< img src="https://d1rytvr7gmk1sx.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/tr-radxa-ROCK4SE-sbc-okdo.jpg?x95853" alt=" "> A new single board computer system variety provides designers flexibility and the option of custom-made hardware.
< img src="https://d1rytvr7gmk1sx.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/tr-radxa-ROCK4SE-sbc-okdo-770x770.jpg"alt= "Rock 4 SE single board computer system range."width="770"height= "770"/ > Image: OKdo RS Group’s single board computer advancement and manufacturing system OKdo is now dealing with Rockchip supplier Radxa on a range of SBC systems utilizing Radxa’s ROCK styles. It’s an intriguing partnership, providing Raxda access to OKdo’s experience in at-scale production and to its international assistance channels.
The intent of the new collaboration is to provide engineers the tools they require to develop products around Radxa’s designs, while still supporting a maker neighborhood and students trying to find an effective, low-priced computing platform. Along with OKdo’s own support services, ROCK is supported through Radxa’s own online neighborhood tools.
SEE: Hardware inventory policy (TechRepublic Premium)
Introducing the ROCK 4 SE
The very first board from the new partnership, the ROCK 4 SE, is now available. Based on Radxa’s Rockchip hexacore RK3399-T processor with 4GB of RAM, it uses a modern ARM big.LITTLE pairing of dual Cortex A72 CPUs with a quadcore Cortex A53 and ARM’s Mali GPU. The result is a more flexible alternative than the familiar Raspberry Pi 4, with support for on-board eMMC storage modules and an m. 2 adapter for NVMe SSDs.
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More notably for makers, the board consists of a real-time clock with battery port, so it can track time even when powered off. Additionally, there’s the capability to conserve power by powering down elements of the SBC when they’re not in usage. You can use any USB-C PD power supply, so you’re not restricted to any one supplier and can work with contemporary high-density batteries as well as mains power.
A 40 pin GPIO port implies it works with many existing off-the-shelf accessories, consisting of power-over-Ethernet adapters. Other ports consist of a full-size HDMI video connection supporting 4K screens, in addition to 2 USB 2 and 2 USB 3 ports (among which can be utilized for OTG connection to mobile phones), and a combined microphone and headphone socket.
The ROCK 4 SE is OKdo’s derivative of Radxa’s existing household of ROCK 4 SBCs, and is meant to be the very first in a brand-new range of Rockchip-based SBCs and pluggable calculate modules. Using the motto “Your board, your way,” OKdo is supplying not only hardware, however also targeted assistance for all users of its ROCK hardware, from private makers to large companies developing systems around ROCK-based compute modules.
Coming soon: The ROCK 4C+
A second board, the ROCK 4C+, is under advancement and will be launched quickly, in addition to the CM3 calculate model and a next-generation SBC. Usefully, the ROCK 4C+ will add a feature that’s normally missing from SBCs: a physical on/off switch. It will even consist of a different header for a cooling fan, so you will not need to lose any GPIO pins. An extra adapter allows you to plug in your own Wi-Fi antenna, improving efficiency for devices that may be released anywhere there’s a weak signal.
Why ROCK?
Ongoing supply chain problems were the factor behind the RS Group business OKdo just recently stepping away from its Raspberry Pi production license and adopting a broader series of silicon providers, including ROCK’s parent company Radxa and IoT chipset professionals NXP. ROCK’s silicon originates from fabless supplier Rockchip, which utilizes multiple fabs to minimize supply chain risk, as chips are made across the world. Rockchip may not be as widely known as other IoT processor business like Broadcom, however its chips are competitive and featured support from familiar Linuxes as well as Android, offering you extra choices for both application advancement and user experiences.
SEE: Inside the Raspberry Pi: The story of the $35 computer system that changed the world (cover story PDF) (TechRepublic)
A benefit that the ROCK platform has more than other SBCs is the ability to deliver boards as custom System-on-Module systems, avoiding component wastage. When you’ve prototyped hardware utilizing devices like the ROCK 4 SE, you can then work with OKdo to design a SOM for your production hardware that only consists of the functions you need, helping keep expenses to a minimum and minimizing your direct exposure to supply chain threat. The capability to deal with both a manufacturer like OKdo and a board designer like Radxa assists optimize board designs and ensure your project gets the hardware it requires, when it needs it.
A custom-made future for hardware
OKdo’s modification service builds on the company’s experience, getting rid of parts as needed and upgrading the SBC board to fit within hardware constraints. This isn’t a service for the house user or the enthusiast maker; it needs a dedication to volume production where OKdo will build thousands of boards or modules. Normal changes include removing the ethernet port in favor of wireless operation, not only conserving area however expense, as a redesigned board won’t need customized controller chips and any associated parts. OKdo can include elements to a board, altering interfaces or including memory.
As OKdo explains, there are added advantages to a customized option. If you’re delivering countless systems, even a little reduction in size and weight can assist with environmental dedications, reducing shipping weight or the quantity of packaging required. Dealing with a business like OKdo on custom-made hardware enables you to make the most of their existing screening services, guaranteeing that modifications do not put the customized board out of compliance with any applicable guidelines.
Radxa’s tested styles have actually been popular in China and the rest of Asia, so it’s excellent to see a supplier the size of RS Group making a dedication to bringing the platform to the U.S. and Europe. Supply chain concerns are still making it tough to buy many SBCs, with big customers getting top priority, so having capable hardware in stock now should give developers access to the gadgets they require to develop new IoT hardware without having to wait any longer.
The ROCK 4 SE is currently offered in OKdo’s ROCK store, and additional hardware needs to show up quickly.
