Tag: Radxa

  • Radxa Dragon Q6A: New Qualcomm-Based Raspberry Pi Alternative

    Radxa Dragon Q6A: New Qualcomm-Based Raspberry Pi Alternative

    Key Takeaways

    1. Radxa is launching the Dragon Q6A single-board computer as an alternative to Raspberry Pi.
    2. The Dragon Q6A features a Qualcomm QCS6490 SoC with powerful AI capabilities and integrated GPU.
    3. Connectivity options include MIPI DSI, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.4, but lack integrated mass storage.
    4. Compatibility with Raspberry Pi accessories is provided through a 40-pin GPIO header.
    5. Community interest is growing on platforms like Weibo, discussing the Dragon Q6A’s potential applications.

    Radxa is set to introduce a new single-board computer called the Dragon Q6A. This SBC can be seen as a substitute for the well-known Raspberry Pi. It has dimensions of 3.35 x 2.56 inches and features a 40-pin GPIO header, which is compatible with Raspberry Pi accessories. Thus, users can connect related expansion boards, although there may be instances where software support is not assured.

    Powerful Specifications

    This SBC is powered by the Qualcomm QCS6490 SoC, which includes four Cortex-A78 cores and four Cortex-A55 cores, along with an Adreno 634L integrated GPU. Additionally, it comes with an NPU that is capable of delivering an AI performance of 12 TOPS, enabling the local execution of certain AI models, such as image object recognition. Users can connect cameras through USB or MIPI CSI ports, which are commonly found in the SBC market.

    Connectivity Options

    For video output, MIPI DSI and HDMI ports are provided. Network connectivity can be achieved through Gigabit Ethernet, which includes optional Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, or via WiFi 6. Support for Bluetooth 5.4 is also included; however, there is no integrated mass storage. As a result, hobbyists will need to install eMMC, UFS modules, or an M.2 SSD for additional storage. Similar to many other single-board computers, the Radxa Dragon Q6A is compatible with microSD cards and can support up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The company has yet to disclose pricing or a release date.

    Community Reactions

    The announcement has sparked interest among tech enthusiasts on platforms like Weibo, where discussions about its potential applications and performance are already underway.

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    Radxa Dragon Q6A: New Qualcomm-Based Raspberry Pi Alternative

     

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  • Radxa Dual 2.5G Router HAT for Raspberry Pi with NVMe SSD Support

    Radxa Dual 2.5G Router HAT for Raspberry Pi with NVMe SSD Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Radxa offers single-board computers (SBCs) to compete with Raspberry Pi, with products like the Rock 5B Plus and Rock 5T priced at $226.99.
    2. The new Dual 2.5G Router HAT enhances Raspberry Pi 5 functionality by adding two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports using the Realtek RTL8125B controller.
    3. The HAT features an M Key slot for installing M.2 2280 SSDs, which can operate at speeds up to PCIe 3.0 x1.
    4. The product includes an IPEX to FPC adapter, screws, standoffs, and a heatsink for heat management.
    5. The Radxa Dual 2.5G Router HAT is available for approximately $40 on AliExpress and Arace Tech.

    Radxa makes several single-board computers (SBCs) aiming to challenge the more widely used Raspberry Pi ecosystem. The company sometimes takes inspiration from the naming of Raspberry Pi devices, like with the Rock 5B Plus and the Rock 5T, which is currently priced at $226.99 on Amazon.

    New Expansion Board

    Recently, Radxa introduced an add-on board that enhances the functionality of the Raspberry Pi 5. This product, named the Dual 2.5G Router HAT, adds two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports to the Raspberry Pi 5 through the SBC’s 40-pin GPIO header. Notably, these ports use the Realtek RTL8125B controller, unlike alternatives from MediaTek or Intel.

    Added Features

    The new product also includes an M Key slot, allowing users to install an M.2 2280 SSD. Radxa claims that these SSDs can operate at speeds of up to PCIe 3.0 x1 via an IPEX connector. However, there is a bit of confusion since the company markets the HAT as using FPC, yet it includes an IPEX to FPC adapter in the package. The HAT comes with screws, standoffs, and a heatsink to help manage heat and prevent throttling.

    Currently, you can buy the Radxa Dual 2.5G Router HAT on AliExpress for roughly $40. You can also find it at Arace Tech for a similar price. For more information, check out Radxa’s wiki.

