BarnacleBoy
3c11190822
- docs/sbc-selection.md: full rewrite for OPi 3B specs (RK3566, 8GB, 256GB eMMC, built-in WiFi) - README.md: SBC description, checklist, components table, quick ref, cost estimate - docs/parts-list.md: SBC marked purchased, eMMC/controller/WiFi changes - docs/design-decisions.md: WiFi exclusion reason, native eDP, power input - docs/salvage-analysis.md: WiFi card not needed, cooling fan, summary tables - docs/storage-architecture.md: rewritten for 256GB eMMC primary boot - docs/usb-expansion.md: 2x USB3 native, port allocation, power budget - docs/port-layout.md: OPi3B port differences (eDP, power-only USB-C, built-in WiFi) - docs/power-system.md: lower power draw context
113 lines
No EOL
3.8 KiB
Markdown
113 lines
No EOL
3.8 KiB
Markdown
# SBC: Orange Pi 3B
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**Purchased:** Orange Pi 3B 8GB, with 256GB eMMC module
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**Cost:** $189.00 (incl. tax and shipping)
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**CPU:** Rockchip RK3566 (quad Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz, 22nm)
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---
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## Specifications
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### SoC: Rockchip RK3566
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| Attribute | Value |
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|-----------|-------|
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| CPU | 4× Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz |
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| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE |
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| NPU | 0.8 TOPS AI accelerator |
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| Process | 22nm |
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### Memory
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| Attribute | Value |
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|-----------|-------|
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| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4X |
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| Onboard storage | 256GB eMMC module |
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### Storage Options
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| Interface | Speed | Notes |
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|-----------|-------|-------|
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| **eMMC** (onboard) | ~300 MB/s read | **Primary boot.** 256GB module installed. |
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| MicroSD | Up to 512GB | Backup/expansion |
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| M.2 M-key | PCIe 2.0 x1 (~300 MB/s) or SATA III | NVMe or SATA SSD |
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### Connectivity
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| Port | Count | Speed / Spec | Notes |
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|------|-------|-------------|-------|
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| USB 3.0 | 2 | 5 Gbps | **Two** native USB 3.0 ports (vs 1 on OPi5) |
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| USB 2.0 | 2 | 480 Mbps | |
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| USB-C | 1 | Power only (5V input) | |
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| Ethernet | 1 | Gigabit (RTL8211F) | |
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| HDMI | 1 | 2.0, 4K60 | |
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| eDP | 1 | Native eDP | **Direct panel connection possible** |
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| MIPI DSI | 1 | Display | |
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| MIPI CSI | 1 | Camera | |
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| GPIO | 26-pin | I2C, SPI, UART, PWM | |
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| WiFi | Built-in | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | **No USB dongle needed** |
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| Bluetooth | Built-in | BT 5.0 with BLE | |
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### Power
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| Attribute | Value |
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|-----------|-------|
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| Input | 5V USB-C only |
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| Current | 3A recommended |
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| Typical draw | 3-5W under load |
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Much more power-efficient than OPi5 (~8W) — battery lasts longer, less heat.
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---
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## Why This Board
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### What Changed From OPi5
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The original plan was an Orange Pi 5 16GB (~$104). This OPi 3B is a different class:
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| Comparison | OPi 3B (purchased) | OPi 5 (planned) |
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|------------|-------------------|-----------------|
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| CPU | 4× A55 @ 1.8GHz | 4× A76 + 4× A55 |
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| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
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| Storage | **256GB eMMC onboard** | MicroSD only |
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| WiFi | **Built-in** | None (needed dongle) |
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| USB 3.0 | **2 ports** | 1 port |
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| eDP | **Native port** | None (HDMI only) |
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| Power draw | ~3-5W | ~8W |
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| Cost | $189 | $104 |
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**Tradeoffs:**
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- Less CPU performance and half the RAM, but 256GB onboard eMMC and built-in WiFi eliminate two separate purchases
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- Native eDP port may replace the external controller board (~$24 savings, pending cable compatibility)
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- Lower power draw means simpler battery system
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- Higher upfront cost ($189 vs $104) but includes eMMC and WiFi that the OPi5 would have required buying separately
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### Why Still the Right Pick
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1. **256GB eMMC is huge** — No SD card for boot needed. OS + apps + projects fit onboard.
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2. **Built-in WiFi+BT** — No USB dongle, no antenna wiring, one less thing to buy.
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3. **2× USB 3.0 native** — More bandwidth for peripherals without hub contention.
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4. **Native eDP port** — If cable/adapter works with the N156HGE-EAB panel, the external controller board isn't needed.
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5. **Lower power** — 3-5W means the IP5389 battery system can be smaller/lighter.
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6. **M.2 M-key** — Can add an NVMe or SATA SSD for bulk storage if needed.
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---
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## Accessories Included With Purchase
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The $189 purchase is the board with 256GB eMMC module pre-installed. Still needed:
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| Item | Cost | Notes |
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|------|------|-------|
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| USB-C power supply (5V/3A) | ~$8-12 | For initial testing before battery integration |
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| Heatsink | TBD | RK3566 at 1.8GHz needs passive or active cooling |
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---
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## Resources
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- [Orange Pi 3B Official Page](http://www.orangepi.org/html/hardWare/computerAndMicrocontrollers/details/Orange-Pi-3B.html)
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- [Orange Pi 3B Wiki](http://www.orangepi.org/orangepiwiki/index.php/Orange_Pi_3B)
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- [CNX Software review](https://www.cnx-software.com/2023/08/05/orange-pi-3b-a-rockchip-rk3566-sbc-with-an-m-2-nvme-sata-ssd-socket-up-to-8gb-ram/)
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- [Armbian for RK3566](https://www.armbian.com/) |