Forem: Leonard Liao

Choosing the Right Desk Occupancy Sensor: A Practical Guide

Leonard Liao — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 03:33:13 +0000

Introduction: Why Desk Occupancy Detection Matters Today

The evolution of hybrid work has fundamentally changed how offices operate. Organizations are no longer focused solely on how many employees they have, but rather on how physical workspace is actually used throughout the day. Empty desks in fully leased offices represent wasted cost, while overcrowded zones reduce productivity and employee comfort.

This is where the desk occupancy sensor becomes a critical component of modern workplace strategy. By identifying whether a specific workstation is in use, these sensors enable real-time space analytics, automated desk-booking enforcement, and long-term planning based on real behavioral data rather than assumptions.

However, detecting occupancy at the desk level is significantly more complex than detecting motion in a meeting room. Employees may sit still for long periods, objects may be left on chairs, and privacy expectations are much higher. Selecting the correct sensing technology, therefore, requires careful evaluation of accuracy, deployment constraints, and data governance.

Understanding What Desk Occupied Really Means

Before choosing any hardware, organizations must define what occupancy actually represents in their workflow.

For some environments, occupancy simply means a person is physically present at the workstation. In others, it refers specifically to a chair being used, regardless of activity. More advanced interpretations may include active work detection, distinguishing between a briefly abandoned desk and one that has been vacated for good.

Effective systems rarely rely on a single instant signal. Instead, they incorporate timing logic, confidence scoring, and hold periods that prevent desks from being marked vacant too quickly. This subtle software layer is often just as important as the sensing technology itself.

Core Desk Occupancy Sensor Technologies Explained

Multiple sensing approaches are used across smart office deployments, each balancing cost, precision, and privacy in different ways.

Motion-based infrared sensing remains one of the simplest and most affordable options. These sensors detect changes in heat patterns caused by human movement. While suitable for broad activity detection, they can struggle in desk scenarios where a user remains still for extended periods.

Ultrasonic sensing improves sensitivity by measuring reflections of high-frequency sound waves. It can capture subtle motion but is vulnerable to environmental interference such as airflow, HVAC noise, or nearby sensors operating in the same frequency range.

Millimeter-wave radar represents a more advanced presence-detection method. By analyzing reflected radio waves, it can identify micro-movements such as breathing or slight posture changes. This enables reliable detection even when a person is motionless, making it particularly effective for desk-level monitoring in real offices.

Pressure-based sensing takes a different approach by measuring physical weight on a chair or seat surface. This method provides clear confirmation of seated presence, though it may misinterpret heavy objects as occupants and can introduce installation complexity during retrofitting of existing furniture.

Capacitive proximity sensing detects disturbances in an electrical field near the desk. While discreet and inexpensive, its reliability depends heavily on materials, mounting position, and surrounding electromagnetic conditions.

Device-based detection infers occupancy from smartphones or laptops connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Although convenient in managed IT environments, it measures device presence rather than human presence, raising both accuracy and privacy considerations.

Vision and depth-based sensing technologies provide the richest spatial awareness, but workplace privacy expectations and regulatory constraints often limit their adoption. Where used, they typically rely on anonymized, on-device processing that outputs only occupancy states rather than images.

Key Factors When Selecting a Desk Occupancy Sensor

Choosing the right desk occupancy sensing solution is ultimately a balance of priorities.

Accuracy is essential when occupancy data drives automation, such as releasing unused reservations or optimizing cleaning schedules. Technologies capable of detecting still presence-like radar or pressure sensing-tend to perform best in these scenarios.

Privacy has become equally critical. Employees are far more comfortable with systems that output anonymous occupancy states rather than identifiable behavioral data. Even non-visual tracking methods can raise concerns if they associate devices or identities with desks.

Deployment complexity also shapes real-world decisions. Battery-powered sensors reduce installation effort but require maintenance cycles, while wired solutions increase upfront costs but simplify long-term operation. Office density, partitions, and furniture layouts further influence which sensing method performs reliably.

Placement, Signal Fusion, and Real-World Performance

Sensor placement dramatically affects detection quality. Mounting beneath the desk can discreetly capture torso presence, while above-desk placement improves line-of-sight detection but risks obstruction. Chair-integrated sensing excels for seated work yet may require complementary methods for sit-stand environments.

Because no single technology is perfect, many advanced deployments rely on sensor fusion-combining multiple signals to improve confidence and reduce false readings. Intelligent firmware, adaptive thresholds, and time-based logic transform raw sensor input into meaningful occupancy insight.

The Future of Smart Desk Sensing in Hybrid Offices

As workplaces continue shifting toward flexible usage models, desk occupancy sensing is moving beyond simple presence detection. Integration with booking platforms, environmental controls, and analytics dashboards is turning occupancy data into a core operational signal for smart buildings.

Advances in low-power radar, edge processing, and privacy-preserving AI are expected to further improve reliability while maintaining employee trust. Over time, desk occupancy sensing will likely become a standard infrastructure layer, similar to Wi-Fi or lighting control, quietly enabling more efficient, responsive workplaces.

