System on Modules (SoMs), also known as Computer on Modules, are a sort of embedded system hardware that encapsulates the essential functions of a mini PC into a single circuit board. People also refer to them as embedded development platforms, and for good reason.
The majority of SoMs feature a highly integrated module including the CPU, memory (DDR), storage (eMMC or Flash), power management (PMIC), and other components. The power management IC supplies the different voltage outputs that the CPU needs and manages the CPU’s power sequencing. Typically, SoMs connected to the carrier board using methods such as board-to-board connectors, stamp hole soldering, gold fingers, or COM Express. Additionally, broad pin-out capabilities, which reveal all or most of the CPU’s functioning pins, are typically included in SoMs so that users can construct peripheral circuits for their built product.
By providing a standalone module that inherits essential features, SoMs offer tremendous customization possibilities for diverse carrier boards. It not only reduces hardware complexity but also improves development efficiency.
On the software side, SoMs come with pre-ported and adaptable embedded operating systems like Linux, enabling developers to focus on optimizing interface drivers, boot loaders (U-Boot), file systems, and graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This thorough software integration simplifies secondary development by providing users with a full GUI and speeds up time-to-market.
SoMs have become an appealing solution as the IoT era’s demand for intelligent hardware continues to soar. With more than 20 years of experience in IoT hardware design, Dusun IoT is pleased to introduce the RK3568 SoM, which is based on the Rockchip Quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A55 SoC and offers cutting-edge performance and remarkable versatility to satisfy the industry’s changing needs.
RK3568 SoM Overview
RK3568 SoM is a cost-effective computer on module including a 2 GHz CPU and an AI/ML neural processing unit (NPU) acceleration (0.8Top). It can be connected to a carrier board to create a customized SBC single board computer, which can then be utilized for a variety of purposes.
RK3568 SoM is a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. It offers the processing power and AI capabilities required to perform advanced data processing, such as computer vision, natural language processing, and intelligent decision-making, for edge computing devices, smart appliances, industrial automation systems, or IoT gateways, satisfying various demands of today’s data-driven world.
Key Features of RK3568 SoM
- CPU: a Quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A55 processor with a 22nm lithography process, capable of operating at speeds of up to 2.0GHz, providing a strong foundation for high-performance computing tasks.
- GPU: ARM G52 2EE GPU supports OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.0, and Vulkan 1.1, delivering excellent graphics rendering capabilities for visually demanding applications.
- NPU: The integrated high-performance AI accelerator enables efficient and accelerated AI processing, unlocking possibilities for advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
- VPU: With video processing capabilities, RK3568 SoM supports 4K video decoding at 60fps for popular codecs such as H.265, H.264, and VP9. It also supports 1080p video encoding at 60fps for H.265 and H.264, along with an 8M ISP (Image Signal Processor) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) support.
- Memory and Storage: RK3568 SoM offers flexible options for memory and storage configurations. It supports LPDDR4 RAM with capacities of 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB, and eMMC storage options ranging from 32GB to 128GB, allowing users to choose the configuration that suits their specific needs.
- Power Management: RK3568 SoM incorporates the RK809-5/RK860 power management solution, enabling dynamic adjustment of the output voltage of each DC-DC converter, ensuring efficient power distribution and management.
- Network Expansion: RK3568 SoM features an integrated GMAC Ethernet Controller, providing two Gigabit RJ45 ports for reliable and high-speed network connectivity. It also supports SDIO for extending Wi-Fi capabilities (2.4G/5GHz, Wi-Fi 6) and Bluetooth (BLE 5.0) with compatible modules. Additionally, it offers support for 5G/4G LTE connectivity.
- Compact Design: RK3568 SoM has a compact form factor with dimensions of 82mm x 50.5mm, making it suitable for space-constrained applications where size matters.
- Wide Operating Temperature Range: RK3568 SoM is designed to withstand a wide operating temperature range, from -20°C to 60°C, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments.
We used RK3568 to developed a mini PC hub for home use, welcome to read it.
