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PocketBeagle 2 Rev A1 Upgrades to Quad-Core AM6254 Processor

May 30, 2025 — by Giorgio Mendoza 476 views

BeagleBoard.org has released an updated revision of the PocketBeagle 2 featuring the Texas Instruments AM6254 processor. The new Rev A1 replaces the earlier AM6232-based Rev A0, offering a significant performance boost with no change in pricing. The upgraded AM6254 brings a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU and an integrated GPU, targeting more demanding embedded applications.

The AM6254 SoC includes a quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 subsystem running at up to 1.4 GHz, with a 512 KB shared L2 cache and ECC protection. Each core features 32 KB of instruction and 32 KB of data cache. A single Cortex-M4F microcontroller running at up to 400 MHz is included for real-time tasks.

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AM62X Block Diagram
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The board also features dual 333 MHz PRUs for industrial and low-latency use cases. Meanwhile, the GPU is described in the AM625 datasheet as an optimized graphics core supporting OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2. The board retains its compact 55 x 35 millimeter dimensions and remains compatible with existing accessories and expansion headers.

In addition to the AM6254, the board integrates a Texas Instruments MSPM0L1105 Cortex-M0+ microcontroller, operating at 32 MHz with 32 KB of flash, 4 KB of SRAM, and a 12-bit ADC. This enables direct connection of analog sensors without requiring external circuitry.


PocketBeagle 2
(click image to enlarge)

Other specifications include 512 MB of LPDDR4 SDRAM, a microSD card slot supporting 1.8V and 3.3V, a USB Type-C port for power and data, and pre-soldered 72-pin expansion headers. Input and output features include a power button, user and boot buttons, six status LEDs, and both UART and JTAG debug interfaces.


PocketBeagle 2 Upcoming Webinar Date
(click image to enlarge)

The integrated LiPo battery charger and support for external power via the cape header make the board portable and flexible for standalone applications. For detailed technical information, refer to the official PocketBeagle 2 Wiki pages.

Specifications for the PocketBeagle 2:

  • Memory:
    • 512 MB LPDDR4 SDRAM, 3200 MHz
  • Storage:
    • microSD card slot supporting 1.8V and 3.3V
  • Expansion:
    • 72-pin expansion headers
    • Includes power & battery I/Os, high-speed USB, 8 analog inputs, 52 digital I/Os, and various digital interface peripherals
  • LED Indicators:
    • 1x Power LED
    • 1x Battery charging LED
    • 4x User-controllable LEDs
  • User Input:
    • Power button
    • User/Boot button
  • Debug Support:
    • 3-pin 3.3V JST-SH 1.00 mm UART debug port (compatible with Raspberry Pi debug probes)
    • 10-pin JTAG TAG-CONNECT footprint
  • Power Source:
    • USB Type-C (5V@1A)
    • Cape Header VIN
  • Mechanical:
    • Dimensions: 55 x 35 mm
    • Weight: 12.7 grams

Further Information

The PocketBeagle 2 is now available from additional distributors, including Mouser, DigiKey, and Farnell, priced at $28.13, $29.29, and £23.21 respectively.

An upcoming free webinar titled “Fun and Simple Electronics with PocketBeagle 2” will be hosted by BeagleBoard.org and DigiKey on June 19, 2025, at 12:00 PM CDT. The session will explore how the PocketBeagle 2 and TechLab Cape support browser-based embedded Linux development using Python and Rust.

The webinar is geared toward both beginners and advanced users, featuring hands-on demonstrations of interfaces like I²C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC. Registration is open to the public, and those who cannot attend live will receive a recording afterward.

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