Power & Boot
Power Supply Specifications
The Rhino Core Q85 intelligent module uses the Qualcomm PMIC power solution and receives power through the board-to-board connector.
| Signal | Type | Voltage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| VBATT | Main power input | 3.5V ~ 4.2V | Main power supply for the core board, typical value 3.8V |
| USB_VBUS | USB charging input | 3.7V ~ 21.5V | Supports QC5.0 fast charging |
Note
When both CPU and GPU are fully loaded, the maximum current can reach 7A (full-load Irms current is approximately 4A). The power supply design must ensure that VBATT does not drop below 3.5V at the maximum current of 7A, and the power copper should be sized to carry 4A and made as wide as possible to reduce heat. For battery power, the carrier board must provide sufficient capacitance - at least two 47µF capacitors are recommended - plus a 5.1V/500mW TVS. If DC power is used, a 10V~24V input is supported.
Power Outputs
The core board provides multiple regulated outputs through the PMIC for carrier board peripherals:
| Output Signal | Voltage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| VREG_BOB1 | Adjustable Buck/Boost | Powers the CODEC IC |
| VREG_S6G_1P86 | 1.8V | General-purpose 1.8V output |
| VREG_L8B_1P8 | 1.8V | Powers the SD card signal level shifter |
| VREG_L6B_1P8 | 1.8V | General-purpose 1.8V output |
| VREG_1P2_SYS | 1.2V | Powers the SD card signal level shifter |
| VREG_L13B_3P0 | 3.0V | General-purpose 3V output |
| VREG_L14B_3P2 | 3.2V | General-purpose 3.2V output |
| VREG_L15B_1P8 | 1.8V | General-purpose 1.8V output |
| VREG_L16B_2P8 | 2.8V | General-purpose 2.8V output |
| VREG_L9B_2P9 | 1.8V / 2.95V | TF card power supply |
Power Sequencing
The core board integrates the Qualcomm PMIC power management chip. The power-up sequencing is automatically managed by the PMIC, so the carrier board design does not need to handle the core board power sequencing separately. The carrier board only needs to provide a stable VBATT supply.
Reset Signals
| Signal | Type | Active Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM_RESIN_N | Input | Active low | Reset signal; pulling low triggers a core board reset |
| PM_CBL_PWR_N | Input/Output | Active low | Power-on configuration signal; pulling low enables power-on auto-start |
Power On/Off Control
| Signal | Type | Active Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPD_PWR_N | Input | Active low | Power key signal |
For the carrier board design, it is recommended to connect KPD_PWR_N to ground through a key: short press to power on, long press to force power off. Grounding PM_CBL_PWR_N enables automatic power-on on boot.
Boot Media
The core board boots from UFS by default. The system firmware is flashed to the on-board UFS storage, and the bootloader is loaded from UFS after power-on.
Flashing Mode
| Signal | Description |
|---|---|
| FORCE_USB_BOOT | Flashing mode enable signal; when enabled, the module enters download mode via USB |
Steps to enter flashing mode:
- Ground the FORCE_USB_BOOT signal
- Power on the core board
- Connect the host via USB and use the Qualcomm flashing tool to flash the firmware
RTC Backup Power
| Signal | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| VCOIN | Input/Output | RTC backup power input |
When VBATT is disconnected, VCOIN can supply backup power to the RTC. It is recommended to connect an external large capacitor or coin cell battery. Power consumption is about 10μA after VBATT is disconnected; choose the appropriate capacitor or battery as needed.