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Leonard Liao
Leonard Liao

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Kiwi Pi Series: A Comprehensive Look at Rockchip-Powered SBCs for Developers

Kiwi Pi Series: Rockchip-Powered SBCs for Developers

The single-board computer (SBC) market has exploded with options, but the Kiwi Pi series from iTayga brings something special - four distinct models based on Rockchip's RK3588 platform (RK3588 and RK3588S). Let's break down what makes each model unique.

The Rockchip RK3588 Foundation

All models share these core specs:

  • CPU: Octa-core ARM (4×Cortex-A76-2.2GHz + 4×Cortex-A55-1.8GHz)
  • GPU: ARM Mali-G610 MC4 (OpenGL ES/OpenCL/Vulkan)
  • NPU: Triple-core @ 6 TOPS (supports int4-int16/FP16/BF16/TF32)
  • VPU: 8K60 decoding (H.265/VP9/AVS2), 8K30 encoding
  • Process: 8nm for efficiency

Model Breakdown

1. Kiwi Pi 5 (Standard)

Kiwi Pi 5

Memory: LPDDR4X 8GB (4/16/32GB options)
Storage: eMMC 64GB + MicroSD (up to 512GB)
Video Out: HDMI 2.1 (8K60), DP1.4, MIPI-DSI
Connectivity:

  • WiFi 6 + BT5.4
  • 1×GigE USB: 1×Type-C, 2×USB 3.0, 2×USB 2.0 Expansion: 26-pin header (GPIO/UART/I2C/SPI/CAN) Power: USB-C PD 12V/2A

Best For: General-purpose computing, media centers, and IoT gateways.

2. Kiwi Pi 5 Pro

Kiwi Pi 5 Pro
Memory: LPDDR4X 8GB (4/16/32GB options)
Storage:

  • eMMC 128GB
  • PCIe 3.0×4 M.2 2280
  • MicroSD Networking:
  • 2× 2.5G Ethernet
  • WiFi 6 (2T2R)
  • M.2 for 4G/5G modules Video:
  • HDMI 2.1 (8K60)
  • HDMI 2.0 input/output
  • 3× MIPI interfaces Audio:
  • 3.5mm combo jack
  • Dual speaker outputs Expansion:
  • 60-pin (2× MIPI-CSI)
  • 50-pin (MIPI-DSI/DP)
  • 39-pin (MIPI-DSI) Power: USB-C PD 12V/2A Special Features:
  • RTC with battery
  • Physical buttons (reset/recovery)

Best For: Network appliances, edge computing, and mobile applications requiring cellular connectivity.

3. Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra

Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra
Memory: LPDDR4X up to 32GB
Storage:

  • eMMC 128GB
  • MicroSD Video I/O:
  • 4× MIPI-CSI inputs
  • HDMI 2.1 TX
  • HDMI 2.0 RX
  • DP 1.4 Connectivity:
  • 2× Gigabit Ethernet
  • 4× USB 3.0
  • 2× USB 2.0
  • 2× RS-232
  • 1× RS-485 Expansion:
  • Multiple configurable headers Power: 12V/2A DC

Best For: Video processing, surveillance systems, and industrial automation.

4. Kiwi Pi CM5 (Compute Module)

Kiwi Pi CM5
Form Factor: 82×55mm
Interface: 314-pin MXM
Memory: LPDDR4X up to 32GB
Storage: eMMC up to 512GB
Video: Supports multiple simultaneous displays
PCIe:

  • 3× PCIe 2.0/SATA3.0
  • 1× PCIe 3.0×4 Power: 4V/5A DC Operating Temp: 0°C to 60°C

Best For: Custom embedded systems and OEM applications requiring a compact solution.

Technical Highlights

AI Capabilities

All models feature the RK3588's triple-core NPU with 6 TOPS performance, supporting:

Multiple data formats (int4/int8/int16/FP16/BF16/TF32)

Acceleration for machine learning frameworks

Real-time inference for computer vision applications

Video Processing

The VPU in these boards is exceptionally capable:

Decoding: 8K@60fps (H.265/VP9/AVS2), 8K@30fps (H.264), 4K@60fps (AV1)

Encoding: 8K@30fps (H.265/H.264)

Multi-channel support (up to 32×1080P@30fps decoding in some models)

Connectivity Options

Depending on the model, you'll find:

High-speed networking (2.5G Ethernet in Pro model)

WiFi 6 with 2T2R configuration

Multiple USB 3.0/2.0 ports

Various video input/output options

Expansion headers for custom peripherals

Software Support

The Kiwi Pi series supports multiple operating systems:

Linux (5.10, with option for 6.10)

Android (12 or 15 depending on model)

Ubuntu 22.04

Debian 11

This flexibility makes the boards suitable for a wide range of applications, from embedded Linux projects to Android-based kiosks and digital signage.

Use Cases and Applications

Media Centers: With 8K video support and multiple output options, these boards excel as media players.

Edge AI: The NPU makes them ideal for on-device machine learning applications.

Network Appliances: The Pro model's dual 2.5G Ethernet is perfect for routers and firewalls.

Industrial Automation: RS-232/485 support and wide temperature operation suit industrial environments.

Robotics: Multiple sensor inputs and real-time processing capabilities enable advanced robotic applications.

Conclusion

The Kiwi Pi series offers a compelling range of options for developers and engineers working with ARM-based single-board computers. Whether you need the balanced features of the standard Kiwi Pi 5, the enhanced networking of the Pro model, the video-focused Ultra, or the compact Compute Module, there's a version tailored to your requirements.

With their powerful Rockchip RK3588 processors, extensive I/O options, and flexible software support, these boards are poised to become favorites among developers working on everything from hobby projects to commercial products. The inclusion of advanced features like NPU acceleration and 8K video processing ensures they'll remain relevant as applications become more demanding.

For developers looking to push the boundaries of what's possible with SBCs, the Kiwi Pi series deserves serious consideration as a versatile and powerful platform.

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