Difference between revisions of "Clusterboard"

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{{note|1=Please fill in more information if you have it.}}
[[File:Clusterboard rev 2.2.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Front view of the Clusterboard (revision 2.2)]]


The '''Clusterboard''' is a PINE64 board that makes it possible to set up a compact cluster of headless ARM-based single-board computers.  It can hold up to a total of seven [[SOPine]] or [[SOEdge]] modules.  The Clusterboard is an open-hardware project, but please note that it does not mean this project is "OSH" compliant.
The '''Clusterboard''' is a PINE64 board that makes it possible to set up a compact cluster of headless ARM-based single-board computers.  It can hold up to a total of seven [[SOPINE]] or [[SOEDGE]] modules.  The Clusterboard is an open-hardware project, but please note that it does not mean this project is "OSH" compliant.


Although there is a separate wiki page that describes SOPine modules, this page will describe both the Clusterboard and the SOPine modules. There is a user guide for the Clusterboard in [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=7077 this forum thread], but sadly the images have disappeared.
Although there is a separate wiki page that describes SOPINE modules, this page will describe both the Clusterboard and, to a certain extent, the SOPINE modules. There is a user guide for the Clusterboard in [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=7077 this forum thread].
 
== Specifications ==


==Specifications==
These are the Clusterboard specifications, based on the [https://www.pine64.org/clusterboard/ product introduction]:
These are the Clusterboard specifications, based on the [https://www.pine64.org/clusterboard/ product introduction]:


* Standard mITX form-factor (167 mm x 170 mm)
* Standard mITX form-factor (167 mm x 170 mm)
* Built-in eight-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, using RTL8370N ASIC; the switch is unmanaged although the ASIC provides management functions, see [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=13181 this forum thread] for further information
* Built-in eight-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, using RTL8370N ASIC; the switch is unmanaged although the ASIC provides management functions, see [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=13181 this forum thread] for further information
* Seven internal Gigabit Ethernet ports, one for each SOPine module, connected to the built-in switch using RTL8211E PHYs
* Seven internal Gigabit Ethernet ports, one for each SOPINE module, connected to the built-in switch using [https://datasheet.lcsc.com/szlcsc/Realtek-Semicon-RTL8211EG-VB-CG_C69264.pdf RTL8211E] PHYs
* eMMC module slot, for the first SOPine module
* One connector for an eMMC module, for the first SOPINE module
* Seven USB 2.0 ports, one for each SOPine module
* Seven USB 2.0 ports, one for each SOPINE module
* GPIO pins exposed for each SOPine module, including the UARTs
* GPIO pins exposed for each SOPINE module, including the UARTs
* Gigabit Ethernet port activity LEDs, one for each SOPine module
* Gigabit Ethernet port activity LEDs, one for each SOPINE module
* Battery holder for two standard AA 1.5 V batteries, for the real time clock (RTC) on all SOPine modules
* Battery holder for two standard non-rechargeable AA-size 1.5 V batteries, for the real time clock (RTC) backup on all SOPINE modules
* Barrel-style jack as a power input, 6.3 mm outer diameter and 3.0 mm inner diameter, for a 5 V / 15 A DC power supply
* Barrel-style jack as a power input, 6.3 mm outer diameter and 3.0 mm inner diameter, for a 5 V, 15 A DC power supply
* Standard 24-pin ATX header as a power input, for an ATX power supply capable of providing at least 15 A at its 5 V output
* Standard 24-pin ATX header as a power input, for an ATX power supply capable of providing at least 15 A at its 5 V output


Please note than only one power input may be used at once.  The barrel-style jack is additionally protected by a built-in 15 A fuse.
Please note than only one power input may be used at once.  The barrel-style jack is additionally protected by a built-in 15 A polyfuse.
 
'''Important note''': No batteries for RTC backup should be installed unless certain hardware modifications are applied to the Clusterboard.  Internal circuitry of the Clusterboard and SOPINE modules will eventually attempt to charge the batteries, which will result in damage to the batteries and the Clusterboard.  Keep in mind that rechargeable batteries cannot be used because there is no charging circuitry for them on the Clusterboard.  Please see [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=5849&page=2 this forum thread] and [https://ericdraken.com/a64-reset-problem/ this article] for further information.
 
== Layout ==


==Layout==
[[File:ClusterBoardFront-Annotated.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Front view of the Clusterboard (revision 2.3)]]
[[File:ClusterBoardFront-Annotated.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Clusterboard 2.3 Front annotated - image by abcde]]
[[File:ClusterBoardBack.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Rear view of the Clusterboard (revision 2.3)]]
[[File:ClusterBoardBack.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Clusterboard 2.3 Back - image by abcde]]


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 30: Line 34:
|-
|-
| A
| A
| 6.3mm OD/3.0mm ID barrel type DC Jack for +5V 15A 75W power supply
| Barrel-type DC jack (6.3 mm outer diameter, 3.0 mm inner diameter) for a +5 V, 15 A power supply
|-
|-
| B
| B
| Gigabit Ethernet Port
| Gigabit Ethernet port
|-
|-
| C
| C
| Reset Button
| Reset button, for all seven modules
|-
|-
| D
| D
| 2x 1.5V “AA” size Battery Holder for Real Time Clock Port (RTC)
| Holder for two non-rechargeable 1.5 V AA-size batteries, providing backup for the real-time clock (RTC) on all modules
|-
|-
| E
| E
| eMMC connector (only for 1st module)
| Connector for an eMMC module, for the first SOPINE or SOEDGE module
|-
|-
| F
| F
| SOPine Module slot
| Slot for a SOPINE or SOEDGE module
|-
|-
| G
| G
| USB2.0 USB-A plug
| USB 2.0 Type-A socket
|-
|-
| H
| H
| MicroUSB-B USB2.0 plug
| MicroUSB Type-B USB 2.0 socket
|-
|-
| I
| I
Line 60: Line 64:
|-
|-
| K
| K
| Lithium Battery 3-pin JST connector
| Three-pin connector for a lithium battery
|-
|-
| L
| L
| RTL8211E Ethernet Port, with 2 status LEDs
| RTL8211E Gigabit Ethernet PHY, with two status LEDs
|-
|-
| M
| M
| Unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet Switch - RTL8370N
| Gigabit Ethernet Switch (RTL8370N)
|-
|-
| N
| N
| ATX Power Connector
| 24-pin ATX Power Connector
|-
|-
| O
| O
| ATX PS_ON 2-pin JST connector
| Two-pin connector for a switch/button that turns on connected ATX power supply
|-
|-
| P
| P
| HDD 5V Power (optional)
| 5 V power output for hard disk drives (optional)
|-
|-
| Q
| Q
| Resistor (optional, for use with the alternative powering options)
| Places for soldering two resistors (optional, for use with an ATX power suppply that requires dummy load on 3.3 V and 12 V rails)
|}
|}


Parts F to L exist for each of all seven modules.
For the part D, please see the important note in the [[#Specifications|section above]].  For the part K, please see the notes in the [[#Hardware revisions|section below]].  Parts F to L exist separately for each of all seven SOPINE or SOEDGE modules.
 
=== 20-pin Expansion Connector ===


====20-pin Connector====
The 20-pin expansion connector is the part J decribed in the [[#Layout|section above]], available for each SOPINE or SOEDGE module.  There is an unofficial description of the pinout in [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=5713 this forum thread].  The unofficial pinout is also visible directly in [https://forum.pine64.org/attachment.php?aid=1111 this picture].
In the [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=5713 forum] there is an [https://forum.pine64.org/attachment.php?aid=1111 image] with the (likely) pinout.


===SOPine Module===
=== SOPINE Module ===
[[File:SOPine-Annotated.jpg|200px|thumb|right|SOPine Front and Back annotated. Picture by abcde.]]
[[File:SOPine-Annotated.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Front (top) and rear (bottom) views of the SOPINE module]]


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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|}
|}