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Optimized Operating System BSP
The process of developing an operating system to fit a product’s specifications can be difficult and time-consuming. It entails a variety of duties, including file system trimming, documentation interpretation, hardware adaptation, and bug debugging, etc. These numerous workflow steps may extend the development cycle and increase its complexity.
Dusun IoT‘s Board Support Package (BSP) for RK3568 SoM has undergone optimization, fixing, trimming, and testing. Itsusability, feature set, and stability reflects what users need. This means that users can now skip this laborious procedure of creating their own BSP, which starts with hundreds of megabytes of documentation supplied by chip manufacturers. Instead, they can just make use of Dusun’s well-established development environment and follow the instructions outlined in the Quick Start Guide. This saves users valuable development time by enabling them to concentrate more of their energies on application development.
Robust Capability for Peripheral Expansion
RK3568 SoM is a great choice for applications that need rich interface options of peripheral expansion and connectivity.
- Display Interfaces: Featuring one HDMI 2.0, two MIPI DSI, and one eDP 1.3, RK3568 SoM supports the connection of multiple displays simultaneously, providing flexibility in configuring and utilizing screen outputs.
- Camera Interfaces: With two MIPI-CSI interfaces, RK3568 SoM provides support for connecting cameras, facilitating applications that require advanced imaging capabilities.
- Audio Output: RK3568 SoM includes various audio output options, including HDMI Audio, Speaker, Earphone, and Microphone interfaces, catering to different audio requirements.
- PCIe Connectivity: It offers PCIe support with one PCIe 3.0 (2 lane) and PCIe 2.1 (1 lane), allowing for high-speed data transfer and expansion options.
- Storage Interfaces: The RK3568 SoM provides three SATA 3.0 interfaces, enabling connectivity with multiple storage devices for efficient data management.
- USB Connectivity: With four USB interfaces, including two USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, the RK3568 SoM offers versatile connectivity for various USB peripherals.
- General Purpose Interfaces: The RK3568 SoM features a wide array of general-purpose interfaces, including three SDMMC, three SPI, ten UART, six I2C, two I2S, sixteen PWM, seven ADC, three CAN, and 130 GPIO pins. These general-purpose interfaces provide a wide range of connectivity options for the RK3568 SoM, allowing it to communicate with and control various external devices, sensors, and modules.
Off-the shelf Carrier Board Provided
To operate with the RK3568 SoM, Dusun IoT provides an off-the-shelf pre-configured carrier board that highlights the various connectivity choices, performance capabilities, and features of the SoM. It saves developers the trouble of designing a unique carrier board from beginning by enabling them to quickly investigate and assess the RK3568 SoM’s full capability within a ready-to-use platform.
Development Resources for RK3568 SoM
Dusun IoT provides a comprehensive set of resources to support product development using RK3568 SoM. These resources include design materials (hardware schematics, layout guidelines, etc.), source code, documentation (datasheets, user manuals, etc.), DXF files, and an SDK (tools, libraries, and APIs).
Recommended Applications of RK3568 SoM
RK3568 SoM can be utilized in various applications, and here are a few examples of the RK3568 SoM applications:
IoT Edge Computing
Because of its strong processing and AI/ML capabilities, RK3568 SoM is a good choice for edge computing applications in the Internet of Things. It can handle data processing, analytics, and decision-making at the edge, allowing for effective and real-time data processing without a significant need on cloud resources. For applications like edge AI, edge analytics, and edge device management, this makes it perfect.
Smart Industrial Control
Smart industrial control applications are a good fit for RK3568 SoM because of its strong performance and connectivity possibilities. Automation, data collecting, and real-time control in industrial settings are made possible by its ability to monitor and control a variety of industrial processes and equipment. Additionally, it may support communication protocols like OPC UA and Modbus that are frequently used in industrial environments.
