SODIMM Pinout / Connector

The xCore board uses a SODIMM connector to interface with external hardware. SODIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module) connectors are well-suited for high-speed signal transmission and offer a large number of pins in a compact footprint.

Why SODIMM?

• Off-the-shelf availability: SODIMM connectors and mating parts are widely available and manufactured to high standards, making it easy to source reliable parts.
• Compact footprint: SODIMM connectors allow for a dense pinout with a small board footprint, making it ideal for compact designs.
• High-speed compatibility: SODIMM connectors are designed to handle fast signals, such as those used in Ethernet, SPI, and other high-speed communication protocols.
• Many available pins: With up to 200 pins, SODIMM connectors provide plenty of room for power, data, and control signals, giving you flexibility when designing your custom carrier boards.
• Modular flexibility: Using a SODIMM connector allows the xCore platform to easily plug into different systems or custom carrier boards, simplifying integration and modularity.

Interface Overview

In this image you can see an overview of the interfaces available on the SODIMM connector:

More detailed information can be found on the schematic or the pinout table below.

Compatible SODIMM Connectors

Any DDR3 SODIMM connector should work as a mating connector for the xCore PCB.

Tested and confirmed working are these connectors:

• FOXCONN AS0A621-H2S6-7H
• TE Connectivity 2-2013289-1

Ethernet Connectors

To connect Ethernet ports to the xCore board via the SODIMM connector, you’ll need to provide external magnetics. Magnetics are required to interface between the twisted-pair Ethernet signals and the physical Ethernet ports on your custom carrier board.

We recommend using MagJack connectors that integrate the necessary magnetics, simplifying your design and reducing component count. MagJacks are RJ45 Ethernet jacks with integrated magnetics, designed specifically for Ethernet connections. They come in various configurations and are available from many manufacturers like Amphenol, TE Connectivity, and Molex.

When selecting MagJack connectors, ensure they are compatible with 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet standards.

Tested and confirmed part: HANRUN HR911130A

Adding the Ethernet connector to the xCore is simple. When using a connector with integrated connections, you can connect it as shown in this image:

Pinout Table

This table shows the SDIMM pinout in detail: