In the fields of industrial automation, human-machine interaction, and IoT edge computing, an embedded computing platform with high performance, high reliability, and rich interfaces is the key to the success of intelligent devices. The ECB20-6Y28A5ME8G-I single board computer launched by Chengdu EBYTE Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (EBYTE) is a 2.5-inch industrial-grade embedded computer built on the NXP i.MX 6ULL processor, providing developers with a complete solution from prototype verification to mass deployment.

Overview of ECB20-6Y28A5ME8G-I Single Board Computer

The ECB20-6Y28A5ME8G-I is an industrial-grade single board computer with a design level higher than that of ordinary development boards. It is composed of the ECK20-6Y28A5ME8G-I core board and a dedicated base board soldered through stamp holes, with a size of only 100mm×72mm×20.5mm, compatible with the 2.5-inch board standard.

Core Hardware Configuration

  • Processor: NXP i.MX 6ULL (MCIMX6Y2CVM08AB), single-core ARM Cortex-A7 @ 792MHz, optimized for industrial applications.

  • Memory: 512MB DDR3L, ensuring smooth system operation.

  • Storage: 8GB eMMC, providing high-speed and reliable system and data storage.

  • Operating Temperature: Industrial grade -40℃ ~ 85℃ (with good heat dissipation), adapting to harsh environments.

Rich Industrial Interfaces (Core Advantage)

The design of this single board computer fully considers the needs of industrial sites, with extremely comprehensive interface configurations:

Interface Category

Specific Configuration

Industrial Application Value

Display & Interaction

1-channel 40Pin FPC RGB888 interface  1-channel HDMI interface (same resolution)

Supports local HMI human-machine interface and remote display output.

Network Connection

2-channel 10/100M adaptive RJ45 Ethernet ports

Enables device networking, dual-network redundancy or network isolation.

Wireless Expansion

1-channel MINI-PCIE 4G module interface (supports Quectel EC20/EC25, etc.); 1-channel 2.4/5.8GHz Wi-Fi; 1 Micro-SIM card slot

Provides cellular network and wireless local area network access capabilities, meeting mobile or difficult wiring scenarios.

Universal Serial Bus

2-channel USB 2.0 HOST; 1-channel USB OTG Type-C

Connects peripherals, debugging or serves as a device end.

Industrial Bus & IO

2-channel CAN_FD interfaces (TTL level, led out through expansion port); 2-channel UART, 1-channel SPI, 2-channel I2C; 34-channel GPIO (led out through expansion port)

Directly connects to industrial equipment such as PLCs, motor drives, and sensors, realizing real-time control and data collection.

Storage Expansion

1 TF card slot (supports plug-in detection)

Used for expanding storage or system upgrade.

Debugging & Configuration

1-channel UART debugging serial port; 1-channel BOOT mode dip switch

Facilitates system debugging, burning and maintenance.

Power Supply & Reliability

12V/1A DC input (DC round head socket and 3.81 Phoenix terminal in parallel); on-chip watchdog, RTC battery holder; 2-channel 5V/1A, 2-channel 3.3V/1A power output (led out through expansion port)

Wide voltage input, industrial terminals, system self-recovery mechanism, ensuring long-term stable operation.

Basic Control

Power button, reset button, power/run/user indicator lights

Meets basic device control and status indication needs.

Software and Development Ecosystem

  • Operating System: Equipped with a stable system based on Linux 5.10.9 kernel.

  • Development Environment: Provides complete Yocto Gatesgarth project source code, including U-Boot 2020.04, kernel and driver source code, and cross-compilation toolchain.

  • Development Tools: Supports NXP official burning tool (uuu) and configuration tool (Config Tools for i.MX V15), providing a friendly development experience.

Why is it an Industrial-Grade Choice?

  • Higher Reliability than Development Boards: Component selection, PCB process (8-layer immersion gold), power supply design and environmental adaptability (wide temperature range) are all implemented in accordance with industrial product standards, which can be directly used in mass industrial scenarios, not limited to prototype verification.

  • Industrial Practicality of Interfaces: Dual network ports, CAN bus, Phoenix terminal power input, rich GPIO and multiplexing interfaces are typical requirements for industrial site communication, control and power supply.

  • Core Board + Base Board Architecture:

    • Core Board (ECK20): Integrates core and non-upgradable components such as CPU, memory, storage, and power management. It has undergone strict testing and provides stable long-term supply.

    • Base Board: Flexibly defines peripheral interfaces according to application requirements. This architecture not only ensures the reliability of the core system but also leaves room for product customization. Users can also refer to this base board to design their own dedicated base boards.

Typical Application Scenarios

  • Industrial Control & HMI: Production line touch screen control terminals, PLC gateways, equipment monitoring panels.

  • IoT Edge Gateway: Protocol conversion (such as Modbus to MQTT), data aggregation, edge computing nodes.

  • Smart Terminals: Advertising machines, self-service terminals, smart retail cabinets.

  • Embedded Controllers: Robot controllers, visual inspection equipment, special testing instruments.

  • Energy & Power: Power monitoring devices, new energy charging pile controllers.

Introduction to EBYTE Industrial Computing Product Line

EBYTE's industrial computing department focuses on providing efficient, mature and stable embedded computer core system products to meet the needs of large-scale and rapid deployment in the industrial market. Its product line has a clear hierarchy:

Core Board

  • Positioning: The "heart" of the embedded system, integrating core components such as CPU, memory, storage, and power supply.

  • Features: High cost performance, industrial-grade components, strict testing, multiple packaging options including stamp hole, LGA, and BTB, supports Linux and provides rich SDK.

  • Series Representatives: ECK20-6Y2XA series based on NXP i.MX6ULL, ECK30-T13IA series based on Allwinner T113, ECK40 series based on Rockchip RK3568, etc.

Single Board Computer

  • Positioning: A ready-to-use complete embedded computer composed of a core board and a standardized base board.

  • Features: Compact size (such as 2.5-inch, Raspberry Pi compatible size), rich interfaces, out-of-the-box use, high cost performance, can be quickly put into industrial scenarios in batches.

  • Series Representatives: The protagonist of this article ECB20-6Y28A5ME8G-I, ECB30-P4T13IA5ME8G-I based on Allwinner T113, and higher-performance ECB32-PB series, etc.

Industrial PC

  • Positioning: Single board computer + professional structural design, forming a more complete industrial product.

  • Features: Focuses on electromagnetic compatibility, protection level, and heat dissipation design, provides wide voltage input (AC/DC), and has more robust interfaces, suitable for direct integration into equipment cabinets or harsh environments.

Accessories

  • Positioning: Supporting touch screens, radiators, interface boards, cables, etc.

  • Features: Facilitates development and testing, improves user experience, and accelerates system integration.

EBYTE industrial computing products are widely used in smart home, industrial control, rail transit, medical power, commercial electronics and other fields with their domestic options, industrial-grade reliability, complete software support, and flexible choices from core boards to complete machines.