UART connector / Cable for Apalis-iMX8

Hello,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am working with the Toradex Apalis iMX8 module and would like to enquire about the available UART connector options and recommended accessories for establishing serial console access and debugging.

Specifically, I would like to understand:

  • The recommended UART connector or breakout accessory compatible with the Apalis iMX8 for serial communication.
  • Whether any specific cables or adapters are required to interface the UART with a standard PC (e.g., a USB to UART converter).

It would be helpful if you could provide:

  • Part numbers and descriptions of the recommended UART connector(s).
  • Availability of these accessories.
  • Any relevant datasheets or documentation for setup and usage.

Any guidance or recommendations to help me avoid ordering incompatible parts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Best regards,
Satej G

  1. Connect UART cable (e.g., 3.5mm TRS or USB to TTL).
  2. Open a serial terminal (e.g., minicom, screen, PuTTY):
  • Baudrate: 115200
  • Data Bits: 8
  • Parity: None
  • Stop Bits: 1
  • Flow Control: None
  1. Default UART for console:
  • UART1 (on Apalis edge connector, mapped to ttymxc0 on Linux)
1 Like

Thanks for the reply, @bidrohini.

It would be highly appreciated if you could share more details about the UART connector along with any relevant links.

On the Toradex website, they mention that the Apalis iMX8 uses a DB9 connector with a null modem for the serial debug console:

Reference link:

Could you please confirm whether this connector and null modem cable are available on Digi-Key or suggest equivalent parts that I can order?

Thank you!

Hello satej.ganji,
Thank you for contacting DigiKey Technical Support.
I am sorry to inform you that I could not find a good cross for that cable in our system.

Toradex explains the cable/wiring you need here: Assembling Serial IDC to DB9 Cable | Toradex Developer Center

We have a Female to Female DB9 Null Modem Adapter available here:

NM9FF from StarTech

Which would allow you to use a USB to RS232 adapter cable like the following:
CHIPI-X10 from FTDI

Then you would just need your DKT/Intel IDC10 to DSUB adapter cable, we don’t carry those.

DTK INTEL cables can be found here