Problem DevKit Agilex 5 - MK-A5E065BB32AES1

I analyzed the schematic and concluded that there is no communication between the SOM and the mainboard. Specifically, the SoM_Prsnt# signal, which detects that the module is inserted, is in an open state – as shown in the schematic below at this location:

Following this lead, I inspected the mainboard itself and, unfortunately, discovered some issues.

Firstly, the mainboard is bent – to be honest, this could happen during production:

I also checked the connectors that link the SoM to the mainboard (J9, J13). Unfortunately, the ends of these connectors are not fully mated (not fully locked) – as shown in the attached photo. However, the connectors in the middle are properly aligned.

Unfortunately, I am unable to fully press them in – it seems that the spacers between the SoM and the mainboard prevent the connectors from being fully inserted.

Theoretically, I could disconnect the SoM from the mainboard, remove the spacers, and reconnect it, but I’d prefer not to do this since it’s a new purchase, and removing components from this type of connector is quite difficult. Unfortunately, I’ll have to return it to the distributor under warranty.

Hello,

If you found defect of the newly purchased board, please return it to distributor, we will replace another one for you.

regards,

Farabi

Hello,

I received a new module from the distributor.

However, after powering it on and running the diagnostic test (board_test_system), I’m still getting a message that two devices are not responding—see the picture below.

But since I’m not going to use those devices for my project, I moved on to connecting the Texas ADC (ADC3669) through the FMC connector. That’s where I encountered another issue: the pins PIN_BH62 and PIN_BH59, which are set up as a differential pair, aren’t functioning properly as inputs/outputs—they’re not configuring correctly. I created a simple program for data collection and added a SignalTap instance, using the converter’s signal as the trigger clock.

Here is what I tested:

• I set PIN_BH62 and PIN_BH59 as a differential output—drove them with a PLL clock and checked the oscilloscope. Result: they showed a constant high level.
• I set PIN_BH62 and PIN_BH59 as a differential input—applied a clock signal and observed them in SignalTap. Result: they remained high.
• I disconnected the converter from the FMC connector—according to SignalTap, the pins then read low.
• I reconnected the converter to the FMC connector—set PIN_BH62 as a single-ended input and PIN_BH59 as an output. On the converter side, I tied them together with a resistor. Observing SignalTap while driving the output high or low showed that the input correctly followed the output state.
• I rerouted the clock on the converter to one of the data lines and checked the waveform. This change allowed me to see the clock in SignalTap.

In summary: what could be the reasons why PIN_BH62 and PIN_BH59, when configured as a differential pair, are not configuring correctly?