Forlinx OK1028A-C networking SBC supports LVDS displays, 4G/5G modules

Forlinx released two networking SBC’s with 10Gbps Ethernet powered by NXP LS1043A and LS1046A processor nearly exactly one year ago. Like many other networking SBCs they do not come with video output so configuration is done via a computer or laptop either through a UART interface or a web interface.

But in some cases, such boards may be integrated into machines that require a display for human-machine interaction. That’s why Forlinx has now released a new networking board – OK1028A-C – powered by NXP QorIQ Layerscape LS1028A dual-core Cortex-A72 processor that natively supports video output up to 4K UHD resolution via an eDP/DisplayPort interface which the company used to provide an LVDS header. The board also offers 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as optional WiFi, Bluetooth, and 4G or 5G cellular connectivity via M.2 and mPCIe modules.

Forlinx OK1028A-C specifications:

FET1028A-C system-on-module
- SoC – NXP LS1028A dual-core Cortex-A72 processor @ up to 1.5GHz
- System Memory – 2GB DDR4
- Storage – 8GB eMMC flash
- Board-to-board connectors with
  - Display – DP1.3 and eDP 1.4, up to 4Kp60
  - Storage – 1x SATA III up to 6Gbps, configured by SerDes
  - Networking – Up to 6x Ethernet up to 2.5Gbps, TSN support, and 4-port TSN switch; 5x Ethernet ports can be configured by SerDes
  - PCIe – Up to 2x PCIe 3.0 interfaces up to 8GT/s, configured by SerDes
  - USB – Up to 2x USB 3.0 5Gbps interfaces
  - Various low-speed interfaces – 4x UART, 2x CAN FD, 6x I2C, 2x SPI, etc…
- Supply Voltage – 12V DC (TBC)
- Dimensions – 65 x 42 mm
- Temperature Range – -40~ +85
OK1028A-C carrier board
- Storage – 1x SATA 3.0 port, MicroSD card socket
- Display I/F – 8-bit or dual- 8-bit LVDS + PWM for backlight
- Audio – 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x 2-pin speaker header
- Ethernet – 5x 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 ports with support for TSN (Time-sensitive Networking)
- USB – 1x USB 3.0, Super-speed (5 Gbit/s)
- Debugging – DB9 UART connector
- Expansion
  - 1x M.2 Key E connector, PCIe Gen2, for optional WiFi module
  - 1x M.2 Key B connector for optional 5G module + micro SIM socket
  - 1x mini PCIe connector for optional 4G module + micro SIM socket
  - 1x UART header, 2x I2C header, 1x SPI header
  - 2x CAN bus (CAN2.0B, CAN FD) via terminal blocks
- Misc – 2x user LEDs, DIP configuration switch
- Power Supply – 12V DC via power barrel jack
- Dimensions – TBD

OK1028A-C SBC runs Ubuntu 18.04 with Qt 5.9.9 with the development of HMI applications. Besides 4K video output, LS1028A also adds CAN FD support. While the company leverages the CAN FD, they decided to use an eDP to LVDS connector for their own 10.1-inch LVDS display with a 1280 x 800 resolution.

If you need to test or use higher resolution displays and/or 2.5GbE, you’d need to design your own board for FET1028A-C system-on-module. I asked the company how they tested their module for 4K and 2.5GbE since the development board does not support those, and I’ll update the board if I get an answer.

Both the system-on-module and single board computer appears to be available now at an undisclosed price. More details can be found on the product page. It’s not the first time we write about an NXP LS1028A SoM as last year we covered Miriac MPX-LS1028A module, and the company provides a carrier board with multiple Gigabit Ethernet port (no 2.5GbE ports), and a DisplayPort capable of 4K video output.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.