Conclusion

Selecting a desk occupancy sensor is not merely a hardware decision but a broader system design challenge. True success depends on aligning sensing technology with organizational goals, privacy expectations, and deployment realities.

Basic motion detection may be sufficient for trend analysis, but accurate real-time understanding of desk usage typically requires technologies capable of sensing still presence or direct physical occupancy. When thoughtfully implemented, desk occupancy sensing provides measurable benefits in cost efficiency, workplace experience, and long-term space strategy-making it a foundational element of the modern smart office.

RK3588S2: A Powerful ARM-Based SoC

Leonard Liao — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 07:01:55 +0000

The RK3588S2 is Rockchip’s latest addition to its high-performance ARM-based processors. Designed to address the growing needs of PC, edge computing, and digital multimedia applications, the RK3588S2 integrates powerful processing cores, a versatile GPU, advanced video codecs, and AI acceleration. With this combination, the RK3588S2 is poised to power next-generation devices that require strong compute performance, efficient multimedia processing, and robust edge AI inference.

Key Highlights

1. Microprocessor
At the heart of the Rockchip RK3588S2 is a heterogeneous octa-core CPU cluster:

1) Quad-core Cortex-A76 MPcore processors for high-performance workloads.

2) Quad-core Cortex-A55 MPcore processors for power-efficient tasks.

This big.LITTLE setup balances performance and efficiency, while the DynamIQ Shared Unit (DSU) allows flexible workload sharing across cores. Each Cortex-A76 has 64KB L1 cache (instruction + data) and a 512KB L2 cache, whereas each Cortex-A55 has 32KB L1 cache and a 128KB L2 cache. The chip also offers a shared 3MB L3 cache.

2. Graphics and Multimedia

The RK3588S2 integrates a powerful embedded 3D GPU, supporting:

1) OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.2

2) Vulkan 1.2

It also comes with a specialized 2D hardware engine with MMU to optimize display performance.

For video processing, the SoC supports:

1) 8K@60fps decoding for H.265 and VP9

2) 8K@30fps decoding for H.264

3) 4K@60fps decoding for AV1

4) H.264 and H.265 encoding up to 8K@30fps

Additionally, it features a JPEG encoder and decoder along with a variety of specialized pre- and post-processors for image enhancement.

3. Advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor)

The RK3588S2 features a hardware-based ISP capable of processing up to 48-megapixel images. It includes accelerators for advanced imaging algorithms, such as:
1) HDR
2) 3A (Auto-Exposure, Auto-Focus, Auto-White Balance)
3) LSC, 3DNR, 2DNR
4) Sharpening, dehaze, fisheye correction, gamma correction

This makes it especially ideal for camera-based edge AI applications, intelligent surveillance, and computer vision systems.

4. AI Acceleration

A major feature of the RK3588S2 is its built-in NPU (Neural Processing Unit), which supports hybrid operations including INT4, INT8, INT16, and FP16. Offering up to 6 TOPS of processing power, it provides robust performance for edge AI applications. Moreover, it is compatible with widely used machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, MXNet, and Caffe, facilitating easy transfer and deployment of AI models.

5. Memory and Interfaces

The RK3588S2 accommodates high-performance memory interfaces such as LPDDR4, LPDDR4x, and LPDDR5, ensuring sufficient bandwidth for demanding tasks. Its versatility allows it to be used across various applications, from embedded systems to lightweight edge servers.

Applications

The RK3588S2 is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications:
2) Edge Computing Gateways: Handling AI inference, image recognition, and local decision-making.

3) Digital Signage and Displays: Powering 8K playback and smooth rendering.

4) Smart Cameras: Utilizing its advanced ISP and AI processing for analytics.

5) Mobile Internet Devices: Offering strong multimedia and connectivity features.

AIoT Systems: Enabling efficient real-time AI at the edge.

Conclusion

The Rockchip RK3588S2 is a powerful SoC that features high-performance ARM cores, an advanced GPU, strong multimedia codecs, a reliable ISP, and an integrated NPU. It supports 8K multimedia and offers AI acceleration at the edge, making it ideal for developers building next-generation smart devices, embedded systems, and AI-driven applications. For those looking for a good mix of performance, efficiency, and flexibility, the RK3588S2 is among the best ARM-based options available today.

Rockchip RK3588 Boards 2026

Leonard Liao — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 03:35:29 +0000

This comprehensive overview examines the Rockchip RK3588 boards ecosystem in 2026, compares popular options, and guides you in choosing the right one for projects like edge computing, robotics, embedded AI, and media servers.

Rockchip RK3588

The Rockchip RK3588 is an 8-core Arm System on Chip (SoC) built for high-performance embedded computing. It includes:

Features include 4 Cortex-A76 performance cores and 4 Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, an ARM Mali-G610 GPU for advanced graphics and multimedia, a dedicated 6 TOPS NPU for AI tasks, support for a wide range of video codecs and displays, and extensive connectivity options such as PCIe, USB3, Ethernet, and multi-camera interfaces.

