Rk3399: Everything You Need to Know About It

Introduction to Rk3399

The Rockchip RK3399 is a powerful and versatile system-on-chip (SoC) designed for a wide range of applications, including smartphones, tablets, TV boxes, and single-board computers. This high-performance SoC features a hexa-core processor, advanced graphics capabilities, and support for a variety of peripherals and interfaces. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the Rk3399, exploring its architecture, features, and potential applications.

Rk3399 Architecture

CPU Configuration

The Rk3399 SoC is built around a hexa-core CPU configuration, consisting of two clusters:

1. High-performance cluster:
2. 2x ARM Cortex-A72 cores
3. Clock speed: up to 2.0 GHz
4. Energy-efficient cluster:
5. 4x ARM Cortex-A53 cores
6. Clock speed: up to 1.5 GHz

This heterogeneous multi-processing (HMP) architecture allows the Rk3399 to balance performance and power efficiency by assigning tasks to the appropriate cluster based on their computational requirements.

GPU and Graphics

The Rk3399 features a powerful Mali-T860 MP4 GPU, which offers impressive graphics performance for a wide range of applications, including:

• 3D gaming
• High-resolution video playback
• UI rendering
• Graphics-intensive applications

The Mali-T860 MP4 GPU supports OpenGL ES 3.2, Vulkan 1.0, OpenCL 1.2, and DirectX 11, making it compatible with a vast array of graphical APIs and frameworks.

Memory and Storage

The Rk3399 SoC supports:

• Dual-channel LPDDR3/LPDDR4 memory, up to 4GB
• eMMC 5.1 storage, up to 128GB
• SDIO 3.0 and SATA 3.0 interfaces for external storage devices

This combination of high-bandwidth memory and fast storage interfaces ensures that the Rk3399 can handle data-intensive tasks with ease.

Rk3399 Features and Capabilities

Display and Video

The Rk3399 offers exceptional display and video capabilities, including:

• Dual display support: HDMI 2.0 (up to 4K@60fps) and eDP 1.3 (up to 2K@60fps)
• MIPI DSI interface for connecting to mobile displays
• Hardware-accelerated video decoding and encoding for popular codecs like H.265/H.264, VP9, and more
• HDR video processing and 10-bit color depth support

These features make the Rk3399 an excellent choice for applications that require high-quality video playback or encoding, such as media centers, digital signage, and video conferencing systems.

Connectivity

The Rk3399 SoC supports a wide range of connectivity options, including:

• Gigabit Ethernet (MAC + PHY)
• Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Bluetooth 4.1 LE
• USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 host and device interfaces
• PCIe 2.1 (1×4 or 2×2 lanes)

This extensive connectivity support enables the Rk3399 to interface with various peripherals and network devices, making it suitable for IoT applications, embedded systems, and more.

Camera and Audio

The Rk3399 features a 13M pixel ISP (Image Signal Processor) and supports:

• Dual MIPI CSI-2 interfaces for connecting cameras (up to 13MP)
• Multi-camera synchronization and processing
• Hardware-accelerated 3A (auto-focus, auto-exposure, auto-white balance)

The SoC also includes a high-quality audio processing unit, with support for:

• Multi-channel audio playback and recording
• I2S/PCM/TDM/S/PDIF audio interfaces
• Audio codecs like MP3, AAC, and more

These features make the Rk3399 well-suited for applications that require camera input or high-quality audio, such as smart home devices, surveillance systems, and multimedia products.

Rk3399 Development Platforms and Boards

Several development platforms and single-board computers (SBCs) are built around the Rk3399 SoC, offering a convenient way to explore its capabilities and develop applications. Some popular Rk3399-based boards include:

1. ASUS Tinker Board S
2. 2GB LPDDR3 RAM
3. 16GB eMMC storage
4. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity

5. 40-pin GPIO header

6. FriendlyElec NanoPC-T4

7. 4GB LPDDR3 RAM
8. 16GB eMMC storage (expandable via M.2 SSD)
9. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity

10. 40-pin GPIO header and multiple display outputs

11. Pine64 RockPro64

12. 2GB or 4GB LPDDR4 RAM
13. eMMC module socket and microSD card slot
14. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
15. 40-pin GPIO header and multiple display outputs

These boards offer a range of features and connectivity options, making them suitable for various projects and applications. They also support popular operating systems like Android, Ubuntu, and Debian, as well as specialized distributions like LibreELEC and Armbian.

Rk3399 Software and Development

The Rk3399 SoC is supported by a wide range of software and development tools, making it easier for developers to create applications and leverage its capabilities.