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Smart Home Control
RK3568 SoM can serve as a powerful and flexible platform for smart home control applications. It can be used to centralize and manage various smart home devices, such as lighting systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, security systems, and multimedia devices. Its processing power and networking options allow it to integrate and control a variety of smart home devices with ease.
Explore More Smart Home Gateways
IoT Gateways
RK3568 SoM can be used as an IoT gateway, serving as a link between IoT devices and other network infrastructure or the cloud. It can gather information from several sensors and devices, process it locally, and safely send the information to the cloud for additional processing and archiving. The Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity options of the RK3568 SoM allow for easy integration with a variety of IoT devices.
Explore More Smart Gateways
RK3568 SoM Availability
Currently, Dusun IoT offers three variants of RK3568 SoMs with different configurations. Developers can choose the variant that best suits their specific requirements.
- 2G RAM LPDDR4 + 32G eMMC: This variant is suitable for applications with moderate memory and storage requirements.
- 4G RAM LPDDR4 + 64G eMMC: It offers increased memory capacity and storage space compared, well-suited for applications that require more memory for data processing or storage.
- 8G RAM LPDDR4 + 128G eMMC: This configuration provides the highest memory capacity and storage space among the options, making it ideal for applications that demand extensive memory usage or require ample storage for data-intensive operations.
Furthermore, Dusun IoT has run a number of testing on the SoMs, such as high and low-temperature tests, repeated reboot tests, Android stability tests, and AnTuTu benchmark tests. These tests verify the SoMs’ stability and dependability in various operational environments. It’s also important to note that RK3568 SoMs don’t crash when operating constantly for seven days and nights.
Final Word
To sum up, RK3568 SoM offers developers a strong chance to design their own products with superior performance and short development cycles. The RK3568 SoM is well-suited for a variety of applications, including IoT edge computing, smart industrial control, smart home control, and IoT gateways, thanks to its strong capabilities and many connectivity options.
RK3568 SoM Parameter in Summary:
- CPU: Quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A55, 22nm lithography process, (up to 2.0GHz)
- GPU: ARM G52 2EE, support OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.0, Vulkan 1.1
- NPU: 0.8 TOPS @INT8, integrated high-performance AI accelerator
- VPU: support 4K @60fps H.265 / H.264 / VP9 video decoding, support 1080P @60fps H.265 / H.264 video encoding, support 8M ISP and HDR
- RAM: 2GB / 4GB / 8GB LPDDR4 Optional
- Storage: 32GB / 64GB / 128GB eMMC optional
- Power Management: RK809-5/RK860 Dynamic adjustment of the output voltage of each DC-DC converter
- OS: Android/Debian
- Temperature: -20 °C ~60 °C (Operating), -20 °C ~70 °C (Storage);
- Humidity: 10 ~ 80% (Non-condensing);
- Dimension: 82mm x 50.5mm;
- Ethernet: integrated GMAC Ethernet Controller, for 2 * Gigabit RJ45;
- IoT Connctivity: Support SDIO to extend Wi-Fi (2.4G/5GHz, Wi-Fi 6) & Bluetooth (BLE 5.0) two-in-one module, support 5G/4G Lte;
- Display Interfaces: Support 1 * HDMI 2.0, 2 * MIPI DSI, 1 * eDP 1.3, support up to 3 screen outputs with different displays.
- Camera Interfaces: 2 * MIPI-CSI;
- Audio Output: 1 * HDMI Audio, 1 * Speaker, 1 * Earphone, 1 * Microphone
- PCIe: 1 * PCIe 3.0, 1 * PCIe 2.1;
- General Interface: 3 * SATA 3.0, 2 * USB 3.0, 2 * USB 2.0; 3 * SDMMC, 3 * SPI, 10 * UART, 6 * I2C, 2 * I2S, 16 * PWM, 7 * ADC, 3 * CAN, 130 * GPIO.
Please feel free to contact Dusun IoT with questions about price and technical support, as well as to explore the possibilities of the RK3568 SoM. Our committed staff is prepared to offer the assistance and direction required to enable developers to realize their creative concepts.
