Setting up the hardware

The Astra Machina Foundation Series of evaluation-ready kits enable easy and rapid prototyping for the Synaptics SL-Series of embedded Linux and Android processors. A modular design incorporates swappable core compute modules, a common I/O board, and daughter cards for connectivity, debug, and flexible I/O options. This page lists the simple steps to power on and boot up the system and applies to all SL-Series core modules: SL1680, SL1640, and SL1620.

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Core module connections

Included in the box

  1. Astra Machina Foundation Series system with core module, I/O board, and daughter card for Wi-Fi/BT connectivity

  2. AC power adapter (USB Power Delivery)

  3. USB-C cable (USB-C plugs on both ends)

  4. AC plug adapter (IEC Type A receptacle/Type C plug, used only if applicable)

Additional items needed

  1. A display monitor with an HDMI port

  2. An HDMI cable (standard HDMI Type A plugs on both ends)

Note

Ethernet or network connection is not needed for the first boot.

Making the connections

  1. Plug AC adapter [b] to an AC outlet (with [d] if applicable).

  2. Connect display monitor [e] to the Astra Machina [a] with HDMI cable [f].

  3. [Optional] Connect Ethernet cable [h] to Astra Machina board [a].

  4. [Optional] Connect USB Keyboard and/or Mouse [g] to Astra Machina board [a].

  5. Connect AC adapter [b] and Astra Machina board [a] using USB-C cable [c].

First boot

  • Once powered on, the Astra Machina board will complete its first boot to the Start-up screen as shown in Startup screen. A green LED next to PWR_IN will grow but not flicker.

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Startup screen

Note

A Linux distribution built from Yocto by Synaptics is preloaded to the on-board eMMC storage device.

Network connectivity and applications

  • Plug Ethernet cable [h] to the RJ45 port of the Astra Machina for internet connection.

  • Explore pre-loaded applications

  • Linux terminal from Wayland Desktop

  • Built-in Chromium browser

  • Media and AI sample applications

Additional documentation and resources

For more information on Astra SDK, Astra Machina board, and SyNAP AI Toolkit, scan the QR codes presented on the Start-up screen or the packaging box. You can find detailed information on the following: