(SPIDER Automation) BeagleBoard PocketBeagle 2 Single Board Computer | P/N 102110780, TI AM6232, Dual-Core Cortex-A53 1GHz, 512MB DDR4 | USB-C, LiPo Charging & PocketBeagle Cape Compatibility

SPIDER Automation | BeagleBoard PocketBeagle 2 – AM6232 Dual-Core Cortex-A53 SBC, 512MB DDR4 | Compact Embedded Computing & Cape Expansion

Product Overview & Embedded Computing Platform

The BeagleBoard PocketBeagle 2 (P/N 102110780) is a compact single board computer designed for embedded computing, IoT development and advanced application prototyping. Powered by the Texas Instruments AM6232 SoC, it features dual ARM Cortex-A53 processor cores operating at 1GHz and 512MB DDR4 RAM.

Compared with the original PocketBeagle’s single Cortex-A8 core, PocketBeagle 2 offers an upgraded dual-core Cortex-A53 processing architecture. Its compact 55 × 35mm form factor makes it suitable for space-constrained embedded designs while retaining support for PocketBeagle cape expansion.

The board integrates USB-C for power and connectivity, an onboard LiPo battery charger and a TPS6521903 power management IC. A MicroSD card slot provides external storage capability, with support for 1.8V and 3.3V storage interfaces.

For development and debugging, PocketBeagle 2 provides a 3-pin JST-SH 1.00mm UART debug port and a 10-pin JTAG TAG-CONNECT footprint. Dedicated power and user/boot buttons, together with user-controllable LEDs, provide convenient access to common hardware functions.

Technical Features & Performance Characteristics

• Texas Instruments AM6232 SoC: Uses the AM6232 system-on-chip as the main processing platform.
• Dual-Core Cortex-A53 Processor: Features two ARM Cortex-A53 cores operating at 1GHz.
• 512MB DDR4 Memory: Integrates 512MB DDR4 RAM, identified in the supplied specifications as Kingston D2516AN9EXGXN-TU.
• TPS6521903 Power Management IC: Incorporates a dedicated power management integrated circuit.
• USB-C Power & Connectivity: Provides a USB-C interface for board power and connectivity.
• Cape Header Power Input: Supports an alternative power source through the cape header, specified as 5V at 1A.
• Integrated LiPo Battery Charger: Includes onboard charging functionality for a supported LiPo battery configuration.
• UART Debug Port: Features a 3-pin JST-SH connector with 1.00mm pitch for UART debugging.
• JTAG Debug Footprint: Provides a 10-pin JTAG TAG-CONNECT footprint for supported debugging connections.
• MicroSD Storage Interface: Includes a MicroSD card slot for external storage, supporting 1.8V and 3.3V interfaces.
• Dedicated Power Button: Provides a physical power button for board operation.
• User / Boot Button: Includes a user/boot button for supported user and boot-related actions.
• User-Controllable LEDs: Provides onboard LEDs that can be controlled by the user.
• PocketBeagle Cape Compatibility: Supports compatible PocketBeagle cape expansion boards.
• Compact Board Dimensions: Measures 55 × 35mm for integration into compact embedded systems.

Performance Advantages

• Upgraded Processing Architecture: Dual Cortex-A53 cores provide an updated processing platform compared with the original PocketBeagle’s single Cortex-A8 core.
• Integrated Memory: The onboard 512MB DDR4 RAM provides memory resources for supported embedded computing applications.
• Flexible Power Options: USB-C power and cape-header VIN input provide alternative board power connection options.
• Integrated Battery Charging: Onboard LiPo charging functionality supports battery-powered embedded system configurations.
• Development & Debug Access: UART and JTAG interfaces provide dedicated access for supported debugging workflows.
• External Storage Expansion: The MicroSD slot provides an option for external storage.
• Hardware Expansion: PocketBeagle cape compatibility allows the platform to be extended using compatible expansion boards.
• Compact Integration: The 55 × 35mm form factor supports embedded designs where board space is limited.

Industrial, Commercial & Embedded Applications

• IoT Device Development: Prototyping connected embedded devices and IoT application platforms.
• Embedded Linux Systems: Development and evaluation of supported embedded computing applications.
• IoT Gateway Applications: Prototyping compact gateway systems and connected-device platforms.
• Industrial Embedded Controllers: Development of compact embedded control and processing systems.
• Hardware Interface Development: Evaluating UART, JTAG and cape-based expansion configurations.
• Battery-Powered Embedded Devices: Prototyping supported LiPo-powered applications using the integrated charging functionality.
• Embedded Systems Education: Supporting processor, memory, power management and debugging studies.
• Advanced Embedded Prototyping: Developing compact computing solutions using the AM6232 SoC platform.

Package Contents

• 1 × BeagleBoard PocketBeagle 2 Single Board Computer (P/N 102110780)

Product Specifications

Power, Storage & Development Recommendations

• USB-C Power: Use the USB Type-C connection for board power and connectivity.
• Cape Header Power: When using the cape-header power input, observe the specified 5V at 1A requirement.
• LiPo Battery Integration: Use a compatible LiPo battery configuration with the onboard charging functionality; confirm battery requirements before connection.
• UART Debugging: Use the 3-pin JST-SH 1.00mm UART debug port with a compatible serial interface.
• JTAG Debugging: Use the 10-pin TAG-CONNECT footprint with compatible debugging hardware.
• MicroSD Storage: Use a compatible MicroSD card and observe the supported 1.8V or 3.3V interface requirements.
• Cape Expansion: Select compatible PocketBeagle cape boards according to the intended application and interface requirements.