Orange Pi CM5 Base Board with Rockchip RK3588S SoC: Versatile Connectivity and Advanced Prototyping Platform

22 January, 2025

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Last month, we covered the Orange Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5), a high-performance computing module based on the Rockchip RK3588S SoC. Designed for deep-embedded applications, the CM5 serves as a powerful alternative to the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4), with optimizations for on-device machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.

Alongside the CM5, Orange Pi introduced the Orange Pi CM5 Base Board, also known as the CM5 Tablet Base Board. This official baseboard is designed specifically for the CM5 core module and offers advanced connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support, enabling fast data transfer and efficient wireless communication. The board features standard CM5 connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and devices.

Highly versatile, the CM5 Base Board can be used as a robust development platform for prototyping and testing or integrated directly into end products as an embedded solution. This flexibility empowers developers and manufacturers to create tailored, connected applications with ease.

Orange Pi CM5 Base Board specifications:

Processor: Rockchip RK3588S SoC
- 8-core CPU: 4x Cortex-A76 (up to 2.4GHz) + 4x Cortex-A55 (up to 1.8GHz)
Memory and Storage:
- 2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB LPDDR4/4X RAM
- eMMC flash storage: 32GB/64GB/128GB/256GB
- MicroSD (TF) card slot
- M.2 M-Key slot:
  - NVMe SSD (PCIe 2.0 x1)
  - SATA 3.0 SSD
Networking:
- Onboard Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth 5.0/BLE (AP6256 module)
  - Wi-Fi interface: SDIO 3.0
  - Bluetooth interface: UART/PCM
Display and Graphics:
- HDMI 2.1 output, up to 8K @ 60Hz
- 4-lane DP 1.4 (via USB-C)
- 4-lane MIPI DPHY TX
Camera:
- MIPI CSI: 4-lane interface
- 2x MIPI DPHY RX (2-lane each)
Audio:
- 3.5mm headphone jack (audio in/out)
- HDMI 2.1 eARC
- Onboard MIC and 2x SPK sockets (2-pin, 1.25mm)
Expansion Ports:
- 26-pin GPIO header (2.54mm dual row)
  - Supports UART, PWM, I2C, SPI, CAN, GPIO
  - DC 5V input and 3.3V output
USB Interfaces:
- 1x USB 3.0
- 1x USB 2.0
- 1x USB Type-C (USB 3.0 + DP 1.4 ALT mode)
Power Supply:
- USB Type-C: 5V @ 5A power delivery
- 6-pin connector for single Li-ion battery charging (up to 3.78A)
Miscellaneous:
- Debugging: UART serial port
- Buttons: MaskROM, Reset, and Power-in
- Indicators: Red (power), Green (status)
- Cooling: 5V fan connector (2-pin, 1.25mm)
- RTC: Test pad with 3V RTC battery connection
Dimensions: 90mm x 66mm x 1.6mm
Weight: 43 gm

The software support aligns with the Orange Pi CM5 module, offering compatibility with Orange Pi OS (Arch or Android), OpenWrt, Ubuntu 22.04/24.04, Debian 11/12, and Android 13. Images for these operating systems, along with Linux and Android source code, are available on the module’s download page.