the USB programming connector, IOT-GATEIMX8PLUS disables normal boot from eMMC and enters Serial Downloader boot mode.
I/O Expansion Socket
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS expansion interface is available on M.2 Key-E socket P12. The expansion connector allows integration of custom I/O add-on boards into IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS. The expansion connector features embedded interfaces such as LVDS, I2C, SPI, USB and UART.
Industrial I/O (IE modules)
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features 4 industrial I/O (IE) slots that can be fitted with up-to 4 different I/O modules. Each IE slot is isolated from IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS.
I/O slots A,B,C can be fitted with RS232 or RS485 I/O modules. I/O slot D can only be fitted with a digital I/O (4x DI, 4x DO) module.
Table 8 Industrial I/O – functions and ordering codes
| I/O slot A | I/O slot B | I/O slot C | I/O slot D | |
| RS-232 (2-wire) | FARS2 | FBRS2 | FCRS2 | – |
| RS-485 (half-duplex) | FARS4 | FBRS4 | FCRS4 | – |
| CAN bus | – | – | FCCAN | – |
| Digital I/O(4x DI, 4x DO) | – | – | – | FDIO |
Combination examples:
- For 2x RS485 the ordering code will be IOTG-IMX8PLUS-…-FARS4-FBRS4-…
- For 1x RS232 + 1x RS485 + digital I/O the ordering code will be IOTG-IMX8PLUS-…-FARS2- FBRS4-FDIO-…
Certain I/O combinations may also be implemented with on-board SMT components.
Industrial I/O signals are routed to a 2×11 terminal block on the IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS back panel. For connector pin-out please refer to section 5.4.
IE-RS485
RS485 function is implemented with MAX13488 transceiver interfaced with i.MX8M Plus UART ports. Key characteristics:
- 2-wire, half-duplex
- Galvanic isolation from the main unit
- Programmable baud rate of up to 3Mbps
- Software controlled 120ohm termination resistor
IE-RS232
RS232 function is implemented with MAX3221 (or compatible) transceiver interfaced with i.MX8M Plus UART ports. Key characteristics:
- RX/TX only
- Galvanic isolation from the main unit
- Programmable baud rate of up to 250kbps
Digital inputs and outputs
Four digital inputs are implemented with the CLT3-4B digital termination in accordance with EN 61131-2. Four digital outputs are implemented with the VNI4140K solid-state relay in accordance with EN 61131-2. Key characteristics:
- Designed for 24V PLC applicaitons
- Galvanic isolation from main unit and other I/O modules
- Digital outputs maximal output current – 0.5A per channel
Table 9 Digital I/O Operating Conditions
| Parameter | Description | Min | Typ. | Max | Unit |
| 24V_IN | External power supply voltage | 12 | 24 | 30 | V |
| VIN Low | Maximal input voltage recongnized as LOW | 4 | V | ||
| VIN High | Minimal input voltage recognized as HIGH | 6 | V |
Figure 3 Digital output – typical wiring example
Figure 4 Digital input – typical wiring example
SYSTEM LOGIC
Power Subsystem
Power Rails
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS is powered with a single power rail with an input voltage range of 8V to 36V. When IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS is assembled with the “POE” option it can also be powered through ETH2 connector from a 802.3at Type 1 PoE source.
Power Modes
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS supports three hardware power modes.
Table 10 Power modes
| Power Mode | Description |
| ON | All internal power rails are enabled. Mode entered automatically when the main power supply is connected. |
| OFF | CPU core power rails are off. All peripheral power rails are off. |
| Sleep | DRAM is maintained in self-refresh. Most CPU core power rails are off. Most of the peripheral power rails are off. |
RTC Back-Up Battery
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features a 120mAh coin cell lithium battery, which maintains the on-board RTC whenever the main power supply is not present
Real-Time Clock
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS RTC is implemented with the AM1805 real-time clock (RTC) chip. The RTC is connected to the i.MX8M Plus SoC using I2C interface at address 0xD2/D3. IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS back-up battery keeps the RTC running to maintain clock and time information whenever the main power supply is not present.