==Accessories==
== Accessories ==
 
* To operate this board you will need a power supply, Pine advises a "5V 15A power supply with 6.3mm OD/3.0mm ID barrel type DC Jack" which is also available in the store ([https://pine64.com/product/clusterboard-eu-power-supply/ EU]/[https://pine64.com/product/clusterboard-us-power-supply/ US] versions). There are other ways to power this board, but they are not described here yet.
* To operate this board you will need a power supply, Pine advises a "5V 15A power supply with 6.3mm OD/3.0mm ID barrel type DC Jack" which is also available in the store ([https://pine64.com/product/clusterboard-eu-power-supply/ EU]/[https://pine64.com/product/clusterboard-us-power-supply/ US] versions). There are other ways to power this board, but they are not described here yet.
* The board works best when it is protected by a (mITX)case, and has some airflow provided by a fan.   
* The board works best when it is protected by a (mITX)case, and has some airflow provided by a fan.   
* Each SOPine module can use cooling, both by a casefan, and by using heatsinks on the individual modules. At least the A64 could use some cooling.
* Each SOPINE module can use cooling, both by a casefan, and by using heatsinks on the individual modules. At least the A64 could use some cooling.
* The first slot can use a eMMC module, which are in the store in [https://pine64.com/product/16gb-emmc-module/ 16GB]/[https://pine64.com/product/32gb-emmc-module/ 32GB]/[https://pine64.com/product/64gb-emmc-module/ 64GB]/[https://pine64.com/product/128gb-emmc-module/ 128GB] sizes. The modules can be used as a USB stick using a [https://pine64.com/product/usb-adapter-for-emmc-module/ USB adapter]. (The eMMC is also readable with the Hardkernel [https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/emmc-module-reader-board-for-os-upgrade/ eMMC to microSD] converter.)
* The first slot can use a eMMC module, which are in the store in [https://pine64.com/product/16gb-emmc-module/ 16GB]/[https://pine64.com/product/32gb-emmc-module/ 32GB]/[https://pine64.com/product/64gb-emmc-module/ 64GB]/[https://pine64.com/product/128gb-emmc-module/ 128GB] sizes. The modules can be used as a USB stick using a [https://pine64.com/product/usb-adapter-for-emmc-module/ USB adapter]. (The eMMC is also readable with the Hardkernel [https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/emmc-module-reader-board-for-os-upgrade/ eMMC to microSD] converter.)
* Two AA batteries, to allow the SOPine nodes to retain the RTC (Real Time Clock) time and date information when the power is disconnected.
* Two AA batteries, to allow the SOPINE nodes to retain the RTC (Real Time Clock) time and date information when the power is disconnected.
 
== Installation ==


==Installation==
To install a cluster it is important to know the IP addresses of each module, so the remote login sessions do not get mixed up.
To install a cluster it is important to know the IP addresses of each module, so the remote login sessions do not get mixed up.


Line 127: Line 134:
{{hint|1=No management features are available on the switch ship, so there is no VLAN support.}}
{{hint|1=No management features are available on the switch ship, so there is no VLAN support.}}


===Serial console===
=== Serial console ===
To boot use the serial console connect the pins to UART0 on the GPIO header and connect using baud 115200
To boot use the serial console connect the pins to UART0 on the GPIO header and connect using baud 115200


Line 138: Line 145:
{{hint|1=Do not connect the GND connector until the power is on as it can provide power and prevent the board from booting.}}
{{hint|1=Do not connect the GND connector until the power is on as it can provide power and prevent the board from booting.}}


==Operating systems==
== Operating systems ==


===Armbian===
=== Armbian ===
To get the cluster running, start off with a basic [https://www.armbian.com/sopine-a64/ Armbian SOPine] install on the first module or directly on all the modules. Armbian offers Debian and Ubuntu as options for download.
 
To get the cluster running, start off with a basic [https://www.armbian.com/sopine-a64/ Armbian SOPINE] install on the first module or directly on all the modules. Armbian offers Debian and Ubuntu as options for download.


There is an issue recognizing the network that needs you to make a change to the base image described [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=10432 here], and a PXE issue. If you have a good description, please add it here. The network issue has been resolved in Armbian builds post December 2020 - [https://github.com/armbian/build/pull/2396 as described here].
There is an issue recognizing the network that needs you to make a change to the base image described [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=10432 here], and a PXE issue. If you have a good description, please add it here. The network issue has been resolved in Armbian builds post December 2020 - [https://github.com/armbian/build/pull/2396 as described here].
Line 150: Line 158:


There are a number of possible basic installation methods.
There are a number of possible basic installation methods.
*Full install on each module's mSD card.
*eMMC install on the first module.
*PXE boot for all modules, from the first module, or an external host.