Operating Systems

The Rk3399 is compatible with several popular operating systems, including:

• Android (up to Android 10)
• Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, and other distributions)
• specialized distributions like LibreELEC (for media center applications) and Armbian (optimized for ARM-based SBCs)

This broad OS support allows developers to choose the best platform for their specific application or project.

Development Tools and SDKs

Rockchip provides a comprehensive set of development tools and software development kits (SDKs) for the Rk3399, including:

• Rockchip SDK for Android and Linux
• Rockchip Developer Tools (RDT) for debugging and performance analysis
• Rockchip Graphics Debugger (RGD) for GPU debugging and optimization
• Rockchip Audio/Video Debugger (RAD) for multimedia application development

These tools help developers optimize their applications for the Rk3399 and take full advantage of its capabilities.

Community and Resources

The Rk3399 benefits from a large and active community of developers and enthusiasts who share their knowledge, experience, and projects through various online platforms, such as:

• Official Rockchip forums and resources
• SBC-specific communities (e.g., ASUS Tinker Board, FriendlyElec, Pine64)
• Open-source projects and repositories on GitHub
• Technical blogs and tutorials

These resources provide valuable information and support for developers working with the Rk3399, making it easier to get started and overcome challenges.

Rk3399 Applications and Use Cases

The Rk3399’s powerful performance and extensive feature set make it suitable for a wide range of applications and use cases across various industries.

Media and Entertainment

• 4K media centers and set-top boxes
• Digital signage and interactive kiosks
• Gaming consoles and handheld devices
• VR and AR applications

IoT and Embedded Systems

• Industrial control and automation
• Smart home devices and hubs
• Wearables and healthcare devices
• Automotive infotainment systems

AI and Computer Vision

• Edge computing and inference devices
• Autonomous vehicles and drones
• Facial recognition and object detection systems
• Machine learning and deep learning applications

Education and Research

• STEM education and robotics projects
• Scientific computing and data analysis
• Cluster computing and parallel processing
• Prototyping and proof-of-concept development

These are just a few examples of the many applications and use cases for the Rk3399 SoC. Its versatility and performance make it an attractive choice for developers and engineers working on a wide range of projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: What is the difference between the Rk3399 and other Rockchip SoCs?
   A: The Rk3399 is a high-performance SoC that offers a hexa-core CPU, powerful Mali-T860 MP4 GPU, and extensive connectivity options. It is designed for more demanding applications compared to other Rockchip SoCs like the Rk3328 or Rk3288, which have lower core counts and less powerful GPUs.

2. Q: Can the Rk3399 run Windows?
   A: While the Rk3399 is primarily designed for Android and Linux-based operating systems, it is possible to run Windows on some Rk3399-based devices through projects like Windows on ARM or by using virtual machines. However, performance and compatibility may vary, and it is not an officially supported use case.

3. Q: What is the power consumption of the Rk3399?
   A: The power consumption of the Rk3399 varies depending on the specific application and system configuration. However, the SoC is designed to be relatively power-efficient, with a typical power consumption of around 2-5 watts under normal usage conditions. The heterogeneous CPU architecture helps to balance performance and power efficiency.

4. Q: How does the Rk3399 compare to the Raspberry Pi 4?
   A: The Rk3399 offers a more powerful CPU and GPU compared to the Raspberry Pi 4, with a hexa-core configuration and a Mali-T860 MP4 GPU. It also supports faster memory (LPDDR4) and storage interfaces (eMMC 5.1, SATA 3.0). However, the Raspberry Pi 4 benefits from a larger ecosystem, more extensive software support, and lower cost.

5. Q: Can I use the Rk3399 for machine learning applications?
   A: Yes, the Rk3399’s powerful CPU and GPU make it well-suited for machine learning and deep learning applications, particularly for edge computing and inference tasks. The SoC supports popular frameworks like TensorFlow and Caffe, and it can be used for applications like object detection, facial recognition, and more.

Conclusion

The Rockchip RK3399 is a powerful and versatile SoC that offers an impressive combination of performance, connectivity, and multimedia capabilities. Its hexa-core CPU, Mali-T860 MP4 GPU, and extensive I/O options make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from media centers and gaming devices to IoT and embedded systems, AI and computer vision, and beyond.

With a growing ecosystem of development platforms, software tools, and community resources, the Rk3399 is an attractive choice for developers and engineers looking to create innovative products and solutions. As the demand for high-performance, low-power computing continues to grow, the Rk3399 is well-positioned to play a significant role in shaping the future of embedded and edge computing.