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- Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO: Specs, Hardware and Design.
Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO
The Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO is an SBC that offers an alternative option to the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. It is equipped with a quad-core 1.8 GHz Arm Cortex-A55 processor, providing enhanced processing power. The device supports 4Kp60 video playback and output, along with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Additionally, it includes a built-in eMMC flash for storage purposes.
Geniatech XPI is expanding its family of SBCs by introducing a new small Rockchip RK3566 SBC that closely follows the Raspberry Pi Zero form factor. This new board complements the previously released Raspberry Pi 3 Model B-sized XPI-3566 board and maintains the design similarities with various Raspberry Pi boards.
A Closer Look
Raspberry Pi Zero W vs. Geniatech XPI-3566-Zero
Raspberry Pi Zero W vs. Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO | ||
Model | Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W | Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO |
- |  |  |
Hardware features | ||
SoC | Broadcom BCM2710A1 | Rockchip 3566 |
RAM Configurations | 512MB LPDDR2 @ 900 MHz | 512MB LPDDR4 DRAM up to 8GB |
CPU architecture | ARM Cortex-A53 (64-bit) | ARM Cortex-A55 (64-bit) |
Core number | 4 | 4 |
CPU Frequency (Max) | 1.0GHZ | Up to 1.8GHz |
Dedicated GPU | VideoCore IV GPU | ARM G52 2EE GPU |
NPU |  |  |
GPIO header | 40 pin (Supporting SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PWM). | 40 pin (Supporting SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PWM). |
Camera Interfaces | 1x CSI-2 camera connector | 1x CSI-2 camera connector |
MicroSD (TF) Card Slot | | |
eMMC Storage | | |
USB | 1x Mico USB 2.0 interface 1x Mico USB 2.0 OTG interface | 1x Type-C interface 1x Type-C OTG interface |
WiFi & BT | 2.4 GHz | Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz |
HDMI | 1 × Mini HDMI Out (Resolutions up to 1080p30) | 1 × Mini HDMI Out (Resolutions up to 4Kp60) |
PCB size (form factor) | 65mm x 30mm | 65mm x 30mm |
Power Interface | Micro-USB (5V/2.5A) | Type-C (5V/2A) |
OS | Raspberry Pi OS / Debian | Android 11.0, Linux（Debian 10）or Rasberry Pi OS emulater. |
Astimate Price | Starting at $15 | N/A |
Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO Specifications
- Rockchip RK3566 with Quad-core Cortex-A55 up to 1.8GHz
- GPU: ARM G52 2EE GPU
- 512MB LPDDR RAM( up to 8GB) , 8GB eMMc flash ( up to 128GB)
- Interfaces: 2*Type-C USB, 1*MIPI-CSI, 1*Extension GPIO interface
- Support Android 11.0, Linux（Debian 10）or Rasberry Pi OS emulator.
- 2.4GHz&5GHz Wi-Fi WLAN & Blue tooth 5.0
- Size: 65mm*30mm, less than the half size of a bank card
- Android 11, Debian 10, Rasberry Pi OS emulator.
Hardware
The device features a powerful Rockchip RK3566 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor, capable of reaching speeds of up to 1.8 GHz. It is equipped with an Arm Mali-G52 2EE GPU and a 1 TOPS AI accelerator, further enhancing its performance capabilities.
With 512MB LPDDR4 system memory, users have the option to expand it up to 8GB. The device also offers 8GB eMMC flash storage, which can be expanded to 128GB if desired. The Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO supports high-resolution video output with its mini HDMI 2.0 connection, enabling stunning 4K visuals at 60 frames per second.
Interfaces
For camera interface, it provides a MIPI CSI connector, allowing users to connect compatible camera modules. Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi 5, offering speeds of up to 433 Mbps, and Bluetooth 5.0 via the Ampak AP6256 module.
The board features a USB 2.0 OTG Type-C port and a USB Host port that can also be used for powering the device. The device supports expansion through a 40-pin Raspberry Pi compatible GPIO header, providing access to up to 28 GPIOs, as well as UART, SPI, I2C, and PWM interfaces.
Additional features include an IR receiver and a button for added convenience. The power supply can be provided through a 5V/2A USB Type-C port. With its compact dimensions of 63 x 30 mm, the Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO offers a powerful computing solution in a small form factor.
Final words
The Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO is superior to the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W in terms of hardware, except for lacking a micro SD card socket. This is because the Geniatech XPI-3566-ZERO uses an eMMC flash instead. That’s actually a plus to me, but I’ve noticed some people prefer using Micro SD cards.
The faster processor, 4Kp60 video support, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0 are all advantages. The board may also consume less power since it uses a Cortex-A55 SoC. Geniatech claims that 5V/2A is sufficient, while 5V/2.5A is recommended for the Pi Zero 2W.
Price and Availability
Geniatech’s current focus is on B2B sales, which means they are not selling the XPI-3566-ZERO on their online shop at the moment. For more comprehensive information, please visit the product page or contact the company directly to get a sample quote.