===Others===
* Full install on each module's mSD card.
* eMMC install on the first module.
* PXE boot for all modules, from the first module, or an external host.
 
=== Others ===
 
The current version of NetBSD may have the networking issue solved in Armbian, as described above.
The current version of NetBSD may have the networking issue solved in Armbian, as described above.


==Frequently asked questions==
== Frequently asked questions ==
Q: Are the individual MAC addresses linked to the PHY chips, or the module?


A: The MAC address is specific to the SOPine module; swapping modules within the Clusterboard does not change the MAC address of the module.
'''Q''': Are the individual MAC addresses linked to the PHY chips, or the module?<br />
'''A''': The MAC address is specific to the SOPINE module; swapping modules within the Clusterboard does not change the MAC address of the module.


'''Q''': Why will SOPINE modules not reboot when installed on a Clusterboard, but will when installed on a [[SOPINE Baseboard]]?<br />
'''A''': The cause has been determined to be back-EMF, and can be resolved with some relatively easy hardware modifications, thanks to excellent troubleshooting performed by Eric. Please, have a look at the [https://ericdraken.com/a64-reset-problem/ extensive article] he wrote to find out how to resolve this issue.  See also [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=5849&page=2 this forum thread] for further information.


Q: Why will the SOPines not reboot when installed on the Clusterboard, but will when on the SOPine baseboard?
'''Q''': Do I need heatsinks on any of the components on the Clusterboard?<br />
 
'''A''': According to the datasheets for the RTL8370N switch ASIC and the RTL8211E PHYs, they consume and thus dissipate up to about 3&nbsp;W each.  As a result, it would be advisable to properly affix passive aluminum heatsinks onto each of these componentsPlease note that this explanation does not cover the SOPINE and SOEDGE modules.
A: The cause has been determined to be back-EMF, and can be resolved with some relatively easy surgery (addition of a diode), thanks to some excellent troubleshooting by Eric. Have a look at the [https://ericdraken.com/a64-reset-problem/ the extensive article he wrote] to find out how to resolve this issue.


== Schematics and other ==
== Schematics and other ==
Line 177: Line 188:
* [https://myhub.autodesk360.com/ue2b2f72e/g/shares/SH56a43QTfd62c1cd968cd6bc203ac753401?viewState=NoIgbgDAdAjCA0ICGBmARgEwGZIOwGMBaDFADgFNCAWfAJi2o1IFZDmlTSIA2DW8-FTQgAukA Clusterboard PDF drawing]
* [https://myhub.autodesk360.com/ue2b2f72e/g/shares/SH56a43QTfd62c1cd968cd6bc203ac753401?viewState=NoIgbgDAdAjCA0ICGBmARgEwGZIOwGMBaDFADgFNCAWfAJi2o1IFZDmlTSIA2DW8-FTQgAukA Clusterboard PDF drawing]


==Hardware revisions==
== Hardware revisions ==
 
As of April 2021, current revision of the Clusterboard is 2.3; compared with the previous revision, 2.2, it removes the PCB components required for using lithium-polymer batteries for powering each of the modules.  Besides the 2.2 revision, there was also an early revision (TO-DO: which exactly?) that required a hardware fix for the eMMC module to work properly.
As of April 2021, current revision of the Clusterboard is 2.3; compared with the previous revision, 2.2, it removes the PCB components required for using lithium-polymer batteries for powering each of the modules.  Besides the 2.2 revision, there was also an early revision (TO-DO: which exactly?) that required a hardware fix for the eMMC module to work properly.


==Links==
== Links ==
* https://www.pine64.org/clusterboard/ Clusterboard Introduction
* https://www.pine64.org/clusterboard/ Clusterboard Introduction
* https://www.pine64.org/sopine/ SOPine Introduction
* https://www.pine64.org/sopine/ SOPINE Introduction
* https://pine64.com/product/clusterboard-with-7-sopine-compute-module-slots/ Store page for Clusterboard
* https://pine64.com/product/clusterboard-with-7-sopine-compute-module-slots/ Store page for Clusterboard
* https://pine64.com/product/sopine-a64-compute-module/ Store page for SOPine module
* https://pine64.com/product/sopine-a64-compute-module/ Store page for SOPINE module
* https://www.pine64.org/2020/02/03/fosdem-2020-and-hardware-announcements/ Mention of "Clusterboard with 4 SOEdge and 3 SOPine modules"
* https://www.pine64.org/2020/02/03/fosdem-2020-and-hardware-announcements/ Mention of "Clusterboard with 4 SOEDGE and 3 SOPINE modules"
* https://www.pine64.org/2019/08/05/august-update-london-meetup-pinetab-news-soedge-and-more/ SOEdge Introduction
* https://www.pine64.org/2019/08/05/august-update-london-meetup-pinetab-news-soedge-and-more/ SOEDGE Introduction


