This video introduces the Debix SOM A industrial single-board computers and system-on-modules, highlighting their robust design and extensive connectivity for challenging environments. The SOM A features an NXP IMX8M SoC with a quad Cortex A53 CPU, a Cortex M7 real-time core, dual ISPs, an NPU (2.3 TOPS), and supports up to 4GB RAM.
The presenter demonstrates the carrier board's capabilities by booting both Windows 10 IoT and Debian 12 (ARM64). The Windows demonstration showcases a pre-flashed 8GB RAM board with functional networking, USB, and HDMI, noting its performance is suitable for industrial applications rather than multimedia. The Debian 12 test reveals a quick boot time on a 2GB RAM board running a 6.6 Linux kernel, with working desktop, networking, and hardware-accelerated 3D graphics (Vivante GC7000UL), though browser-based video acceleration is limited. The system exhibits low power consumption, around 3-5 watts.
The video also discusses the product's industrial-grade features, including dual Gigabit Ethernet (one with Time-Sensitive Networking), a wide voltage input range (12-36V), various industrial communication ports (CAN, RS232/485), mini PCIe for 4G, and Mippy camera/display interfaces. The creator emphasizes Debix's confidence in their product by providing full editorial independence for this sponsored review. Future videos will cover other SOM versions (B and C) and include torture testing, with a giveaway planned once shipping logistics are resolved.
Debix SOM A: Industrial Hardware Deep Dive & Testing
0:03 Introduction to Debix Industrial Hardware: The video revisits Debix, known for robust industrial hardware, and introduces their new SOM (System on Module) A IO boards (carrier boards) and modules. This review focuses on the SOM A, with B and C versions planned for a future video.
0:51 Independent Sponsorship: The video is sponsored by Debix, but the content is fully independent, with no script or review by the company before publishing.
2:04 Giveaway Announcement: The creator received six modules and boards, keeping two and planning to give away four in an upcoming video, after current US shipping restrictions are resolved.
3:36 Product Overview (SOM A): The Debix SOM A is an industrial SBC supporting Yocto, Android, Windows, Ubuntu, and Debian. It's designed to withstand harsh environments.
Industrial I/O: Two CAN ports, serial ports (RS232/485), digital in/out (DI/DO), debug ports.
Storage/Expansion: SD card slot, micro SIM slot, mini PCIe interface for 4G modules.
10:51 Windows 10 IoT Test: The creator demonstrates a pre-assembled SOM A with 8GB RAM and pre-flashed Windows 10 IoT booting up.
Performance: Boots quickly (around 30-40 seconds) without a heatsink. Task Manager shows CPU (1.6 GHz), 8GB RAM, and a Vivante MXGPU.
Functionality: Networking, USB, and HDMI are confirmed working (though the capture card causes visual artifacts).
Use Case: Emphasized as an industrial device, not for general desktop/multimedia use.
15:05 Debian 12 Test: Another SOM A (2GB RAM) is tested with a pre-flashed Debian 12 (ARM64) SD card.
Performance: Boots quicker than Windows.
Kernel: Running a modern 6.6 Linux kernel.
Functionality: Desktop, networking, and USB are confirmed working.
GPU: Features a Vivante GC7000UL GPU with hardware-accelerated 3D (400 FPS in GL Mark 2 ES2 Wayland), but Chromium browser has limited hardware video acceleration.
18:59 Power Consumption: The system draws a low power of approximately 3.6-5 watts, making it suitable for low-power or battery-operated industrial applications.
20:15 Benchmarking & Future Content: Geekbench results for Windows vs. Linux will be shared externally. The next video will cover the Debix B and C modules and include torture testing.
21:13 Availability & Documentation: Debix products are available for purchase (e.g., via RS Online) at affordable prices (modules from $60-$170, full builds up to $490). Comprehensive documentation is available online, including flashing instructions and DIP switch configurations for boot modes.
24:01 Conclusion: The Debix SOM A is praised as an impressive product for specific industrial use cases, despite minor observed issues (likely related to capture card/boot sequences). The creator appreciates Debix's commitment to improving software and hardware.