Hardware Watchdog
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS watchdog function is implemented with the i.MX8M Plus watchdog.
Trusted Platform Module
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS can be optionally (ordering code “FXTPM”) assembled with a TPM add-on board installed into the expansion connector. TPM implemented with Infineon SLB9670.
NOTE: TPM add-on uses the expansion connector and cannot be combined with any other addon board.
INTERFACES AND CONNECTORS
Connector Locations
Front Pane
Back Panel
Left Side Panel
* The IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS left side panel is also used for the connector(s) of the optional expansion add-on boards. The picture above depicts the default panel without expansion add-on.
Right Side Panel
Service Bay
DC Power Jack (J7)
DC power input connector.
Table 11 DC jack connector pin-out
| Pin | Signal Name |  |
| 1 | DC IN | |
| 2 | GND | |
Table 12 DC jack connector data
| Manufacturer | Mfg. P/N |
| Contact Technology | DC-081HS(-2.5) |
The connector is compatible with the IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS AC PSU and IOTG-ACC-CABDC DC cable available from CompuLab.
USB Host Connectors (J8, P17, P18)
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS USB3.0 host port is available through standard type-A USB3 connector J8. IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS USB2.0 host ports are available through two standard type-A USB connectors P17 and P18.
For additional details, please refer to section 3.6 of this documen
Industrial I/O Connector (P8)
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS industrial I/O signals are routed to terminal block P8. Pin-out is determined by the I/O modules configuration. For additional details please refer to section 3.12.
Table 13 Industrial I/O add-on connector pin-out
| I/O module | Pin | Singal Name | Isolation Power Domain |
| A | 1 | RS232_TXD / RS485_POS | 1 |
| – | 2 | CAN_L | 1 |
| A | 3 | RS232_RXD / RS485_NEG | 1 |
| – | 4 | CAN_H | 1 |
| A | 5 | ISO_GND_1 | 1 |
| B | 6 | RS232_RXD / RS485_NEG | 2 |
| B | 7 | RS232_TXD / RS485_POS | 2 |
| B | 8 | ISO_GND_2 | 2 |
| D | 9 | IN0 | 3 |
| D | 10 | IN1 | 3 |
| D | 11 | IN2 | 3 |
| C | 12 | RS232_TXD / RS485_POS / CAN_H | 3 |
| D | 13 | IN3 | 3 |
| C | 14 | RS232_RXD / RS485_NEG / CAN_L | 3 |
| D | 15 | OUT0 | 3 |
| D | 16 | OUT1 | 3 |
| D | 17 | OUT3 | 3 |
| D | 18 | OUT2 | 3 |
| D | 19 | 24V_IN | 3 |
| D | 20 | 24V_IN | 3 |
| C/D | 21 | ISO_GND_3 | 3 |
| C/D | 22 | ISO_GND_3 | 3 |
Table 14 Industrial I/O add-on connector data
| Connector type | Pin numbering |
| 22-pin dual-raw plug with push-in spring connections Locking: screw flange Pitch: 2.54 mm Wire cross-section: AWG 20 – AWG 30 Connector P/N: Kunacon HGCH25422500K Mating connector P/N: Kunacon PDFD25422500K NOTE: CompuLab supplies the mating connector with the gateway unit |  |
5.5 Serial Debug Console (P5)
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS serial debug console interface is routed to micro USB connector P20. For additional information, please refer to section 3.8 of this documents.
RJ45 Ethernet Connectors (P13, P14)
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS Ethernet port ETH1 is routed to RJ45 connector P13. IOT-GATEIMX8PLUS Ethernet port ETH2 is routed to RJ45 connector P14. For additional details, please refer to section 3.5 of this document.
Mini-PCIe socket (P3)
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features one mini-PCIe socket P3 mainly intended for cellular modem modules. P3 implements USB and SIM interfaces. Socket P3 does not implement PCIe signals.
