A13-SOM-256

Overview

The A13-SOM-256 is a System-on-Module board manufactured by Olimex Ltd, featuring the Allwinner A13 Cortex-A8 processor running at 1 GHz. It includes 256 MB of DDR3 memory and power management via DCDC. The module provides a MicroSD card slot, UART console connector, status LEDs, and RESET/UBOOT buttons. Physical dimensions are approximately 61x53 mm (2400x2100 mils). Designed for Linux boot capabilities, it serves as a modular base for custom peripheral designs.

Feature Summary

• Allwinner A13 Cortex-A8 processor operating at 1 GHz
• 256 MB DDR3 RAM with DCDC power management
• MicroSD card interface for storage and booting
• UART console connectivity and GPIO expansion headers

Applications

• Linux application development on embedded platforms
• Custom hardware prototyping using modular SOM design
• Evaluation of Allwinner A13 processor capabilities

Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific order corresponds to the 256 MB RAM variant, as the 512 MB version offers different performance characteristics. Ensure compatibility with required expansion boards like A13-SOM-WIFI if wireless or additional I/O is needed. Confirm that the intended operating system supports the 256 MB memory constraint, particularly for Android environments where this capacity may be insufficient.

Selection Notes

Select the A13-SOM-256 for projects requiring a low-cost modular solution with basic processing needs. Note that the 256 MB RAM limit makes it unsuitable for smooth Android operation; the A13-SOM-512 is recommended for such use cases. Consider the need for external peripherals, as the SOM lacks built-in USB ports or video outputs without an expansion shield.

Part Context

This module is part of the Olimex A13-SOM family, which also includes the A13-SOM-512 variant with double the RAM. It is designed to nest into peripheral boards containing connectors and interfaces. The hardware design of the SOM itself is proprietary, while associated expansion boards are open-source hardware.

Replacement Considerations

The A13-SOM-512 serves as a direct functional replacement with increased memory. For dual-core requirements, the A20-SOM is a newer alternative. The A13-OLinuXino board offers a fully open-source evaluation platform for the same processor.