SX-PCEAC2 Evaluation

The SX-PCEAC2 is powered by Qualcomm Atheros QCA6174-5 radio chip, which features 2x2 wave 2 MU-MIMO technology. It is a dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac module with Bluetooth support which is designed for devices that require wireless connectivity in a small form factor combined with high performance. The SX-PCEAC2 comes in a half mini-card and M.2 PCIe card form-factors that allows customers to easily evaluate the radio on:

  • NXP's i.MX 8 Application Processor
  • NVIDIA's Jetson Nano

1. Use the NXP BSP:

The NXP i.MX8M ships with the Linux BSP that uses the WLAN ath10k driver. The board data file used is not optimized for best performance for both the on-board radio and the Silex’s SX-PCEAC2. But it does work and is the quickest way to evaluation (Not recommended for evaluation for performance and mass production purposes). 

 

2. Use the Silex Evaluation Image (RECOMMENDED):

Silex offers an evaluation image that uses the ath10k WLAN driver and has the following advantages:

• Includes tools to test basic wireless functionality, wireless security and data throughput

• Includes the optimized board data file needed to leverage the Silex's modular certification

• Enables "AP Mode" functionality

Platform Specifics

Platform NXP i.MX8M Development Board (MCIMX8M-EVK)
Operating System Linux BSP Version L4.9.51_8MQ_GA
Wi-Fi Driver ath10k (open source)

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you will need?

SX-PCEAC2-EVK
NXP i.MX8M Development Board (MCIMX8M-EVK)
8GB SDHC Flash Card (Only required for Silex evaluation image) 

You will also need the evaluation software and the step by step instructions in the user guide.

••• SX-PCEAC2 Evaluation User Guide
••• Evaluation Software (Only required for Silex evaluation image) 

 

How to Evaluate Video Tutorial: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use NVIDIA's Software Package:

You can download NVIDIA's software package from their website that includes the WLAN ath10k driver. To begin evaluation you will have to replace the board data file with the optimized file provided by Silex that is optimized for performance to leverage the modular certifications. Instructions are provided in the application note referenced below.

Platform Specifics

Platform NVIDIA's Jetson Nano 2 GB Developer Kit
Operating System Linux 
Wi-Fi Driver ath10k (open source)

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you will need?

• NVIDIA's Jetson Nano 2 GB Developer Kit
• Silex's SX-PCEAC2-M.2 
• Board Data file for SX-PCEAC2-M.2
Recommended: Optimized for performance and to leverage modular certifications for FCC, IC, CE and MIC.

• Application Note: How to setup the Hardware

• Application Note: Instructions to build a bootable image for Silex's SX-PCEAC2 Wireless Module 
Also includes information on where to replace the Silex board data file.