[[Category:SOPine]] [[Category:Allwinner A64]]
[[Category:SOPINE]]
[[Category:SOEDGE]]
[[Category:Allwinner A64]]
[[Category:Clusterboard]]

Latest revision as of 05:49, 1 November 2023

Front view of the Clusterboard (revision 2.2)

The Clusterboard is a PINE64 board that makes it possible to set up a compact cluster of headless ARM-based single-board computers. It can hold up to a total of seven SOPINE or SOEDGE modules. The Clusterboard is an open-hardware project, but please note that it does not mean this project is "OSH" compliant.

Although there is a separate wiki page that describes SOPINE modules, this page will describe both the Clusterboard and, to a certain extent, the SOPINE modules. There is a user guide for the Clusterboard in this forum thread.

Specifications

These are the Clusterboard specifications, based on the product introduction:

  • Standard mITX form-factor (167 mm x 170 mm)
  • Built-in eight-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, using RTL8370N ASIC; the switch is unmanaged although the ASIC provides management functions, see this forum thread for further information
  • Seven internal Gigabit Ethernet ports, one for each SOPINE module, connected to the built-in switch using RTL8211E PHYs
  • One connector for an eMMC module, for the first SOPINE module
  • Seven USB 2.0 ports, one for each SOPINE module
  • GPIO pins exposed for each SOPINE module, including the UARTs
  • Gigabit Ethernet port activity LEDs, one for each SOPINE module
  • Battery holder for two standard non-rechargeable AA-size 1.5 V batteries, for the real time clock (RTC) backup on all SOPINE modules
  • Barrel-style jack as a power input, 6.3 mm outer diameter and 3.0 mm inner diameter, for a 5 V, 15 A DC power supply
  • Standard 24-pin ATX header as a power input, for an ATX power supply capable of providing at least 15 A at its 5 V output

Please note than only one power input may be used at once. The barrel-style jack is additionally protected by a built-in 15 A polyfuse.

Important note: No batteries for RTC backup should be installed unless certain hardware modifications are applied to the Clusterboard. Internal circuitry of the Clusterboard and SOPINE modules will eventually attempt to charge the batteries, which will result in damage to the batteries and the Clusterboard. Keep in mind that rechargeable batteries cannot be used because there is no charging circuitry for them on the Clusterboard. Please see this forum thread and this article for further information.

Layout

Front view of the Clusterboard (revision 2.3)
Rear view of the Clusterboard (revision 2.3)
Label Description
A Barrel-type DC jack (6.3 mm outer diameter, 3.0 mm inner diameter) for a +5 V, 15 A power supply
B Gigabit Ethernet port
C Reset button, for all seven modules
D Holder for two non-rechargeable 1.5 V AA-size batteries, providing backup for the real-time clock (RTC) on all modules
E Connector for an eMMC module, for the first SOPINE or SOEDGE module
F Slot for a SOPINE or SOEDGE module
G USB 2.0 Type-A socket
H MicroUSB Type-B USB 2.0 socket
I Activity LED
J 20-pin expansion connector
K Three-pin connector for a lithium battery
L RTL8211E Gigabit Ethernet PHY, with two status LEDs
M Gigabit Ethernet Switch (RTL8370N)
N 24-pin ATX Power Connector
O Two-pin connector for a switch/button that turns on connected ATX power supply
P 5 V power output for hard disk drives (optional)
Q Places for soldering two resistors (optional, for use with an ATX power suppply that requires dummy load on 3.3 V and 12 V rails)

For the part D, please see the important note in the section above. For the part K, please see the notes in the section below. Parts F to L exist separately for each of all seven SOPINE or SOEDGE modules.