Fabricated using an 8 nm process node, the RK3588 offers robust compute, graphics, and AI capabilities with efficient power use. It is expected to be highly popular in 2026 for SBCs, industrial edge devices, and AIoT products.

Comparison Table

Professionals often choose RK3588 boards for self-hosted services like media servers, such as Jellyfin, containers, or lightweight edge servers, due to their efficient power usage. Equipped with robust connectivity and a wide range of I/O options, these boards are ideal for robotics controllers, automation gateways, and custom embedded systems where space and power constraints are critical.

The ecosystem’s expansion emphasizes how RK3588 keeps bridging the divide between hobbyist boards and industrial solutions, offering desktop-level performance alongside scalable connectivity and extensive software support. For customers aiming to deploy RK3588 boards on a large scale or with tailored hardware needs, professional support and design services are accessible to help speed up development and deployment.

Conclusion

So, here are the best RK3588 single-board computers (SBCs):
1) Kiwi Pi 5B
2）Kiwi Pi 5 Pro / Ultra
3）Orange Pi 5 Plus / Pro
4）Radxa Rock 5B

By 2025, Rockchip RK3588 boards continue to be an attractive option for developers who need a combination of high performance, AI features, and multimedia capabilities in a small size. From the Kiwi Pi 5B to the more advanced Kiwi Pi 5 Pro/Ultra, as well as competing options from Orange Pi and Radxa, these SBCs offer strong platforms for embedded systems, AI edge applications, media servers, and other projects.

The Silent Sentinel: How Occupancy Sensors Are Quietly Revolutionizing Our Spaces

Leonard Liao — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:38:04 +0000

In the ever-evolving landscape of smart buildings and sustainable design, one technology operates with such subtlety that its profound impact often goes unnoticed. The occupancy sensor—a small, unassuming device—is fundamentally transforming how we interact with and manage our environments, delivering remarkable gains in efficiency, comfort, and cost savings.

Beyond the Simple Light Switch

At its core, an occupancy sensor is an electronic device that detects the presence or absence of people within a monitored space. While most famously associated with automatically turning lights on when you enter a room and off when you leave, its applications now extend far beyond illumination.

These sensors employ various technologies to perform their task:

Passive Infrared (PIR): The most common type, it detects heat emitted by moving human bodies. It's cost-effective and ideal for smaller, enclosed spaces like private offices or restrooms.

Ultrasonic: Emits high-frequency sound waves and measures their reflection. It can detect subtle movements, like typing at a desk, making it perfect for spaces with obstructions or where people remain still for long periods.

Microwave: Similar to ultrasonic but uses radio waves. It offers a wider coverage area and can sense through non-metallic materials, suited for larger, open-plan areas.

Dual-Technology (DT): Combines PIR and another technology (often ultrasonic) to reduce false triggers. It requires both sensors to be triggered for an "occupied" state, maximizing accuracy.

Image Processing & Camera-Based: Advanced systems using low-resolution cameras or people-counting algorithms to not only detect presence but also track space utilization patterns.

The Triple Bottom Line: Why Occupancy Sensors Are Essential

The adoption of these intelligent sentinels is driven by a powerful convergence of benefits:

1. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
This is the most celebrated advantage. By ensuring lights, HVAC, and plug loads are only active when needed, waste is dramatically reduced. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that lighting alone accounts for about 17% of a commercial building's electricity use—a significant portion of which is wasted in empty rooms. Automated control via occupancy sensors can yield lighting energy savings of 30% or more. In an era of climate consciousness and rising energy costs, this is a compelling proposition.

2. Operational Cost Reduction
Energy savings translate directly into lower utility bills. Furthermore, reduced runtime extends the lifespan of lighting fixtures, HVAC components, and other equipment, slashing maintenance and replacement costs. For large-scale commercial real estate portfolios, these savings compound into substantial financial returns.

3. Enhanced Convenience, Safety, and Data Insights
The "hands-free" operation adds a layer of hygiene and convenience, particularly in restrooms, storage areas, or when carrying items. In corridors and stairwells, they enhance security by ensuring areas are well-lit upon approach. Modern, network-connected sensors provide a treasure trove of space utilization data. Facility managers can see which conference rooms are actually used, how often workstations are occupied, and optimize cleaning schedules or space allocations based on real data rather than guesswork.

Intelligent Integration: The Heart of the Smart Building

Today's occupancy sensors are not isolated devices. They are integral nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem for smart buildings. Integrated with Building Management Systems (BMS), they enable holistic control:

HVAC Optimization: Ventilation and temperature can be zoned and adjusted based on real-time occupancy, providing comfort where needed and saving energy where not.

Space Management: Data feeds into workplace apps, allowing employees to find and book available rooms or desks dynamically.

Predictive Maintenance: Systems can alert facilities teams when areas see abnormal usage patterns or when sensor health is declining.

Considerations and Best Practices

Successful deployment requires careful planning:

Placement is Key: Sensors must be located to cover the entire zone without obstructions, avoiding false triggers from vents, windows, or HVAC units.