Nano-SIM socket (U10)
The nano-uSIM socket (U10) is connected to mini-PCIe socket P3. SIM card installation instructions:
- Remove the screw from the SIM/PROG tray-cover
- Insert a SIM removal tool into the cover popping hole to pop the tray-cover
- Place the SIM into the tray
- Carefully push the tray-cover back in
- Close the SIM/PROG cover screw (optional)
Expansion Connector (P19)
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS expansion interafce is available on M.2 Key-E socket with a custom pin-out P19. The expansion connector allows to integrate custom I/O add-on boards into IOT-GATEIMX8PLUS. The following table outlines the connector pin-out and available pin functions
Table 15 Expansion connector pin-out
| Pin | Singal name | Description | Pin | Signal name | Description |
| 2 | VCC_3.3V | Power output 3.3V | 1 | GND | |
| 4 | VCC_3.3V | Power output 3.3V | 3 | USB_DP | Optional multiplexed USB2 from USB Hub |
| 6 | VCC_5V | Power output 5V | 5 | USB_DN | Optional multiplexed USB2 from USB Hub |
| 8 | VCC_5V | Power output 5V | 7 | GND | |
| 10 | VBATA_IN | Power input (8V – 36V) | 9 | I2C6_SCL | I2C6_SCL / PWM4_OUT / GPIO3_IO19 |
| 12 | VBATA_IN | Power input (8V – 36V) | 11 | I2C6_SDA | I2C6_SDA / PWM3_OUT / GPIO3_IO20 |
| 14 | VBATA_IN | Power input (8V – 36V) | 13 | GND | |
| 16 | EXT_PWRBTNn | ON/OFF input | 15 | ECSPI2_SS0 | ECSPI2_SS0 / GPIO5_IO13 |
| 18 | GND | 17 | ECSPI2_MISO | ECSPI2_MISO / GPIO5_IO12 | |
| 20 | EXT_RESET | Reset input | 19 | GND | |
| 22 | RESERVED | 21 | ECSPI2_SCLK | ECSPI2_SCLK / GPIO5_IO10 | |
| 24 | NC | Key E notch | 23 | ECSPI2_MOSI | ECSPI2_MOSI / GPIO5_IO11 |
| 26 | NC | Key E notch | 25 | NC | Key E notch |
| 28 | NC | Key E notch | 27 | NC | Key E notch |
| 30 | NC | Key E notch | 29 | NC | Key E notch |
| 32 | GND | 31 | NC | Key E notch | |
| 34 | I2C5_SDA | I2C5_SDA / PWM1_OUT / GPIO3_IO25 | 33 | GND | |
| 36 | I2C5_SCL | I2C5_SCL / PWM2_OUT / GPIO3_IO21 | 35 | JTAG_TMS | SoC JTAG |
| 38 | GND | 37 | JTAG_TDI | SoC JTAG | |
| 40 | JTAG_TCK | SoC JTAG | 39 | GND | |
| 42 | GND | 41 | JTAG_MOD | SoC JTAG | |
| 44 | RESERVED | 43 | JTAG_TDO | SoC JTAG | |
| 46 | SD2_DATA2 | SD2_DATA2 / GPIO2_IO17 | 45 | GND | |
| 48 | SD2_CLK | SD2_CLK/ GPIO2_IO13 | 47 | LVDS_CLK_P | LVDS output clock |
| 50 | SD2_DATA3 | SD2_DATA3 / GPIO2_IO18 | 49 | LVDS_CLK_N | LVDS output clock |
| 52 | SD2_CMD | SD2_CMD / GPIO2_IO14 | 51 | GND | |
| 54 | SD2_DATA0 | SD2_DATA0 / GPIO2_IO15 | 53 | LVDS_D3_N | LVDS output data |
| 56 | GND | 55 | LVDS_D3_P | LVDS output data | |
| 58 | SD2_DATA1 | SD2_DATA1 / GPIO2_IO16 | 57 | GND | |
| 60 | SD2_nRST | SD2_nRST / GPIO2_IO19 | 59 | LVDS_D2_N | LVDS output data |
| 62 | GND | 61 | LVDS_D2_P | LVDS output data | |
| 64 | RESERVED | 63 | GND | ||
| 66 | GND | 65 | LVDS_D1_N | LVDS output data | |
| 68 | RESERVED | 67 | LVDS_D1_P | LVDS output data | |
| 70 | RESERVED | 69 | GND | ||
| 72 | VCC_3.3V | Power output 3.3V | 71 | LVDS_D0_P | LVDS output data |
| 74 | VCC_3.3V | Power output 3.3V | 73 | LVDS_D0_N | LVDS output data |
| 75 | GND |
Indicator LEDs
The tables below describe IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS indicator LEDs.
