In modern intelligent hardware development, selecting a chip with stable performance and low power consumption is key to a product's success. Rockchip's latest RK3506 stands out with its high energy efficiency, versatile expandability, and excellent real-time performance, making it a popular choice in fields such as smart home appliances, industrial control, and handheld terminals.
1. Specifications and Performance of RK3506
CPU: Triple-core Cortex-A7, clocked at 1.5GHzGraphics Engine: 2D hardware accelerationMemory: Supports DDR2/DDR3/DDR3L, up to 1024MBInterfaces: Includes USB OTG, dual 100M Ethernet ports, UART, SPI, and moreAudio-Visual Capabilities: Supports 720P video software decoding and integrates audio algorithms such as AEC and ANR
1.1 RK3506 Interfaces
2. Multi-Scenario Adaptability of RK3506
The RK3506 integrates a triple-core Cortex-A7 with a dual-processor architecture, including Cortex-M0, supporting RTOS and Linux multi-system combinations. It offers rich peripheral interfaces and excellent audio-visual processing capabilities. For instance:
In Smart Home Displays: Its ultra-low power consumption and integrated voice algorithms provide a smoother user experience.
In Industrial Gateways: It supports dual 100M Ethernet and various industrial protocols, enabling device interconnectivity.
In Handheld POS Devices: With an operational power consumption of just 200mW and end-to-end security solutions, the RK3506 delivers outstanding portability and security.
3. Display Product Advantages of RK3506
3.1 RK3506 Linux SDK Overview
System Framework
Linux Kernel 6.1
Supports RT-Thread 4.1
Bare-metal programming support
Multi-core heterogeneous AMP support
Preempt-RT/Xenomai real-time patch
Display
Lightweight UI framework – LVGL
RGA hardware acceleration
MIPI/RGB/QSPI screen support
Turnkey Apps
Video and audio player
Settings
Launcher
Video
Rockit software decoding library
RTSP real-time video streaming
Supports DVP cameras
Audio Algorithms
Built-in RK proprietary audio algorithms (offline)
Compatibility with third-party online audio algorithms
Other Features
Seamless OTA updates
A/B partitions
Fast boot
3.2 RK3506 RT-Thread 4.1 SMP
RT-Thread supports symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) for multi-core processor platforms, featuring an excellent multi-core scheduling mechanism that significantly improves thread concurrency. It also supports task core switching and binding.
Advantages of the SMP solution include:
Simplicity and ease of use
Convenient configuration
Load balancing and migration capabilities
Key Features:
Strong real-time performance
Quick startup
Lightweight system with low resource consumption (64MB memory can support audio-visual playback)
Well-developed ecosystem with high openness
Thread binding to specific cores, suitable for intensive computations and fast responses
3.3 RK3506 Superior UI Rendering Capabilities
2D Hardware Acceleration Perfectly Compatible with LVGL
Lightweight framework: Runs on <50KB RAM
Rich components: Over 30+ built-in widgets
Supports FreeType fonts
Compatible with version 8.3 and above
Cross-platform support
4. Control Product Advantages of RK3506
4.1 RK3506 AMP Multi-System Solution
System Overview:
Linux (Preempt-RT/Xenomai) on Cortex-A7:
Network communication
Display services
Linux applications
Connected to external resources such as USB, Ethernet, Flash, Audio, SDIO, Display, etc.
RTOS/Bare-metal on Cortex-A7/Cortex-M0:
Data acquisition
Interface control
Real-time applications
Communication:
Utilizes RPMsg for inter-system communication between Linux and RTOS/Bare-metal.
Dedicated AMP Architecture:
Supports a combination of Linux, RTOS, and Bare-metal AMP system structures:
Option 1: 2x Cortex-A7 Linux + 1x Cortex-A7 RTOS + Cortex-M0 HAL
Option 2: 3x Cortex-A7 RTOS + Cortex-M0 HAL
Advantages:
Enables microsecond-level interrupt response delay (<5μs).
Provides a standard RPMsg core communication solution.
4.2 RK3506 Superior Real-Time Performance
Chip Model | RK3506 (Binding Real - time Core not Participating in System Other Scheduling) | T1*3 (Binding Real - time Core not Participating in System Other Scheduling) | RK3506 (Closing an A7 Core, Binding Real - time Core not Participating in System Other Scheduling) | T1*3 (Not Binding Real - time Core not Participating in System Other Scheduling) |
CPU | 2*Cortex - A7 | 2*Cortex - A7 | 3*Cortex - A7 | 2*Cortex - A7 |
CPU Frequency | 1200MHz | 1200MHz | 1300MHz | 1300MHz |
DDR | 16bit DDR3 800MHz | 16bit DDR3 800MHz | 16bit DDR3 800MHz | 16bit DDR3 800MHz |
L1 Cache | 32 KB I/D | 32 KB I/D | 16 KB I/D | 16 KB I/D |
L2 Cache | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
Preempt - RT Latency | ≈70us | ≈102us | ≈62us | ≈62us |
Xenomai Latency | ≈68us | ≈68us |
4.3 RK3506 EtherCAT Bus Optimization
Supports EtherCAT IgH and CODESYS protocols
Enables precise control of multiple servo motor slaves via Ethernet
Provides a dedicated real-time network card driver, enhancing real-time performance
Achieves jitter performance within 10% under a 1ms control cycle
Technical Indicators:
5. ArmSoM RK3506 Solution Simplifies Development
The RK3506-based core board by ArmSoM not only offers developers complete hardware resources (including schematics and PCB files) but also integrates the official Linux SDK. It supports the lightweight UI framework LVGL and fast boot. Whether for building intercom systems, handheld POS devices, or industrial gateways, developers can easily bring their ideas to life.
Mass production is expected in early 2025.
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