Technology Selection: Choose the right sensor type for the space. A PIR sensor might fail in a restroom stall, while ultrasonic is ideal for a focused library cubicle.

Timeout Settings: Adjust the delay period before a space is considered "vacant" to balance energy savings with user annoyance (no one wants the lights to go out while reading).

Privacy: For camera-based or more advanced systems, clear communication about data collection and anonymization is essential to maintain trust.

The Future: More Adaptive and Predictive

The future of occupancy sensing lies in increased intelligence and granularity. We are moving towards systems that don't just detect if a space is occupied, but how many people are present and even what they are doing. This allows for finer-tuned environmental control. Furthermore, AI and machine learning will enable predictive occupancy, anticipating room usage based on historical patterns, meetings schedules, and even real-time location data (with user consent), preparing spaces just before they are needed.

Conclusion

The humble occupancy sensor has evolved from a simple light-switch helper to a critical data-gathering tool for intelligent space management. It stands as a perfect example of how subtle, automated technology can create outsized benefits—making our buildings greener, our operations leaner, and our environments more responsive. In the quest for smarter, more sustainable, and human-centric spaces, the silent sentinel is on constant duty, ensuring that energy and resources are devoted precisely where and when they matter most.

Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU: Mid-Range Graphics Power

Leonard Liao — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:26:43 +0000

The ARM Mali-G57 MC2 is a mid-range graphics processing unit (GPU) from ARM Holdings that brings modern graphics performance and power efficiency to a wide range of mobile and embedded devices. Positioned between entry-level and high-end solutions, the G57 MC2 bridges performance and efficiency, making it a compelling choice for mainstream smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other graphics-enabled systems.

This article explores the architecture, key features, performance characteristics, real-world use cases, and comparative position of the Mali-G57 MC2 in today’s GPU landscape.

What Is the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU?

The Mali-G57 MC2 is part of ARM’s Mali-G57 series, based on the Valhall architecture—a design that emphasizes improved performance, better energy efficiency, and strong support for modern graphics APIs like Vulkan and OpenGL ES. The MC2 suffix indicates that this GPU configuration includes two cores (clusters), offering balanced graphics performance for devices that need more than basic UI rendering but don’t require flagship GPU power.

Architecture & Technology: Valhall at Its Core

The Valhall architecture represents a generational improvement over previous Mali designs:

Enhanced performance density: Compared with earlier Mali GPUs like the G52, the G57 delivers around 30% higher performance density and double the texturing performance, enabling smoother 3D graphics and better support for high-resolution content.

Parallel compute design: Each core has multiple ALUs (Arithmetic Logic Units), enabling efficient parallel processing for graphics rendering and compute tasks.

API support: The G57 MC2 supports Vulkan, OpenGL ES, and OpenCL, allowing developers to build games and applications that leverage modern graphics pipelines.

Despite its mid-tier positioning, this GPU also integrates features like advanced shading, HDR support, and texture compression — helping developers extract more visual fidelity from mid-range hardware.

Performance Overview

Dual-Core (MC2) Configuration

The MC2 configuration (two cores) strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. Benchmarks like Geekbench Vulkan scores (e.g., ~1298 on some devices) illustrate its mid-range nature — capable of handling everyday graphics workloads and casual gaming smoothly, but obviously not competing with flagship GPUs.

In independent performance tables and specs, typical Mali-G57 MC2 configurations deliver modest shader counts and moderate FP32/FP16 throughput, suitable for 1080p or lower-resolution rendering at playable frame rates on mainstream titles.

Power Efficiency & Battery Life

One of the Mali-G57’s biggest strengths is power efficiency — a critical factor in battery-constrained devices like phones and tablets:

Designed for mobile use cases, the Valhall architecture delivers improved performance per watt compared to earlier Mali generations.

Features like clock and power gating help decrease energy consumption during periods of low workload.

This leads to longer battery life during multimedia playback and light gaming — a key advantage in the mainstream device market.

Final

The Arm Mali-G57 MC2 offers a strong solution for mainstream mobile and embedded graphics:

✔️ Balanced performance for everyday use
✔️ Good energy efficiency for mobile devices
✔️ Modern API support and architectural improvements
✔️ Scalable integration in SoCs targeting broad hardware tiers

While not ideal for flagship-level gaming or intensive professional tasks, the G57 MC2 delivers strong graphics performance for mid-range devices, helping manufacturers deliver responsive UIs and enjoyable media experiences without excessive power consumption.

In summary: The Mali-G57 MC2 is a modern, efficient, and capable mid-range GPU that hits the sweet spot for mainstream mobile graphics — perfect for daily users seeking balanced performance and battery life.

Source: Mali-G57 MC2 GPU: Practical Overview

Arm Immortalis-G925: The Next-Gen Flagship Mobile GPU

Leonard Liao — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:14:20 +0000

The Arm Immortalis-G925 represents a major evolution in mobile GPU technology, ushering in a new era of high-performance graphics and artificial intelligence (AI) performance for flagship devices. Built on Arm’s 5th-generation GPU architecture, Immortalis-G925 is Arm’s most powerful and efficient GPU to date, pushing advancements in gaming visuals, ray tracing, and AI workloads while simultaneously reducing power consumption compared to prior generations.