20-pin Expansion Connector

The 20-pin expansion connector is the part J decribed in the section above, available for each SOPINE or SOEDGE module. There is an unofficial description of the pinout in this forum thread. The unofficial pinout is also visible directly in this picture.

SOPINE Module

Front (top) and rear (bottom) views of the SOPINE module
Label Description
A A64 SoC
B 2 GB of DDR3 RAM
C AXP803 PMIC
D Edge connector, the same as on SO-DIMM modules
E microSD card slot
F (not annotated yet) Power LED

Accessories

  • To operate this board you will need a power supply, Pine advises a "5V 15A power supply with 6.3mm OD/3.0mm ID barrel type DC Jack" which is also available in the store (EU/US versions). There are other ways to power this board, but they are not described here yet.
  • The board works best when it is protected by a (mITX)case, and has some airflow provided by a fan.
  • Each SOPINE module can use cooling, both by a casefan, and by using heatsinks on the individual modules. At least the A64 could use some cooling.
  • The first slot can use a eMMC module, which are in the store in 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB sizes. The modules can be used as a USB stick using a USB adapter. (The eMMC is also readable with the Hardkernel eMMC to microSD converter.)
  • Two AA batteries, to allow the SOPINE nodes to retain the RTC (Real Time Clock) time and date information when the power is disconnected.

Installation

To install a cluster it is important to know the IP addresses of each module, so the remote login sessions do not get mixed up.

Each module may be plugged into the Clusterboard individually or consecutively, which makes it easy to assign a hostname to each module separately. It is also possible to manually edit the hostname in the OS image of each module before the first boot.

The board has no hotplug functionality, so make sure you only plug/unplug the modules while the power is disconnected from the clusterboard.
No management features are available on the switch ship, so there is no VLAN support.

Serial console

To boot use the serial console connect the pins to UART0 on the GPIO header and connect using baud 115200

  • Pin 6: GND
  • Pin 7: RTX
  • Pin 8: TXD

The pinouts are available in this forum thread.

Do not connect the GND connector until the power is on as it can provide power and prevent the board from booting.

Operating systems

Armbian

To get the cluster running, start off with a basic Armbian SOPINE install on the first module or directly on all the modules. Armbian offers Debian and Ubuntu as options for download.

There is an issue recognizing the network that needs you to make a change to the base image described here, and a PXE issue. If you have a good description, please add it here. The network issue has been resolved in Armbian builds post December 2020 - as described here.

As of February 2021 the current armbian image is not working (see the post on the arbian forum). The latest working version is 21.02.1. To update the system, the package 'linux-dtb-current-sunxi64' needs to be held back by running

echo "linux-dtb-current-sunxi64 hold" | sudo dpkg --set-selections

There are a number of possible basic installation methods.

  • Full install on each module's mSD card.
  • eMMC install on the first module.
  • PXE boot for all modules, from the first module, or an external host.

Others

The current version of NetBSD may have the networking issue solved in Armbian, as described above.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Are the individual MAC addresses linked to the PHY chips, or the module?
A: The MAC address is specific to the SOPINE module; swapping modules within the Clusterboard does not change the MAC address of the module.

Q: Why will SOPINE modules not reboot when installed on a Clusterboard, but will when installed on a SOPINE Baseboard?
A: The cause has been determined to be back-EMF, and can be resolved with some relatively easy hardware modifications, thanks to excellent troubleshooting performed by Eric. Please, have a look at the extensive article he wrote to find out how to resolve this issue. See also this forum thread for further information.

Q: Do I need heatsinks on any of the components on the Clusterboard?
A: According to the datasheets for the RTL8370N switch ASIC and the RTL8211E PHYs, they consume and thus dissipate up to about 3 W each. As a result, it would be advisable to properly affix passive aluminum heatsinks onto each of these components. Please note that this explanation does not cover the SOPINE and SOEDGE modules.

Schematics and other

Hardware revisions

As of April 2021, current revision of the Clusterboard is 2.3; compared with the previous revision, 2.2, it removes the PCB components required for using lithium-polymer batteries for powering each of the modules. Besides the 2.2 revision, there was also an early revision (TO-DO: which exactly?) that required a hardware fix for the eMMC module to work properly.

Links