Orange Pi 6 Plus New Upcoming 12 Cores ARM Board is underway!

• Maybe you missed it? Orange Pi RV2 Review.
• Orange Pi 6 Plus Overview: Introduction, First-hand Specs.

Orange Pi 6 Plus

Orange Pi team is gearing up to launch the Orange Pi 6 Plus, a cutting-edge development board featuring an impressive 12-core ARM CPU. This new board is set to capture the attention of both enthusiasts and professionals, delivering enhanced performance and versatility that promises to elevate DIY and embedded projects. The board is also equipped with an integrated NPU that achieves an impressive 30 TOPS, making it highly appealing for edge computing applications in artificial intelligence.

The Orange Pi 6 Plus stands out not just for its impressive core count but also for its cutting-edge design crafted by CIX Technology, a rising star in the Chinese semiconductor sector. This company is backed by a highly talented technical team, boasting an average of over 20 years of industry experience, making it a contender to watch closely.

Here’s what we know so far about the Orange Pi 6 Plus.

Exploring the world of single-board computers, the Orange Pi 6 Plus is powered by a powerful 12-core ARM CIX CD8160 chip, complemented by a dedicated Mali GPU.

Graphics performance

The glmark2 is a useful benchmarking tool designed to assess the performance of OpenGL ES 2.0 on systems utilizing the Wayland display server protocol. It effectively measures a system’s capability in managing graphics rendering tasks, including vertex arrays, textures, and shaders. This test proves invaluable for developers looking to enhance graphics performance in embedded systems or Linux-based devices. The latest benchmark report we go out hands-on reveal very high performance, showcasing glmark2 scores of 1105 in the glmark2-wayland test and an outstanding 5851 in the glmark2-es2-wayland test.

Additional information

This SBC will be available in 16GB and 32GB RAM variants. The design includes two slots for 2280 NVMe SSDs and an additional M.2 NGFF slot deigned for adding a Wi-Fi/BT expansion card. Furthermore, it will be equipped with two USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 host ports, including two camera interfaces.

The HDMI port is capable of delivering a resolution up to 4K at 60Hz, but that’s just the beginning. Two DisplayPort connections over USB-C are also available, each also supports up to 4K at 60Hz playback. Additionally, you’ll find a 3.5 mm headphone jack for audio output, along with 40-pin header designed for connecting external sensors and devices.

Exclusive first-hand photos [engineering sample].

A Quick Overview of Orange Pi Series

The Orange Pi Series is a highly regarded collection of single-board computers, celebrated for their exceptional performance and versatility. These boards serve a wide array of applications, spanning from fundamental educational projects to sophisticated automation systems. With each new iteration, the series continues to introduce great features with high value for the buck.

• Variety of Models: Starting from simpler models like the Orange Pi Zero, which offered just enough performance for basic tasks, to more robust versions like the Orange Pi 5 with enhanced processing power and adaptability.
• User-Friendly: Emphasizing user accessibility, the boards are often structured to be easy to set up and run with widely available operating systems such as Linux and Android.
• Community Support: A vibrant community backed by a plethora of online resources makes it a go-to choice for enthusiasts looking to tinker and explore the realms of IoT and prototyping.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a vital area in which the Orange Pi 6 Plus truly stands out. It provides both wired and wireless options, ensuring that you remain effortlessly connected at all times.

Wired and Wireless Connectivity

Wired connections offer stable data transfer:

• Two 2.5GbE ports ensure rapid and stable Internet connectivity.
• Upgradable Wi-Fi Option: The M.2 NGFF slot offers enhanced flexibility for adding and upgrading Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities in the future.

Expansion Capabilities

Expansion options enhance the versatility of the Orange Pi 6 Plus:

• GPIO pins: Comprehensive GPIO support allows for the addition of various modules and hardware extensions, paving the way for project customization.
• Two M.2 slots provide users with the opportunity to expand their storage by adding SSDs.

Operating Systems Supported

The Orange Pi 6 Plus is expected to support the following operating systems:

• Android: Perfect for interface-dependent applications and multimedia projects.
• Ubuntu and Debian: These Linux OS options are ideal for developers looking to exploit advanced features and customizations.

Potential Applications of Orange Pi 6 Plus

Whether you’re a hobbyist, an educator, or a developer, there’s a fascinating application waiting just for you. Let’s explore the exciting avenues this board has to offer.

1. Home Automation and IoT

The Orange Pi 6 Plus is poised to become an essential element of your home automation and IoT ecosystem. With its impressive 12-core processing power, it allows for flawless integration of numerous smart devices, ensuring that your thermostats, lights, and other systems work together in perfect synchronization.

Whether it’s controlling appliances, securing the home with smart locks, or automating curtains to open with the morning sun, the Orange Pi 6 Plus hardware can handle it with ease. Its versatility can turn any home into a smart home effortlessly. Moreover, the ability to connect and communicate with various IoT protocols makes it extremely adaptable for future technologies.

2. Educational Purposes

The Orange Pi 6 Plus stands out as an exceptional educational resource, transforming the way we engage students in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects. Its open architecture and robust capabilities make it an ideal tool for everything from introductory programming lessons to intricate electronics projects, offering an unparalleled learning experience.

Teachers can engage students with computer science concepts by utilizing the Orange Pi 6 Plus to run a variety of educational software and programming environments. Its support for multiple operating systems enables students to explore different software ecosystems, providing invaluable experience. Through hands-on practice, learners can not only grasp theoretical concepts but also connect them to real-world applications.

3. Prototyping and Development

For developers and DIY professionals, the Orange Pi 6 Plus functions as a dynamic tool for prototyping and development. Whether you’re working on the next big IoT device or creating innovative applications, the board’s robust processing and connectivity options make it ideal for prototyping.

Its flexible architecture allows easy adjustment and customization for specific development needs. You can experiment with new software, test real-time scenarios, and even run complex algorithms, thanks to its powerful 12-core RISC-V architecture. Combining this board’s features with a range of available developer resources propels your ideas from conception to realization faster than ever.

In conclusion, the Orange Pi 6 Plus presents exceptional possibilities in a multitude of domains. Whether you’re looking to automate your home, educate future generations, or innovate the technology of tomorrow, this board stands out as your ultimate solution.

Price and Availability

As the Orange Pi 6 Plus is still in its early stages of development and testing, we currently lack pricing details. However, based on our prior experience, the Orange Pi series has consistently been recognized for its affordability, and the 6 Plus is no different. It is anticipated to deliver outstanding value by merging cost-effectiveness with high computing performance. Having said that, we’ll make sure to update this article as soon as we get new info, including the full specs sheet.