What Is Immortalis-G925?

Arm’s Immortalis line sits at the top tier of its GPU offerings—above the Mali family—with hardware support for advanced features such as ray tracing. The Immortalis-G925 is designed specifically for flagship mobile SoCs, targeting premium smartphones, tablets, and other high-performance, power-sensitive applications

Key architectural enhancements include:

Fragment prepass – reduces redundant rendering work to improve efficiency.

Doubled tiler and shift-convert throughput – accelerates geometry and shading workloads.

Improved command stream frontend – optimizes job dispatch to shader cores.

Enhanced ray tracing performance – facilitates realistic lighting and effects.

Scalable configurations – supports up to 24 GPU cores to suit diverse performance points.

These architectural changes help balance peak performance and sustained efficiency, a key challenge in thermal-limited smartphone environments. Unlike solutions that chase peak scores only to throttle quickly under load, G925’s design focuses on delivering consistent real-world gaming performance over longer sessions.

Performance Gains: Gaming, Efficiency, and Beyond

Arm’s internal tests and industry analyses indicate that Immortalis-G925 delivers significant performance uplifts over its predecessor, the Immortalis-G720:

Graphics & Gaming

1) ~37 % higher overall graphics performance compared to Immortalis-G720.

2) Up to ~46 % average uplift in popular mobile games.

3) Standout game performance improvements include Genshin Impact (~49 %) and Roblox (~46 %).

4) 52 % better ray tracing performance with intricate scenes, enabling more realistic shadows, reflections, and lighting.

This makes Immortalis-G925 particularly attractive for mobile AAA gaming, where high frame rates and advanced visual effects are increasingly expected on flagship phones.

Efficiency & Power

Despite the performance gains, Immortalis-G925 uses ~30 % less power than the previous generation when delivering comparable graphics performance.

This efficiency boost is crucial for maintaining battery life and mitigating thermal throttling in handheld devices.

AI & Machine Learning Capabilities

Beyond raw graphics, Immortalis-G925 also enhances AI and machine learning performance. Arm’s GPU architecture can accelerate various AI inference tasks, such as image classification, segmentation, object detection, and natural language processing—helpful for on-device AI features in mobile apps

In benchmark tests, the GPU demonstrated:

~36 % faster AI inference performance vs. the previous generation.
Arm Newsroom

~41 % better performance in image processing workloads.
Arm Newsroom

Significant improvements in super-sampling and speech-to-text tasks.
Arm Newsroom

These improvements make Immortalis-G925 a compelling platform for AI-centric applications such as real-time image enhancement, immersive AR/VR effects, and high-performance AI helpers on smartphones.

Source: Immortalis-G925: A Flagship Mobile GPU (Rockchips.net)

What is Tightly Coupled Memory (TCM)?

Leonard Liao — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:58:22 +0000

In modern embedded systems—especially those built around Arm cores like Cortex-M7 and Cortex-R—predictable, low-latency memory access is essential for real-time control loops, interrupt handling, and safety-critical tasks. Tightly Coupled Memory (TCM) is a specialized on-chip RAM designed specifically for these needs.

What Tightly Coupled Memory (TCM) Actually Is

Tightly Coupled Memory (TCM) is a small, fast block of on-chip RAM that is connected directly to a CPU core via a dedicated, low-latency interface—bypassing the typical shared system interconnect used by caches and main SRAM. This direct connection enables highly deterministic access, often in very few CPU cycles, which is essential for real-time and control applications.

Key characteristics of TCM:

Dedicated path to the CPU core: Memory isn’t accessed through the general bus where arbitration and contention can add delays.

Predictable access latency: TCM gives repeatable, known-cost cycles for instruction and data fetches—unlike caches whose latency can vary on misses.

Explicitly managed: Unlike cache (which automatically stores recently used data), software or linker scripts decide exactly what resides in TCM.

Unlike cache memory, TCM is part of the system address map, and a developer can decide exactly what code and data go there. Cache, in contrast, simply accelerates access to main memory without any guarantees about which data is resident at a given moment.

Why Engineers Use TCM

1. Deterministic Timing (Real-Time Behavior)

Unlike cache-based memory, where a miss can introduce several unpredictable cycles of delay, TCM access latency stays consistent. This makes it ideal for interrupt service routines (ISRs), control loops, and safety-critical code where timing matters more than average speed.

2. High Performance Without Cache Overhead

In some systems—especially those targeting safety certification or running with caches disabled—TCM delivers performance comparable to cache but without the complexity of cache maintenance (flushes, invalidates, etc.).

3. Isolation From Bus Contention

On complex SoCs, the shared system fabric (e.g., AXI/AHB) can become congested with DMA, display, storage, and peripheral traffic. TCM avoids this by giving the CPU core a more exclusive, direct memory path.

