SPIDER Automation | BeagleBone Black Rev C – TI Sitara AM3358, 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8, 512MB DDR3L & 4GB eMMC | Debian Linux Embedded Development Platform
Product Overview & Embedded Development Platform
The BeagleBoard BeagleBone Black Rev C is a compact, high-expansion embedded development computer designed for prototyping, Linux-based development and integration with external electronics. Identified by Part Number 102110420, this board is built around the Texas Instruments Sitara AM3358BZCZ100 ARM Cortex-A8 32-bit RISC microprocessor, with a stated operating clock speed of up to 1GHz.
The board integrates 512MB DDR3L SDRAM and 4GB eMMC flash storage. Unlike earlier Rev B configurations described in the supplied product information, Rev C provides 4GB of onboard storage and ships with Debian Linux preloaded. The onboard flash allows the board to start without requiring a MicroSD card for initial system loading, while the MicroSD slot remains available for additional storage and expansion.
For hardware integration, BeagleBone Black Rev C provides two 46-pin expansion headers compatible with existing BeagleBone cape plug-in boards. Its connectivity includes USB 2.0 host and client interfaces, 10/100 Ethernet through an RJ45 connector and onboard micro-HDMI output for connecting compatible displays.
Power management is handled by the TPS65217C PMIC, accompanied by an additional LDO. The board also provides a 6-pin 3.3V TTL UART0 serial header for debugging and an optional onboard 20-pin CTI JTAG interface. The package includes an 80cm USB cable and a quick-start guide to support initial setup.
Technical Features & Performance Characteristics
- TI Sitara AM3358BZCZ100 Processor: Uses a Texas Instruments ARM Cortex-A8 32-bit RISC microprocessor for embedded computing applications.
- 1GHz Maximum Clock Speed: Processor clock speed is specified at up to 1GHz.
- 512MB DDR3L SDRAM: Provides onboard system memory for running supported Linux software and embedded applications.
- 4GB eMMC Flash Storage: Integrated onboard flash storage provides space for the operating system and application files.
- Preloaded Debian Linux: Ships with Debian Linux flashed to onboard eMMC storage.
- MicroSD Card Slot: Provides removable storage expansion without using the onboard eMMC as the only storage option.
- Dual 46-Pin Expansion Headers: Supports compatible BeagleBone cape plug-in boards for connecting additional hardware and peripherals.
- USB 2.0 Client Interface: Provides USB client connectivity for power and communication with a host computer.
- USB 2.0 Host Interface: Allows connection of supported USB peripherals.
- Onboard micro-HDMI Output: Provides audio/video output for connection to compatible TVs and monitors.
- 10/100 RJ45 Ethernet: Provides wired network connectivity for supported development and embedded applications.
- TPS65217C Power Management IC: Integrates the specified PMIC regulator for board power management.
- Additional LDO: Includes one additional low-dropout regulator as specified in the product information.
- UART0 Serial Debug Header: Provides UART0 access through a 6-pin 3.3V TTL header.
- Optional 20-Pin CTI JTAG: Provides optional onboard JTAG debugging support.
- Compact Embedded Form Factor: Designed as a compact development computer suitable for embedded installations and prototyping.
Performance Advantages
- Ready-to-Use Linux Environment: Debian Linux is preloaded on the onboard eMMC, simplifying initial setup without requiring a MicroSD card for operating-system loading.
- Onboard Flash Storage: The 4GB eMMC configuration provides integrated storage for system software and applications.
- Established Expansion Ecosystem: Compatibility with existing BeagleBone cape plug-in boards supports hardware expansion and integration with compatible projects.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: USB, Ethernet and micro-HDMI interfaces provide practical connections for peripherals, networking and displays.
- Dedicated Debug Interfaces: UART0 serial access and optional CTI JTAG support assist with embedded software development and debugging.
- Integrated Power Management: The TPS65217C PMIC and additional LDO provide onboard power-management resources.
Industrial, Commercial & Educational Applications
- Embedded Linux Development: Development and testing of Linux-based embedded applications.
- Industrial Control Prototyping: Prototyping control systems using compatible expansion boards and peripheral interfaces.
- Hardware Interface Development: Testing and integration of external electronics through the BeagleBone expansion headers.
- Network-Connected Embedded Systems: Development of embedded applications using the onboard Ethernet interface.
- Display-Based Embedded Applications: Projects requiring micro-HDMI audio/video output to compatible monitors or TVs.
- Serial Communication & Debugging: Embedded development using the UART0 serial interface and optional JTAG debugging support.
- Linux Education & Training: Learning and experimentation with embedded Linux, hardware interfaces and development tools.
- Embedded Product Prototyping: Evaluation and development of compact processor-based electronic products.
Package Contents
- 1 × BeagleBone Black Rev C Development Board (P/N 102110420) – ARM Cortex-A8, 32-bit, 512MB RAM and 4GB flash storage.
- 1 × USB Cable (80cm)
- 1 × Quick Start Guide Manual
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | BeagleBone Black Rev C |
| Part Number | 102110420 |
| Processor Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
| Processor Model | Sitara AM3358BZCZ100 / AM3358 Series |
| Processor Architecture | ARM Cortex-A8, 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 1GHz |
| Processor Performance | 2000 MIPS (as specified) |
| RAM Capacity | 512MB |
| RAM Type | DDR3L SDRAM |
| SDRAM Frequency | 400MHz in description; 606MHz in specification table — confirmation required |
| Onboard Flash Storage | 4GB eMMC |
| Additional Storage | MicroSD card slot |
| Operating System | Debian Linux, preloaded on eMMC |
| Graphics Engine | SGX530 3D |
| Graphics Performance | 20M polygons/s (as specified) |
| USB Connectivity | USB 2.0 Host and Client |
| Ethernet | 10/100 RJ45 |
| Display Output | Onboard micro-HDMI, audio/video output |
| Expansion Headers | 2 × 46-pin headers |
| Cape Compatibility | Compatible with existing BeagleBone cape plug-in boards |
| Power Management IC | TPS65217C PMIC regulator |
| Additional Regulator | 1 × LDO |
| Serial Interface | UART0 via 6-pin 3.3V TTL header |
| JTAG Debugging | Optional onboard 20-pin CTI JTAG support |
| USB Cable Length | 80cm |
Installation & Development Recommendations
- Initial Power and Connection: Use the supplied USB cable to connect the board to a compatible power source or host computer according to the board’s operating requirements.
- Debian Linux Startup: The board ships with Debian Linux preloaded on its 4GB eMMC storage, so a MicroSD card is not required for initial operating-system loading.
- MicroSD Expansion: Use a compatible MicroSD card when additional removable storage or an alternative boot configuration is required.
- Cape Integration: Check pin assignments and electrical requirements before connecting BeagleBone-compatible cape boards to the two 46-pin headers.
- UART Debugging: Use the 6-pin UART0 header with a compatible 3.3V TTL serial interface.
- JTAG Debugging: The 20-pin CTI JTAG interface is optional; check the required hardware connection before planning JTAG-based debugging.
- Display and Network: Use compatible micro-HDMI displays and 10/100 Ethernet connections for supported applications.
Useful Technical Resources
- Official BeagleBone Black Platform: BeagleBoard.org – BeagleBone Black
- Hardware Documentation: BeagleBone Black Hardware Files – eLinux Wiki
- Open-Source Hardware Repository: BeagleBone Black
