The Itead IBOX is a variation of the Iteaduino Plus A20. It uses the same mainboard module, but a different baseboard, and it comes with a nice case as well.

Identification

Itead ibox
Manufacturer	Itead Studio
Dimensions	95mm x 145mm x 27mm
Release Date	April 2014
Website	Indiegogo Product Page
Specifications
SoC	A20 @ 1Ghz
DRAM	1GiB DDR3 @ 480MHz
NAND	4GB
Power	DC 9V @ 2A
Features
Video	HDMI
Audio	HDMI, TOSLINK S/PDIF
Network	10/100Mbps Ethernet (Realtek RTL8201CP)
Storage	µSD
USB	3 USB2.0 Host (GL850G hub), 1 USB2.0 OTG (port 4)
Headers	32pin expansion header

The IBOX is easily identifiable by the "IBOX" branding on the side, the aluminium case and high-gloss finish on the top of the case.

Sunxi support

Current status

The IBOX is very similar to the Cubieboard2 and boots most images build for the Cubieboard2 without issues. Images which Itead Studio themselves suggest actually have Cubieboard2 as the board type in u-boot. Thus, support is on-par with the Cubieboard2.

Images

Cubieboard2 images will work for this board. Itead lists some images here

Manual build

You can build things for yourself by following our Manual build howto and by choosing from the configurations available below.

Because this device is highly compatible with the Cubieboard2, you should also be able to get away with using the Cubieboard2 manual build instructions.

U-Boot

Mainline U-Boot

Use the Cubieboard2_defconfig build target unless Itead_Ibox_A20_defconfig is available.

Sunxi/Legacy U-Boot

Use the Cubieboard2 build target.

Linux Kernel

Sunxi/Legacy Kernel

Use the iteaduino_plus_a20.fex file.

Mainline Kernel

Use the sun7i-a20-itead-ibox.dtb device-tree file for the mainline kernel.file.

Tips, Tricks, Caveats

FEL mode

The Uboot button, left of the USB ports, triggers FEL mode. Hold the button in while plugging in power.

USB

3 of the 4 USB ports are connected to the outputs of the USB hub IC. However, USB 4 is connected directly to the port and supports USB OTG. Pins 1 and 2 of the expansion header export the same USB OTG port.

Power

Power is supplied by an MP2307 switching regulator. Theoretically, you should be able to power this board with 12V (which is more convenient than 9) without issues. The regulator provides a maximum of 3A @ 5V.

The device will also run if powered over the USB OTG port, which means you can run it from a 5V supply. Be careful as this is not intended operation and there is no protection for over-current, reverse polarity etc. That being said, I've measured a peak draw of about 700-800mA over 5V so a 1A supply should work well. Try this at your own risk - it is a hack.

LED/IRDA

The IBOX also has a dual-colour LED (red/green) and in infrared receiver connected to PB4 of the A20.

Expansion Header

The 32pin expansion header provides access to

VGA
Stereo analogue input/output
SATA
SPI
I2C
4 UARTs (2 dedicated, 2 shared by SPI pins)
Duplication of USB port 4
Power

Serial port

Ibox UART pins

Device disassembly

Board can be disassembled by removing the 4 screws on the bottom of the box. It is intended to be a development platform in a consumer package, so they have not made it difficult.

Locating the UART

The UART can be found on pins 9 (TX) and 10 (RX) with ground on pin 29 on the expansion header. Read the UART howto for more information.

Pictures

Also known as

The IBOX shares the core board with the Iteaduino Plus A20.

Itead ibox

Contents