Tightly Coupled Memory (TCM) is a specialized on-chip memory region that trades larger capacity for predictable low latency and real-time performance. By providing a direct pathway to the CPU core and avoiding cache unpredictability, TCM is a powerful tool in the embedded engineer’s toolbox—ideal for interrupt handlers, control loops, and other timing-critical tasks.

Source: What is tightly coupled memory? (Rockchips.net)

Radxa ROCK 5 vs Raspberry Pi 5 vs Kiwi Pi 5: A Detailed Comparison of Modern Single-Board Computers

Leonard Liao — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:33:51 +0000

Single-board computers (SBCs) have evolved far beyond simple educational tools. Today, they are widely used in edge AI, industrial control, robotics, multimedia processing, and even lightweight servers. Among the most discussed platforms in the current generation are Radxa ROCK 5, Kiwi Pi 5, and Raspberry Pi 5.

Although these boards may appear similar at first glance, they target very different use cases and design philosophies. This article provides a technical and practical comparison to help developers, system integrators, and product designers choose the right platform. Some information taken from this Rock Pi 5 (Radxa Rock 5) comparison article.

Overview of the Three Platforms

Radxa ROCK 5 Series

The Radxa ROCK 5 family is designed as a high-performance SBC platform, focusing on CPU/GPU power, PCIe expansion, and advanced multimedia capabilities. It is widely used in AI inference, 8K video processing, and edge computing applications.

Kiwi Pi 5

Kiwi Pi 5 is positioned as a commercial-grade and customizable SBC, targeting OEM, ODM, and industrial clients. While offering performance comparable to flagship SBCs, its key differentiator lies in hardware customization, long-term supply, and product adaptation for specific business needs.

Raspberry Pi 5

Raspberry Pi 5 continues the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s philosophy of accessibility, education, and ecosystem stability. While it significantly improves performance over previous Raspberry Pi generations, it remains focused on general-purpose computing and learning, rather than high-end edge AI or industrial workloads.

Raspberry Pi 5 benefits from a massive accessory ecosystem, while Kiwi Pi 5 emphasizes custom I/O layouts and industrial interfaces, which are often critical for embedded deployments.

While Radxa ROCK 5, Kiwi Pi 5, and Raspberry Pi 5 all belong to the modern SBC category, they serve distinct audiences:

Raspberry Pi 5 excels in education, general computing, and ecosystem stability.

Radxa ROCK 5 targets performance-oriented developers needing strong CPU, GPU, and AI capabilities. For example, you can learn more about Radxa ROCK 5B from Jeff Geerling.

Kiwi Pi 5 bridges high performance with commercial customization, making it well-suited for industrial, OEM, and embedded AI products.

Choosing the right board depends not on raw specifications alone, but on long-term goals, software requirements, and deployment scale.

Rockchip Update News: Latest Developments in Rockchip SoCs

Leonard Liao — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 03:47:51 +0000

Rockchip remains a key player in the worldwide embedded systems and ARM SoC sectors. Its processors are popular in single-board computers (SBCs), AI edge devices, tablets, multimedia boxes, and industrial equipment, valued for their performance, multimedia features, and durability. Recent updates highlight a concerted focus on AI acceleration, enhanced multimedia support, better power efficiency, and broader software ecosystems.

This article summarizes the latest Rockchip update news, including SoC developments, software support progress, and ecosystem trends relevant to developers, OEMs, and system integrators.

RK3588 and RK3588S Remain Flagship Platforms

The Rockchip RK3588 and RK3588S continue to be the company’s flagship SoCs for high-performance embedded applications. Based on an octa-core CPU architecture (Arm Cortex-A76 + Cortex-A55), these chips are widely adopted in:

Recent Rockchip updates focus on maturing software support, improving stability under Linux distributions, and enhancing AI inference performance through optimized NPU drivers. The RK3588 platform remains one of the most versatile ARM SoCs available for developers who need GPU, NPU, ISP, and multi-display capabilities in a single chip.

Continued Adoption of RK3568 and RK3566

Rockchip’s mid-range SoCs, including RK3568 and RK3566, remain popular choices for cost-sensitive and industrial designs.

Recent platform updates emphasize long-term kernel support, improved power management, and compatibility with newer Linux kernels. Rockchip continues to position these SoCs as stable, long-life solutions rather than short-term consumer chips.

Software and Linux Ecosystem Updates

One of the most important Rockchip update trends is the steady progress toward mainline Linux kernel support. Over the past releases, Rockchip platforms have seen:

1) Improved upstream support for display, PCIe, and USB

2) Better device tree coverage

3) More stable DRM and VPU drivers

This progress benefits developers who rely on Yocto, Debian, Ubuntu, and Buildroot, reducing dependency on heavily modified vendor kernels.

Android and AOSP Updates

Rockchip continues to maintain strong Android support across its product lineup.

These updates are particularly relevant for manufacturers producing Android TV boxes, tablets, AI terminals, and smart displays.

Rockchip’s Neural Processing Units (NPUs) remain a core differentiator, especially on the RK3588 series. Recent updates focus on:

Improved SDK stability

1) Expanded model compatibility (ONNX, TensorFlow Lite, etc.)

