$10 System-on-Module Drives Full HD Smart Displays via SigmaStar SSD201 SoC

SigmaStar makes some of the cheapest processors for cameras on the market such as MStar MSC313E SoC. I’ve now been informed about a new low-cost module – IDO-SOM2D01 – based on SigmaStar SSD201 dual-core Cortex-A7 Full HD SoC with 64MB embedded DDR2, 128MB flash, as well as support for Ethernet and WiFi.

As far as I understand, there’s no camera input, and instead, the SSD201 processor targets applications leveraging Full HD display for the Smart Home, industrial HMI, and home control systems.

IDO-SOM2D01 SigmaStar SSD201 Module

Industio IDO-SOM2D01 system-on-module specifications:

  • SoC – SigmaStar SSD201 dual-core Cortex-A7 processor @ 1.2 GHz with 2D GPU, 64MB DDR2 RAM (QFN128 package)
  • Storage – 128MB SPI NAND flash (option up to 2GB)
  • Video  Decoder – H.264/H.265 up to 1920×1080 @ 60 fps
  • 96x castellated holes (1.1mm pitch) with
    • Video Output – 4-lane MIPI DSI up to 1080p60
    • Audio – 1x analog microphone input, 2x DMIC inputs, 1x Line Out
    • Networking – 2x 10/100M Ethernet interfaces
    • USB – 1x USB 2.0 host notably usable to add WiFi via SigmaStar SSW101B module
    • 4x UART, 1x SDIO 2,  2x I2C, 1x I2S, 1x SPI, 4x PMW, GPIOs
  • Dimensions – 2.95 x 2.95 cm
  • Weight – 8 grams
IDO-SOMD2D01 Module Block Diagram with SSD201 SoC
Block Diagram

There’s a Linux BSP that is said to boot within one second. But good luck getting the SDK from the company… We do have a block diagram from a Chinese website that shows more details about the processor itself.

SigmaStar SSD201 Block DiagramNote the block diagram above is for both SSD201 and SSD202D processors both of which have two USB 2.0 host ports, while the module only exposes one. The SSD202D processor also comes with 128MB DDR3 RAM instead of just 64MB DDR2 for SSD201.

A good way to find out more about SigmaStar processors and Linux support is to check out linux-chenxing website which documents the processors in English. SSD201 and SSD202D are part of the infinity2m family,  which can currently boot Linux to shell from initramfs using an SSD202 development board.

SSD201_HT_V2 Development Board
SSD202 Development Board

Sourcing the module and development board is possible, but you’d have to do so on Taobao with the IDO-SOM2D01 system-on-module going for 68 RMB (~$10), and the development board for around $200.

Thanks to dgp for the tip.

Share this:
FacebookTwitterHacker NewsSlashdotRedditLinkedInPinterestFlipboardMeWeLineEmailShare

Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress

ROCK Pi 4C Plus

3 Replies to “$10 System-on-Module Drives Full HD Smart Displays via SigmaStar SSD201 SoC”

  1. I should have written this in the tip message:

    • The SDK is on github in a few different places from what I’ve seen. Unfortunately all of the fun stuff (video decoder, display etc) seems to be done via kernel module shim so that stuff is a mystery. I have both ethernet controllers, the usb etc working on the big dev kit board so if you just want the processors and some connectivity to the outside would these modules should be OK. There is some interesting functionality like running an RTOS on one of the cores and Linux on the other.
    • The wifi is a new variation of the same IP Allwinner used in the XR819. There is a code dump of the driver for it and it looks a bit cleaner than the hack job Allwinner did… maybe if anyone is still interested in the XR819 they could try to make the newer driver work for it too?
    • The price I got quoted for the SSD201 in 10 units was ~$3. It’s probably a bit cheaper without broker tax and in bigger quantity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Khadas VIM4 SBC
Khadas VIM4 SBC