The K-3566 main board is based on the Rockchip RK3566 high-performance AIoT application processor platform. The RK3566 SoC integrates a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and a Mali-G52 2EE high-performance GPU, with a maximum operating frequency of up to 1.8GHz.
It delivers excellent computing performance, 2D/3D graphics processing capabilities, and full HD video codec performance. The platform supports 4K×2K@60fps ultra-high-definition video decoding and 4K×2K HDMI ultra-HD output, providing smooth multimedia experiences for embedded applications.
This main board is specially designed for ultra-thin product applications, featuring carefully selected components, a compact form factor, and rich peripheral interfaces for easy integration into complete devices. It provides excellent performance and user experience for applications including digital signage, interactive touch terminals, consumer electronics, and entertainment systems.
RK3566 SoC Core Specifications
CPU
- 4× Cortex-A55 cores
- Maximum frequency: 1.8–2.0GHz
- 64-bit quad-core architecture
- Optimized for low power consumption
- Compared with the RK3576 octa-core architecture, it has lower multi-tasking performance due to the absence of high-performance big cores
GPU
- Mali-G52 2EE GPU
- Supports:
- OpenGL ES 3.2
- Vulkan 1.1
- Suitable for UI rendering, 2D graphics, and basic 3D applications
NPU
- 1 TOPS INT8 AI computing power
- Supports RKNN AI framework
- Designed for lightweight AI applications, including:
- Face recognition
- Basic object detection
- Not suitable for large AI models, with significantly lower AI performance compared with the RK3576’s 6 TOPS NPU
Multimedia Codec
Video Decoding:
- Supports:
- 4K@60fps H.264
- 4K@60fps H.265
- 4K@60fps VP9
- Does not support AV1 hardware decoding (RK3576 supports AV1 decoding)
Video Encoding:
- Supports:
- 1080P@60fps H.264/H.265 encoding
- Maximum encoding resolution: 1080P
- Does not support 4K video encoding
ISP (Image Signal Processor)
- Supports up to 8MP image sensors
- Supports:
- Dual MIPI-CSI camera inputs
- HDR image processing
RK3566 Main Board Hardware Specifications
Memory & Storage
Memory:
- 2GB / 4GB LPDDR4X (mainstream configurations)
- Up to 8GB supported
Storage:
- eMMC 5.1: 8GB / 16GB / 32GB / 64GB options
- Supports TF card expansion
- PCIe 2.1 interface can connect to NVMe SSD
- Some versions reuse PCIe interface for SATA functionality
External Interfaces
1. Display Interfaces
- HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz output)
- eDP
- LVDS
- MIPI-DSI
Supports:
- Single display output
- Maximum dual-screen display (same content)
Note:
RK3566 does not support three-screen independent display. This is a significant difference compared with the RK3576, which supports multi-screen independent output.
2. Network Interfaces
- Single Gigabit Ethernet port
(RK3568 supports dual Gigabit Ethernet) - Onboard WiFi and Bluetooth
- Mini PCIe expansion support for 4G communication modules
3. USB Interfaces
- USB 3.0 Host
- Multiple USB 2.0 ports
- USB OTG
4. Industrial Peripheral Interfaces
Supports:
- UART
- I2C
- SPI
- ADC
- PWM
- GPIO
Some industrial carrier boards additionally expose:
- RS485
- RS232 interfaces
5. High-Speed Bus Interfaces
- PCIe 2.1
- SATA
(Pin multiplexing design, PCIe and SATA cannot be used simultaneously)
Operating Temperature Range
- Commercial version: 0°C to +80°C
- No native industrial-grade “J” version available.
Wide-temperature products rely on peripheral component selection and system design. - Does not support -40°C industrial operating temperature range
(Unlike RK3576J, which supports -40°C to +85°C)
Supported Operating Systems
- Android 11
- Debian / Ubuntu
- Buildroot
Not supported:
- Cortex-M0 AMP heterogeneous architecture
(Only available on RK3576)
RK3566 Complete Board vs. SOM Core Board
| Type | Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| RK3566 Complete Main Board (SBC) | All interfaces are pre-integrated, including HDMI, Ethernet, and USB. Ready to power on and use without PCB design. | Prototyping, small-batch production, advertising players, embedded terminals |
| RK3566 SOM Core Board | Mainly castellated-hole modules with CPU, memory, and storage integrated. Customers design their own carrier boards. | Mass production and compact product designs |
⚠️ RK3566 has very limited LGA soldered module options. Most RK3566 SOM products on the market use castellated-hole packages. LGA solutions are mainly adopted by higher-end platforms such as RK3576 and RK3588.
Typical Applications
1. Commercial Display Devices
- Digital signage
- Advertising players
- Self-service information kiosks
- Access control displays
- Digital door signs
- 4K video playback terminals
2. Lightweight IoT & Industrial Applications
- IoT gateways
- HMI human-machine interfaces
- Basic NVR systems with limited camera channels
3. Lightweight AI Applications
- AI access control systems
- Face recognition terminals
- Passenger flow analysis systems
- Low-resolution object detection applications
4. Other Embedded Devices
- Education terminals
- Tablets
- E-paper devices
- Android box products
❗ Not recommended for:
Multi-channel 4K video encoding, local large language model inference, multi-screen independent display systems, or extreme industrial environments. These applications should select higher-performance platforms such as RK3576.
RK3566 Selection & Development Considerations
- RK3566 does not have a native industrial-grade chip version
For low-temperature applications, confirm the manufacturer’s component selection and system-level temperature design. - Limited NPU performance
The 1 TOPS NPU is suitable only for lightweight AI tasks and is not recommended for large AI model deployment. - PCIe and SATA share the same interface resources
Carrier board design must choose between PCIe and SATA functionality. - Video encoding capability is limited to 1080P
For 4K video encoding requirements, upgrade to RK3576 or higher platforms. - Evaluate SDK maturity before selection
Mature RK3566 solutions are available from manufacturers such as:- Firefly
- MYIR
- i.MX / Forlinx (industrial embedded solution providers)
- Boardcon
