FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3 Plus Single Board Computer Powered by Rockchip RK3528A SoC USB 3.0 and Gigabit LAN

FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3 Plus is a small single-board computer based on Rockchip RK3528A SoC, which is optimised for networking, embedded platforms, and lightweight server solutions. The board is constructed on the Rockchip RK3528A chip and has a balance of performance, power consumption, and size. The board can be used as an IoT gateway, a small server, or a network appliance because it supports a variety of Linux-based operating systems thanks to its Gigabit Ethernet interface, its USB connectivity, and its ability to integrate with a number of Linux-based operating systems.

The NanoPi NEO3 Plus features a compact size, but it also incorporates the latest hardware and versatile storage functionalities so that it is useful to developers and hobbyists who require a stable embedded computing platform.

NanoPi NEO3 Plus SBC

Processor and Performance

The main element of the NanoPi NEO3 Plus is a Rockchip RK3528A SoC with a 1.8 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor. This processor delivers adequate computing to the network, autonomy systems, and edge computing exercises. The board also has a Mali-450 graphics card and the ability to do simple graphics processing.

In terms of multimedia functions, the integrated video processing unit provides 4K H.265 and H.264 decoding up to 60 frames per second, and thus the board can address the efficiency of media streaming and video playback as well. This CPU and video acceleration enable the board to support networking and lightweight multimedia workloads.

Memory and Storage

The NanoPi NEO3 Plus comes in 1 GB or 2 GB of LPDDR4/LPDDR4X RAM, enough to support embedded Linux applications and small server workload applications. To store data, the board significantly supports an optional eMMC module, and storage is faster and more dependable than the regular SD cards.

Moreover, external storage can be expanded to 128 GB with a microSD card slot that can be easily used for the installation of the operating systems or for the storage of other large amounts of data. This flexible storage configuration allows users to select between removable and onboard storage depending on their project requirements.

NanoPi NEO3 Plus SBC Layout and Interfaces

Connectivity and Interfaces

The NanoPi NEO3 Plus has networking as one of its critical characteristics. The board has a native Gigabit Ethernet port based on the RTL8211F chip, allowing the board to support high-speed network transmission when functioning as a server or router-like device.

In the case of peripheral connection, the board offers:

• USB3.0 Type-A drive interface, high-speed peripheral interface, e.g. external storage.
• USB-C port (USB 2.0 device) for data transfer or device mode operation
• 26-pin FPC GPIO connector for connecting sensors, modules, and expansion hardware
• Debug UART interface for system debugging and development

These interfaces allow developers to integrate the board with various external modules and peripherals.

Comparison between NanoPi Neo3 and NanoPi Neo3 Plus

Additional Hardware Features

The board includes several useful onboard components that simplify embedded system design. It has a status LED to indicate system and activity, as well as to indicate system control, firmware recovery, GPIO and MASK releases.

The RTC battery connector is another thing that attracts attention, as it also allows one to have the functionality of a real-time clock even when the system is not turned on. There is also a speaker connector, which allows developers to add simple audio output capabilities for embedded applications.

The board has a temperature range of 0 °C to 70 °C, which means that it can be used in most industrial settings and IoT environments.

Operating System and Software Support

The NanoPi NEO3 Plus has a wide operating system. Distributions that can be run by developers include Alpine Linux, Debian 12 Core, Ubuntu 24.04 Core, Buildroot and FriendlyWrt. OpenMediaVault can also be supported by the board, and Proxmox VE can thereby enable one to utilize the system as either a lightweight storage server or a virtualization node.

It is a platform full of Linux 6.1 LTS, which is stable and has a long lifespan with embedded applications. This software flexibility means that developers are able to field test the board on a different project and workload with ease.

NanoPi NEO3 Plus All Side View 

The NanoPi NEO3 Plus is an RK3528A -based single-board computer that is sold under FriendlyElec’s official store and has a minimum price of a single board of $24. The product is now available as in stock, and optional accessories like plastic case, eMMC storage modules and micro SD cards can be bought individually. The cost of shipping can be different depending on the selected configuration and the future destination.

Images used courtesy of Friendly Elec