Tag: Single-board Computer

  • Orange Pi RV2: New RISC-V SBC with PCIe 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet

    Orange Pi RV2: New RISC-V SBC with PCIe 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet

    Key Takeaways

    1. Orange Pi has released the new Orange Pi RV2, a successor to the previous RV model.
    2. The RV2 features a new octa-core Ky X1 RISC-V chipset with an AI accelerator, improving performance.
    3. The board includes a second Gigabit Ethernet port and M.2 connectors for PCIe 2.0 x2 support.
    4. Pricing for the RV2 starts at $29.50 for the 2 GB version, with options for 4 GB and 8 GB at higher prices.
    5. Key ports on the RV2 include HDMI, USB Type-A, MIPI-CSI connectors, and a 26-pin expansion header.

    Orange Pi has had a rather subdued beginning to 2024, rolling out several single-board computers (SBCs) this year. Some of the announcements from 2024, like the RISC-V based Orange Pi RV, have yet to move into production.

    New Arrival

    However, the company has now launched a sort of successor that is already available worldwide. At first glance, the Orange Pi RV2 resembles last year’s Orange Pi RV quite a bit. Yet, this new SBC has a second Gigabit Ethernet port added to its compact 89 x 56 mm size, along with a couple of M.2 connectors that can support up to PCIe 2.0 x2.

    Key Features

    One of the most significant upgrades is the introduction of a new RISC-V chipset. To give some context, the original RV was announced with a quad-core StarFive JH7110. In comparison, the RV2 comes with an octa-core Ky X1 chipset, which boasts an AI accelerator capable of delivering up to 2 TOPS of theoretical performance.

    In addition, the RV2 is equipped with HDMI and USB Type-A ports, as well as MIPI-CSI connectors. Orange Pi has also added a 26-pin expansion header and a MicroSD card reader. Currently, you can order the Orange Pi RV2 for around $29.50 with 2 GB of LPDDR4X RAM on AliExpress; curiously, prices on Amazon are higher. There are also 4 GB and 8 GB versions available for $39.50 and $49.50, respectively. For more information, visit Orange Pi’s official site.

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    Orange Pi RV2: New RISC-V SBC with PCIe 2.0 and Gigabit EthernetOrange Pi RV2: New RISC-V SBC with PCIe 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet
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  • Banana Pi Unveils New SBC Compatible with Nvidia Jetson Nano

    Banana Pi Unveils New SBC Compatible with Nvidia Jetson Nano

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Banana Pi BPI-AIM7 is a compute module that requires a compatible carrier board for functionality.
    2. It features an RK3588 ARM chipset with 8 cores and a built-in NPU for enhanced AI performance (up to 6 TOPS).
    3. The board supports high-resolution outputs (up to 7680 x 4320 pixels at 60Hz) via DisplayPort and HDMI, and can connect cameras through MIPI-CSI.
    4. Expansion options include PCIe 3.0 and 2.1, USB ports, and the ability to connect sensors or actuators.
    5. The board dimensions are 2.7 x 1.8 inches, comes with up to 32GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB eMMC storage, and is compatible with Nvidia’s Jetson Nano.

    The Banana Pi BPI-AIM7 is a fresh single-board computer, or a compute module to be more precise. This indicates that the board itself would likely be rather useless for most users, given that it lacks typical ports for image output and similar functions. Therefore, it can only be utilized with a compatible carrier board. Those who enjoy tinkering and want to create a compact and flat system may find this compute module quite useful when paired with a custom carrier board.

    Specifications and Features

    In terms of specs, the BPI-AIM7 board features an RK3588 ARM chipset, which includes four Cortex-A76 cores and four Cortex-A55 cores. The built-in NPU is designed to enhance AI applications, boasting performance of up to 6 TOPS. The board provides support for DisplayPort and HDMI, allowing resolutions up to 7680 x 4320 pixels at 60Hz. Users can also connect cameras through MIPI-CSI.

    Expansion Options

    Additionally, this SBC offers PCIe 3.0 with four lanes, which allows for the addition of M.2 slots or extra USB ports when used with a carrier board. It also supports PCIe 2.1 with one lane, along with one USB 3.0 Gen 1 and three USB 2.0 ports. As is common with SBCs, sensors and actuators, which can measure things like brightness, can be connected via a pin header or directly to the board.

    Size and Compatibility

    The Banana Pi board is about 2.7 x 1.8 inches in dimensions and comes with up to 32GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB eMCC storage. Importantly, the SBC is compatible with Nvidia’s Jetson Nano. An associated Crowd Supply campaign aims to not only fund the production of this new single-board computer but also to create a matching carrier board.

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    Banana Pi Unveils New SBC Compatible with Nvidia Jetson Nano

     

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  • PocketBeagle 2: Affordable Compact Single-Board Computer for Devs

    PocketBeagle 2: Affordable Compact Single-Board Computer for Devs

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PocketBeagle 2 is a compact single-board computer (SBC) designed for developers, priced around $28 to $70.
    2. It has small dimensions (55 x 35 mm) and offers multiple power options, including USB-C and a 5-watt header.
    3. The board includes a microSD card slot and 72 expansion pins for connecting peripherals, but lacks HDMI and wireless features.
    4. Powered by a Texas Instruments AM6232 SoC with dual ARM Cortex-A53 cores and a Cortex-M4F MCU, it is suitable for real-time applications.
    5. Its lower performance and fewer inputs/outputs make it ideal for niche projects that don’t require a full desktop operating system.