2) Performance tuning for vision-based AI workloads

These improvements make Rockchip platforms increasingly attractive for edge AI inference, including facial recognition, object detection, and smart veillance

New RK3688

Also, still waiting for new SOC RK3688

Rockchip RK3688 boasts a robust 12-core CPU setup with ARM’s latest Cortex-A730 and Cortex-A530 cores arranged in a big.LITTLE architecture.

8 performance cores (Cortex-A730) handle intensive computing tasks
4 efficiency cores (Cortex-A530) manage background activities
Supports dynamic frequency scaling across all cores
Features advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution In contrast, the RK3668 has a slightly different processor with 10 cores: 4 Cortex-A730 and 6 Cortex-A530. This configuration consumes less power and is suitable for tasks that don’t require high CPU performance. Both chips are manufactured using a modern process, likely 4nm or similar.

RK3588 SBC: Kiwi Pi 5 Pro

Leonard Liao — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:16:14 +0000

The realm of Single Board Computers (SBCs) has rapidly progressed in recent times, with Rockchip’s RK3588 processor spearheading a new generation of high-performance, energy-efficient computing options. Crafted for AI, robotics, edge computing, and multimedia uses, the RK3588 SBC platform provides desktop-like performance within a small, affordable package. Among numerous RK3588-based boards on the market, the Kiwi Pi 5 Pro is particularly notable for its impressive capabilities and flexibility, offering outstanding features for developers and enthusiasts alike. Today, we are talking about the RK3588 SBC.

What is the RK3588?

The Rockchip RK3588 is an octa-core processor built on an advanced 8nm process, combining power efficiency with cutting-edge computing capability. Its CPU architecture includes:

This architecture allows the RK3588 to handle demanding workloads such as 8K video decoding, deep learning inference, 3D rendering, and industrial control—all on a single, compact board.

While various manufacturers produce boards based on the RK3588, the core specifications are typically:

Spotlight: Kiwi Pi 5 Pro

Among the new generation of RK3588-based boards, the Kiwi Pi 5 Pro has gained attention. Developed with versatility and performance in mind, it’s one of the most developer-friendly SBCs in its class.

The RK3588 SBCs excel in performance benchmarks compared to earlier Rockchip SoCs like the RK3399 or RK3568. Thanks to its advanced GPU and AI engine, it delivers smooth multitasking, real-time object detection, and ultra-high-resolution media processing.

The Kiwi Pi 5 Pro offers some of the best connectivity and memory support among its competitors, making it an ideal all-around RK3588 SBC.

Rockchip’s ecosystem has matured significantly, with strong open-source community backing. The Kiwi Pi 5 Pro supports multiple Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Armbian, and Buildroot, as well as Android 12.

Developers can leverage standard frameworks like TensorFlow Lite, ONNX Runtime, and OpenCV to harness the RK3588’s NPU capabilities.
Kiwi’s development team provides well-documented SDKs, kernel sources, and community forums, making it easier for developers to integrate the board into custom solutions.

Conclusion

The RK3588 SBC is an embedded computing platform that combines features of consumer PCs and compact development boards. It is equipped with an octa-core CPU, a GPU, and AI acceleration capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of applications such as edge AI, robotics, and multimedia systems.

Among all RK3588 boards, the Kiwi Pi 5 Pro emerges as one of the most well-balanced choices—combining performance, expandability, and developer support into a single powerful platform. Whether you’re building an AI prototype, a home media center, or an industrial controller, the Kiwi Pi 5 Pro demonstrates the full potential of Rockchip’s RK3588 technology.

RK3568: New Look

Leonard Liao — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 02:54:43 +0000

In the bustling arena of System-on-Chips (SoCs), where new processors are announced almost weekly, it’s rare for a single chip to redefine a segment. The Rockchip RK3568, however, didn't just enter the market; it arrived with a deliberate and impactful "new look." This isn't a mere incremental update. It’s a strategic pivot, shedding the skin of a basic multimedia processor to emerge as a robust, versatile, and intelligent platform for the next generation of embedded computing.

So, what exactly constitutes this "new look" for the RK3568? It’s a transformation built on three core pillars: a shift towards AI-enabled intelligence, a commitment to industrial-grade reliability, and an embrace of open-source philosophy.

Source: https://rockchips.net/rk3568-news-updates-and-datasheet/

1. The New Look of Intelligence: From Processing to Perceiving

Previous generations of embedded SoCs were often judged on their CPU speed and video decoding capabilities. The RK3568 includes these—a capable quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU, a Mali-G52 GPU, and support for 4K H.265/H.264 video—but it adds a crucial new layer: a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit).

This 0.8 TOPS NPU is the cornerstone of its modern identity. It transforms the RK3568 from a passive processor into an active perceiver. Devices powered by this chip are no longer limited to just running an operating system or playing a video; they can now understand their environment.

Smart Retail: A digital signage panel can analyze viewer demographics and engagement.

*Industrial Automation: * A quality control camera can identify product defects in real-time on the assembly line.