Table 16 Power LED
| Main power connected | LED state |
| Yes | On |
| No | Off |
General purpose LEDs are controlled by SoC GPIOs.
Table 17 User LED #1
| GP5_IO05 state | LED state |
| Low | Off |
| High | Red |
Table 18 User LED #2
| GP5_IO01 state | GP4_IO28 state | LED state |
| Low | Low | Off |
| Low | High | Green |
| High | Low | Red |
| High | High | Yellow |
Antenna Connectors
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS features up-to four connectors for external antennas.
Table 19 Default antenna connector assignment
| Connector Name | Function | Connector Type |
| WLAN-A / BT | WiFi/BT main antenna | RP-SMA |
| WLAN-B | WiFi auxillary antenna | RP-SMA |
| WWAN | LTE main antenna | SMA |
| AUX | GPS antenna | SMA |
MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS 3D model is available for download at:
https://www.compulab.com/products/iot-gateways/iot-gate-imx8plus-industrial-arm-iotgateway/#devres
OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Table 20 Absolute Maximum Ratings
| Parameter | Min | Max | Unit |
| Main power supply voltage | -0.3 | 40 | V |
NOTE: Stress beyond Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause permanent damage to the device.
Recommended Operating Conditions
Table 21 Recommended Operating Conditions
| Parameter | Min | Typ. | Max | Unit |
| Main power supply voltage | 8 | 12 | 36 | V |
Typical Power Consumption
Table 22 IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS Typical Power Consumption
| Use case | Use case description | Current | Power |
| Linux idle, headless | Linux up, Ethernet up, no display, no activity | 200mA | 2.4W |
| Linux idle, with display | Linux up, ethernet up, display connected, no activity | 250mA | 3.0W |
| Wi-Fi or Ethernet data transfer | Linux up, no display, active ethernet or Wi-Fi data transmission | 300mA | 3.6W |
| Cellular modem data transfer | Linux up, no display, active modem data transmission | 400mA | 4.8W |
| Heavy mixed load without cellular activity | CPU and memory stress-test + Wi-Fi running + Bluetooth running + Ethernet activity + LEDs | 450mA | 5.4W |
| Heavy mixed load with active cellular modem data transfer | CPU and memory stress-test + active modem data transmission | 650mA | 7.8W |
Power consumption has been measured with the following setup:
- Configuration – IOTG-IMX8PLUS-C1800QM-D4-N32-WB-JEC25E-FARS4-FBRS2-FDIOPOE-PS-XL
- Standard IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS 12VDC PSU
- Software stack – stock Debian for IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS v1.1
© 2023 CompuLab
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CompuLab reserves the right to change details in this publication without notice.
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2069208, Israel
Tel: +972 (4) 8290100
www.compulab.com
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Documents / Resources
 | Compulab IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS Industrial ARM IoT Gateway [pdf] User Guide IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS Industrial ARM IoT Gateway, IOT-GATE-IMX8PLUS, Industrial ARM IoT Gateway, ARM IoT Gateway, IoT Gateway, Gateway |
