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MNT Quasar is an open hardware processor module that enables the use of Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490 (as well as QCS8550 and SM8750) in the MNT Reform series of open hardware laptops/computers. It was designed using KiCAD by Lucie L. Hartmann of MNT Research GmbH.
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We thank Linaro for supporting this project with software engineering for Linux and U-Boot.
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This project receives funding by NLNet (NGI Zero Core), for which we are grateful.
The QCS6490 version of Quasar (Quasar 6490) has now entered the first batch production. Initial user manuals, sources and documentation for the Factory Image (partitioning) as well as U-Boot CI build are available:
MNT Quasar 6490 is available in the MNT shop:
The second revision, D-2 (Beta), is completed. We were lucky with D-1 because both assembled prototype worked almost immediately, with only minor fixes to be made on the PCB. The main bringup issue on day 1 was a short caused by mechanical interference with metal spacers on the MNT Pocket Reform mainboard. This has been fixed in D-2. Over the last months, we (Casey from Linaro and Lucie from MNT) got the QCS6490 version almost completely functional in the Pocket Reform, including DSI display, USB, PCIe switch with downstream SSD, Wi-Fi, Sound, Ethernet, and SPI communication with System Controller (power and battery status). Even suspend and resume works, just needs some polishing of fixes to the display panel driver. Greta also assembled a second prototype with QCS8550 processor, and Lucie got the onboard DSI to HDMI converter to work, allowing up to three displays on 8550.
Lucie also made a new mainboard version for Pocket Reform to accomodate some needs for Quasar:
Most important changes for the beta version of Quasar:
The first PCB design, version D-1, is completed. The schematics were reviewed by Thundercomm, who designed the C6490P solder-on module that contains the processor and RAM used in our processor module. Additional thanks to Atlantik Elektronik for being a very helpful distributor/partner for Thundercomm in Germany.
All KiCAD hardware sources are copyright 2025 MNT Research GmbH and licensed under the CERN Open Hardware Licence Version 2 - Strongly Reciprocal.
The MNT logo is a registered trademark of MNT Research GmbH, all rights reserved. The Linaro logo is a registered trademark of Linaro Ltd., all rights reserved. Kryo, Adreno are registered trademarks of Qualcomm Inc., all rights reserved. ThunderX brand and module artwork / 3D models are copyright Thundercomm Corp., all rights reserved.
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