Edge AI Gateways: Aggregating sensor data from an entire factory and running local AI models for predictive maintenance.

This native AI capability gives the RK3568 a "new look" of relevance in an increasingly AI-driven world, positioning it as a premier choice for edge computing applications where low latency and data privacy are paramount.

The RK3568’s second major facelift is its industrial and commercial fortitude. Rockchip designed this SoC not just for consumer gadgets but for systems that must run 24/7 in challenging conditions.

Rich I/O Interface: It boasts a level of connectivity that was previously the domain of more expensive chips. With native PCIe 2.1, SATA 3.0, dual Gigabit Ethernet controllers, and multiple USB ports, it can effortlessly become the heart of a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, a robust router, or a multi-camera surveillance system.

Industrial Longevity: Designed for extended temperature ranges and with a focus on stability, the RK3568 is a trustworthy engine for industrial control panels, medical devices, and automotive infotainment systems. This ruggedness gives it a "new look" of seriousness, separating it from the crowd of consumer-grade alternatives.

2. The New Look of Openness: Fueling Developer Innovation

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the RK3568's new identity is its synergy with the open-source community. Rockchip has made a concerted effort to provide strong support for mainline Linux kernel development. This is a monumental shift.

Instead of being locked into proprietary, vendor-specific SDKs that are often outdated, developers can now build on stable, secure, and up-to-date mainline Linux kernels. This "new look" of openness:

Accelerates Development: Reduces time-to-market by leveraging a vast ecosystem of existing Linux software and tools.

Ensures Long-Term Security: Easily patch vulnerabilities with kernel updates.

Fosters Community: Projects like the Pine64 Quartz64 and various other Single-Board Computers (SBCs) have rallied around the RK3568, creating a vibrant ecosystem of tutorials, custom builds, and innovative applications.

This democratization of development has made the RK3568 a darling of makers and OEMs alike, who see it as a platform with a future.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Chip

The RK3568 is far more than a collection of specs on a datasheet. Its "new look" represents a fundamental evolution in what we can expect from a mid-range embedded SoC. It is intelligent, capable of bringing AI to the edge; it is reliable, built for the demanding tasks of industry; and it is open, empowering a global community of creators.

In the RK3568, we don't just see a processor. We see the new look of embedded intelligence itself—accessible, powerful, and ready for the future.

How to Search Electronic Components and Where to Find Them

Leonard Liao — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:44:20 +0000

How to Search Electronic Components and Where to Find Them

1. Start with the Part Number

The fastest way to search for an electronic component is by using its Manufacturer Part Number (MPN). For example, instead of searching for “ARM processor,” type “RK3588” or “STM32F103C8T6.” This eliminates ambiguity and helps you locate the exact product.

If you don’t have the exact part number, try searching by:

Manufacturer name + product family (e.g., "Texas Instruments LM317")

Functional description (e.g., "3.3V voltage regulator, 1A")

2. Use Specialized Search Engines

Several online platforms aggregate information from global distributors, making it easy to compare availability, pricing, and datasheets:

Findchips – Searches multiple distributors, shows pricing, inventory, and alternatives.

Octopart – A popular aggregator with filters for compliance, lifecycle, and suppliers.

OEMSecrets – Price comparison tool across authorized distributors.

NetComponents – Database for hard-to-find and obsolete parts.

These platforms help you avoid manually visiting multiple distributor websites.

3. Check Major Authorized Distributors

If you want guaranteed authenticity and reliable shipping, look at well-known distributors:

Digi-Key – Broad selection, ships worldwide quickly.

Mouser Electronics – Excellent for new and popular components.

Arrow Electronics – Offers bulk deals and engineering resources.

RS Components / Allied Electronics – Strong presence in Europe and Asia.

Avnet – Focus on enterprise and large-scale orders.

For hobbyists and small-volume buyers, distributors like SparkFun, Adafruit, or Seeed Studio are also useful.

4. Explore Manufacturer Websites

If you know the manufacturer, visiting their website is the most direct way to access datasheets, reference designs, and authorized distributors. Many manufacturers have a “Where to Buy” section that links you directly to trusted sources.

5. Secondary Markets and Obsolete Parts

For parts that are discontinued or hard to find, you may need to look beyond authorized distributors:

Broker websites like Nexar or NetComponents.

Marketplaces such as eBay or AliExpress (be cautious—risk of counterfeits is higher).

Excess inventory resellers that specialize in obsolete or surplus components.

Always double-check authenticity when using secondary markets.

6. Key Tips for Efficient Searching

Cross-check availability – If one distributor is out of stock, others may have inventory.

Look for alternatives – Many platforms suggest compatible replacement parts.

Check lead times – Some chips may be on backorder for months.

Verify compliance – Ensure the part meets RoHS, REACH, or other standards if required.

With modern search engines like Findchips and Octopart, and reliable distributors such as Digi-Key and Mouser, you can find nearly any component quickly.

With the right tools and strategies, sourcing electronic components becomes faster, safer, and more cost-effective.