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- NanoPC-T6 Review, Specifications, and Features.
NanoPC-T6
FriendlyElec is a well-known manufacturer of embedded systems and single board computers (SBCs). The NanoPC T6 arm board is powered by the Rockchip RK3588 processor. This processor includes an eight-core CPU alongside a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for AI-related tasks.
So what’s New?
The NanoPC T6 is specifically crafted to cater to the demanding needs of high-performance computing and AI applications. It excels in areas like machine vision, deep learning, robotics, and intelligent IoT devices. It supports up to 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 256GB of eMMC storage in HS400 modes. The device has different ways to connect, like two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, one USB 3.0+ Type-C 3.0 DP port, and one HDMI input next to two HDMI output ports. There are several other interfaces we will cover later in this article.
NanoPC-T6 Layout and interfaces
NanoPC-T6 Specifications
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NanoPC-T6 (Product specification) | |
Brand | FriendlyElec |
Model | NanoPC-T6 |
SoC | Rockchip RK3588 |
CPU | 8-core 64-bit processor: • 4x Cortex-A55 cores @ 1.8 GHz |
GPU | • Arm Mali-G610 MP4 “Odin” GPU • Hardware Acceleration Supported |
NPU | Built-in AI accelerator NPU with up to 6 TOPS, supports INT4/INT8/INT16 mixed operation |
VPU | 8Kp60 H.265/VP9/AVS2 10-bit decoder, 8Kp30 H.264 decoder, 4Kp60 AV1 decoder, 8Kp30 H.265/H.264 encoder. |
System Memory Configurations | 4GB, 8GB, 16GB PDDR4x |
eMMC Storage Configurations | 32GB, 64GB, or 256GB eMMC flash (HS400 mode). |
SPI Flash | Optional |
Media Storage | MicroSD card slot up to SDR104 mode |
M.2 Interfaces | M.2 Key-M with PCIe 3.0 x4 (M.2 2280) (typically used with NVMe SSD). -------------------------------------------------------------------- (typically used with a wireless module). |
mPCIe slot | Mini PCIe socket and microSIM slot for cellular connectivity. |
MicroSIM Slot | Yes, Included |
Video Input | 1x HDMI 2.0 input port up to 4Kp60 |
Video Output | 2x HDMI 2.1 ports one up to 8Kp60, the other up to 4Kp60 |
WiFi & Bluetooth | Possible, using an M.2 NVME to PCIe adapter. |
LAN | 2x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports via Realtek RTL8125BG controllers |
External Display Interface | 2x 4-lane MIPI-DSI up to 2560×1600 @ 60 Hz compatible with MIPI DPHY 2.0 or CPHY 1.1 |
Camera Interfaces | • Dual Camera Interface. |
USB | • 1x USB 3.0 Type-A port • 1x USB 3.0 Type-C port with support for DisplayPort Alt. |
Audio | • 3.5mm stereo audio jack output (ES8316) |
Expansion | • 40-pin header with up to 28x GPIOs • 8x PWM • 1x I2C |
Debug | 3-pin 3.3V debug header (1,500,000 bps in firmware) |
Buttons / Keys | • 1x MaskROM key (for eMMC updating) • 1x RECOVERY • 1x Power |
LEDs | • Power LED (Red) • Status LED (Green) |
5V fan connector | Yes, Included |
IR receiver | Yes, Included |
MIC Pinout | Yes, Included |
RTC backup battery Interface | 2-pin connector for battery for the HYM8563TS RTC |
Power Supply | • 12V/2A via via DC jack (5.5×2.1mm) |
Dimensions | 110 x 80 mm (8-layer PCB); mounting holes for heatsink; mounting holes in all four corner |
Temperature Range | e – 0°C to +70°C |
Weight | 85.9 grams |
Software Support | • FriendlyWrt 22.x (OpenWrt) • Ubuntu 22.04 Desktop |
More useful interfaces
The NanoPC-T6 is an exceptionally powerful ARM board that provides a wide array of interfaces for seamless connectivity with diverse devices and peripheral devices. These interfaces are designed to provide the user with maximum flexibility and versatility, making it easy to develop a wide range of projects.
If you want to capture video and audio, using HDMI input ports is always an excellent choice. This board has been updated to include one, which is a big plus. GPIO headers are 40-pins, not 30-pins like on the latest NanoPi board series, so you can connect and power compatible devices with Raspberry Pi pinout extension boards. Besides the USB 3.0 interface, there is also a secondary Type-C display with DP that allows for fast data transfer between external hard drives and USB flash drives.
All metal case with four elements antenna array
The team at FriendlyElec has ingeniously developed a robust metal case to effectively cool and safeguard the delicate components of the board. The case functions as a large heat sink. What helps to dissipate the extra heat is through the upper fins of the case. According to the case photo, there are four holes designed for external antennas. From experience, reviewing and testing their products, the case is very durable and can be used in more hostile industrial environments.
Software Support
The NanoPC T6 operates on the Linux operating system and offers extensive support for well-known and powerful AI frameworks like TensorFlow, Caffe, and PyTorch. It also features a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for easy development and deployment of AI models. FriendlyElec also provides Android 12, Ubuntu 20.04/22.04, Debian 11, and FriendlyWrt (OpenWrt) images.
Price and Availability
The NanoPC-T6, created by FriendlyElec, is now up for grabs at the incredibly affordable price of just $100. With a staggering 4GB of RAM and a 32GB eMMC flash, it showcases an unbeatable and impressive combination of power and storage. The 8GB/64GB model is priced at $120, while the 16GB/256GB model is available for $149.
In addition to the sturdy metal enclosure, you have the option to enhance your setup with a range of impressive accessories. This includes an M.2 Wi-Fi card based on Realtek RTL8822CE, offering lightning-fast Wi-Fi 5 speeds of up to 867 Mbps and the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology. For added convenience, there’s also the RC-100 IR controller, available at a minimal cost of $2.90. And to power it all, you can rely on the reliable 12V/2A power adapter priced at just $9.89.
The NanoPC T6 is an exceptionally sturdy and versatile single board computer (SBC) that opens up boundless opportunities for AI applications. However, we recommend checking the latest information on the product on the official FriendlyElec company website to get the most up-to-date information.