    The PocketBeagle 2 is a single-board computer (SBC) designed mainly for developers, similar to the Raspberry Pi 5, which is priced around $70 on Amazon. The PocketBeagle 2 stands out due to its smaller size and lower performance, making it a great choice for those who don’t require a full desktop operating system. It’s important to note that it has fewer external inputs and outputs, with no HDMI ports included.

    Compact Dimensions and Power Options

    With dimensions of just 55 x 35 mm (2.17 x 1.38 in), the PocketBeagle 2 offers various power options, including battery, USB-C port, or a 5-watt header located on the board. In addition to a microSD card slot, it comes equipped with 72 expansion pins that allow for the connection of peripherals like sensors and actuators. This can open up possibilities for controlling smart home devices, even though it does not support wireless features such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Currently, you can find the PocketBeagle 2 at Mouser Electronics for approximately $28, and they also provide detailed documentation to assist new users in getting started.

    Key Features and Applications

    At the heart of the PocketBeagle 2 is a Texas Instruments AM6232 SoC, which includes two ARM Cortex-A53 cores that can run at speeds up to 1 GHz, alongside a Cortex-M4F MCU clocked at 400 MHz. This setup is particularly beneficial for real-time applications, offering a good balance of performance for specific tasks. While it may not compete with larger SBCs in terms of overall capability, its unique features cater well to niche projects and development needs.

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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.

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  • Orion O6 Open Source Mainboard with Multiple Ports and Fast NPU

    Orion O6 Open Source Mainboard with Multiple Ports and Fast NPU

    We have frequently shared updates about Radxa, a company known for its single-board computers. Recently, they introduced the Orion O6, a new mainboard that operates on ARM architecture. Radxa claims this is the first open-source mainboard utilizing the ARM V9 design. It features a Cix CD8180 SoC which houses 12 CPU cores, including four Cortex A720 cores that can clock up to 2.8 GHz. Additionally, an Arm Immortals G720 MC10 graphics chip is integrated into the SoC, alongside an NPU that boasts a performance capability of up to 30 TOPS, making it suitable for AI tasks.

    RAM and Expansion Options

    The RAM is soldered directly onto the board, with LPDDR5 memory available in sizes up to 64 GB. Prospective buyers should keep in mind that since the RAM is not removable, they need to either be skilled in soldering or choose their desired maximum size when making their purchase. The board also includes a PCIe x16 slot that has 8 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, enabling the addition of an SSD, a dedicated graphics card, or an AI accelerator.

    Connectivity Features

    For high-speed networking, the Orion O6 comes equipped with two Ethernet ports, each offering a data transfer rate of 5 gigabits. Users can easily add a WiFi or Bluetooth module thanks to the M.2 Key E connector. It supports multiple video outputs, including HDMI, DisplayPort, eDisplayPort, and USB-C, while camera connections can be made through MIPI CSI. Similar to the Raspberry Pi 5, this board includes a GPIO header and a 4-pin CPU fan header with smart PWM control.

    The Orion 6 with 8 GB of RAM starts at a price of $199, and customers will also receive an aluminum alloy case along with a cooling solution.

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  • Huawei & OrangePi Unveil Raspberry Pi Alternative

    Huawei & OrangePi Unveil Raspberry Pi Alternative

    Huawei and OrangePi have collaborated to introduce the OrangePi Kunpeng Pro, a single-board computer tailored for developers, students, and consumers. This development board, akin to the Raspberry Pi, features a quad-core 64-bit ARM processor along with a dedicated AI processor.

    Processor Details

    The specific details regarding the processor are shrouded in secrecy, with Huawei withholding the chip's name. Speculation from Tom’s Hardware indicates that it may be built on a custom Huawei Kunpeng CPU design.

    Operating System and Software

    Running on the openEuler operating system, the OrangePi Kunpeng Pro comes equipped with the openGauss database and a range of software development tools, internet applications, and productivity software. This blend makes it a versatile platform suitable for a variety of projects.

    Innovative Design

    A standout feature of the Kunpeng Pro is its utilization of a custom Huawei Kunpeng CPU in conjunction with an AI Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The integration of these components is a departure from traditional Kunpeng chip designs.

    The AI processor boasts 8 TOPS of computing power, positioning it below competitors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Apple M4 in terms of raw performance. Despite this, the Kunpeng Pro offers a compelling option for developers and students engaged in AI projects due to its affordability.

    Connectivity options on the Kunpeng Pro include two HDMI ports for 4K display connection, a Type-C power interface, Wi-Fi 5, and Gigabit Ethernet. Presently, the board is exclusively accessible through Chinese retailers at a starting price of 1,076 yuan or around $148.

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