ArmSoM Forge1 SBC Features Rockchip RK3506J SoC with Cortex-A7/M0 Cores for Industrial and Audio Applications

ArmSoM Forge1 is an industrial-grade single-board computer (SBC) built for embedded applications such as smart audio systems and factory automation. It is based on the Rockchip RK3506J system-on-chip, which integrates a triple-core Arm Cortex-A7 CPU running at up to 1.5GHz along with an Arm Cortex-M0 core for real-time control tasks.

The board comes with 512MB of DDR3L memory and 512MB of SPI NAND flash, and also includes a MicroSD card slot for external storage. It supports display output through a 2-lane MIPI DSI connector, capable of driving 1280×1280 resolution at 60fps. Audio input and output are accessible via dedicated expansion headers.

For networking, the Forge1 offers dual 100Mbps Ethernet ports. A USB Type-C port is used for both power input and programming, while a USB 2.0 host port supports external peripherals. The SBC includes a 40-pin GPIO header compatible with Raspberry Pi HATs, providing access to UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, and PWM. An additional 12-pin header exposes interfaces for speaker, microphone, RS-485, and CAN Bus, making the board suitable for industrial communication and control tasks.

ArmSoM Forge1 SBC specifications:

• SoC: Rockchip RK3506J
  • 3x Arm Cortex-A7 cores @ up to 1.5GHz
  • Arm Cortex-M0 real-time core
  • 2D graphics engine with hardware acceleration
• Memory: 512MB DDR3L RAM
• Storage:
  • 512MB SPI NAND flash
  • 1x MicroSD card slot
• Display: 2-lane MIPI DSI connector up to 1280 x 1280 @ 60fps
• Audio:
  • 1x 3.5mm audio jack
  • Speaker and microphone interfaces via expansion header
• Networking: 2x 100Mbps Ethernet RJ45 ports
• USB:
  • 1x USB Type-C port (power input and programming)
  • 1x USB 2.0 host port
• Expansion:
  • 40-pin GPIO header with UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, and PWM (Raspberry Pi HAT compatible)
  • 12-pin header for speaker, microphone, RS-485, and CAN Bus
• Misc: 1x Maskrom key
• Power supply: 12V / 2A input via USB Type-C
• Dimensions: 92 x 62mm
• Operating temperature: -40℃ to 85℃

ArmSoM Forge1 comes with a Linux Software Development Kit based on Buildroot and Linux kernel 6.1.99, running on the Cortex-A7 cores. The onboard Cortex-M0 core runs the RT-Thread real-time operating system, providing a dedicated environment for real-time tasks. The platform is supported by comprehensive documentation, including hardware specifications, pin mappings, and step-by-step guides for using key features such as the serial console, RTC, audio interfaces, and CAN Bus.

Previously, we covered the FET3506J-S system-on-module from Forlinx Embedded, which is also based on the Rockchip RK3506J — a tri-core Cortex-A7 industrial-grade SoC designed for smart industrial applications. Feel free to check it out if you’re looking for a similar type of SoM.

At the time of writing, the Forge1 is available for pre-order at a price of $23 (excluding delivery charges). Mass production is scheduled to begin by the end of April. Additional details can be found on the official product page.

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