Introduction:

The Toradex Apalis i.MX8 QuadMax is a System on Module based on the NXP i.MX8 QuadMax SoC.

Here at SiBrain Technologies, we have developed Android 13 (AOS) for Toradex Apalis i.MX8 QuadMax. Please read carefully the compatibility checklist on the release notes. Toradex products are defined by their part number and some products maybe not be compatible with the provided BSP because of their different hardware configuration. The more common difference is the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module’s presence (or not).

SiBrain Technologies BSP are tested in SoM modules featuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips, if not explicitly specified. Please make sure also that the version and the part number of the carrier board is what is reported in the Release Notes.

Release Notes:

Here are some important notes about our android build:

  • Android 13, U-Boot 2023.04.
  • Android 13, Linux Kernel 6.1.25.
  • Arm trusted firmware V2:8
  • Based on NXP release: android-13.0.0_2.1.0
  • Tested on
    • MX8 QuadMax System on Module V1.1E (PN: 00371104) with Ixora carrier board revision V1.3A (PN: 01331300).
  • Compatible with any HDMI display using the native HDMI port on the Ixora carrier board.
  • Compatible with any USB Camera (Image capture).

Flash Instructions:

The following steps will guide you through the installation of Android 13 on the Toradex Apalis i.MX8 QuadMax.

Hardware Requirement:
  • Toradex Apalis i.MX8 QuadMax (V1.1E) with the Ixora carrier board3A
  • SoM with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC.
  • A USB drive formatted in FAT32 (at least 8 GB).
  • A USB mouse.
  • A host computer running Windows or GNU/Linux.
  • A USB-A to USB-C cable – to load the Toradex Easy Installer.

Software Requirements:

  • The Apalis board running Toradex Easy Installer.
  • SiBrain Technologies Android 13 Easy Installer archive, Android image downloadable “link” provided by SiBrain team.

Installation procedure:

  • Download the Toradex Easy Installer archive for the Apalis i.MX8 QuadMax from here.
  • Unpack the Toradex Easy Installer archive in a directory on the host PC.
  • Unpack the SiBrain Android 13 Easy Installer archive in the USB drive.
  • Insert the USB drive in one of the USB ports on the Ixora carrier board.
PART 1: LOAD THE TORADEX EASY INSTALLER:

If your board is already running the Toradex Easy Installer, skip Part 1 and start from Part 2.

  • Connect a USB-C cable to the USB-C port from the Ixora carrier board to the host PC.
  • Short RECOVERY pins on the Ixora carrier board.
  • Restart the board or power it down and back up.
  • From the host PC, enter in the directory with the unpacked Toradex Easy Installer archive and:
    • On Windows (from a prompt with admin privileges):
      • $ recovery-windows.bat
    • On Linux:
      • $ sudo ./recovery-linux.sh
  • Wait for the Successfully downloaded Toradex Easy Installer message, that will indicate that the board is now booting the Toradex Easy Installer.
PART 2: FLASH ANDROID
  • If you have skipped Part 1, power up the board.
  • It is necessary to have the Toradex Easy Installer interface available: connect an HDMI display to the native HDMI on the Apalis board.
  • From the Easy Installer interface, the RNDIS tab will show the SiBrain AOSP 13 for Apalis i.MX8 QuadMax V1.3A Using a mouse, double click to flash it on the device.
  • After the procedure is finished, reboot the board.
  • Android is now installed on the device.