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    Radxa Dual 2.5G Router HAT for Raspberry Pi with NVMe SSD SupportRadxa Dual 2.5G Router HAT for Raspberry Pi with NVMe SSD Support
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  • Radxa Rock 5T: A Powerful Raspberry Pi 5 SBC Alternative with 32GB RAM

    Radxa Rock 5T: A Powerful Raspberry Pi 5 SBC Alternative with 32GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Rock 5T measures 3.23 x 4.33 inches and is a compact single-board computer with versatile applications.
    2. It features two M.2 slots for SSDs, pre-installed eMMC storage, and an onboard microSD card slot.
    3. The device offers 4 to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and is powered by the Rockchip RK3588 SoC with impressive processing capabilities.
    4. It supports multiple display options, including dual HDMI ports for 4K/8K output, DisplayPort via USB Type-C, and can connect to three monitors simultaneously.
    5. The Rock 5T includes advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and two 2.5GbE ports, along with camera and sensor connections via MIPI-CSI.

    The Rock 5T is a latest single-board computer that brings the functionalities of the Rock 5 ITX in a smaller size, measuring only 3.23 x 4.33 inches. This device is really well-equipped for an SBC and can be applied in a variety of scenarios.

    M.2 Slots and Storage Options

    This competitor to Raspberry Pi 5 features two M.2 slots, each linked with two PCIe 3.0 lanes, which is pretty rare for an SBC. These slots allow for two SSDs, but the Rock 5T comes with pre-installed eMMC storage depending on the model variant. Additionally, there’s an onboard microSD card slot.

    RAM and Processing Power

    The small device has 4 to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, based on the configuration you choose. It runs on the Rockchip RK3588 SoC, which has four Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores. The built-in NPU can deliver performance of up to 6 TOPS.

    Display and Connectivity Features

    You can connect external displays through two HDMI ports that support resolutions of 4K and even 8K. Additionally, there’s DisplayPort via USB Type-C and an MIPI-DSI interface available, with the latter supporting Full-HD screens at up to 60Hz. In total, the Rock 5T can connect to three monitors and also provides an HDMI input.

    For accessories or external storage, there are two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. In terms of wireless capabilities, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Furthermore, the alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5 can also connect to networks through two 2.5GbE ports that support PoE.

    Camera and Sensor Connections

    You can attach cameras via MIPI-CSI, and as is typical, there’s a pin header for linking sensors and actuators. Arace Tech is currently offering the 16GB RAM version of the new Radxa Rock 5T for about $140. Sadly, the commercial version that features the Rockchip RK3588J, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 is not available at this time.

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    Radxa Rock 5T: A Powerful Raspberry Pi 5 SBC Alternative with 32GB RAM
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  • Cubie A5E: Compact Raspberry Pi Alternative Single-Board Computer

    Cubie A5E: Compact Raspberry Pi Alternative Single-Board Computer

    We have discussed Radxa multiple times on this site, a company that is recognized in specific circles for its single-board computers (SBCs) and more. Their latest offering, the Cubie A5E, is a small SBC that provides a range of expansion choices. The device has dimensions of 69 x 56 mm (2.7 x 2.2 in) and is available with either an Allwinner T527 or A527 system-on-chip (SoC). Both of these chips come with eight Cortex-A55 cores, a Mali-G57 MC1 GPU, and an optional NPU capable of delivering up to two TOPS, which makes it suitable for AI tasks.

    Configuration and Storage Options

    The Cubie A5E can be set up with 1, 2, or 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, but it lacks built-in storage aside from a small SPI flash chip used for the bootloader. As is common, users have the option to add a memory card or to install an NVMe M.2 2230 SSD. For video connections, it has one HDMI 2.0a port and an MIPI FPC interface. Users can connect cameras not only through USB, which is standard in consumer devices, but also via the MIPI CSI interface. There are two Gigabit Ethernet ports for networking, with one of them capable of Power over Ethernet (PoE). Additionally, it comes with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, plus a single USB 3.0 port.

    Power and Connectivity Features

    The Cubie A5E is powered through USB-C and can consume up to 20 watts. It includes a 40-pin GPIO header compatible with HATs meant for the Raspberry Pi. The device also has two user-assignable LEDs on board. However, there hasn’t been any detailed announcement regarding its pricing or when it will be available.

    Source: Link

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