TL;DR:
- Orange Pi introduces the AIpro, a single-board computer with Huawei’s Ascend chip.
- The AIpro is larger than the Raspberry Pi 5 and offers exceptional AI performance.
- It supports NVMe, SATA drives, and expandable storage options.
- Abundant connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, Gigabit Ethernet, and more.
- The SBC features 4K HDMI output and MIPI camera compatibility.
- Pre-orders for the AIpro are available with exclusive developer gift box offers.
Main AI News:
In the ever-evolving landscape of single-board computers, Orange Pi, a well-known competitor to the Raspberry Pi, has unveiled its latest offering that stands out from the crowd. Meet the Orange Pi AIpro, a game-changing SBC powered by Huawei’s Ascend chip, a departure from the traditional processors from brands like Rockchip, Allwinner, or Arm.
Measuring at 107 x 68mm (4.21 x 2.68 inches), the Orange Pi AIpro positions itself within the size range of the Orange Pi 5. Comparatively, it dwarfs the Raspberry Pi 5, boasting an expansive 85 x 56mm (3.45 x 2.2 inches) footprint. What sets this SBC apart is its utilization of an unspecified Huawei Ascend 64-bit chip featuring a quad-core design and an integrated AI processor, delivering an impressive AI performance of 8/20 TOPS. The Orange Pi AIpro offers configurations with either 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4X-3200.
One distinctive feature is the M.2 2280 slot discreetly placed at the rear of the SBC. While the interface speed isn’t explicitly mentioned, it offers support for NVMe and SATA drives. Additionally, an eMMC slot adhering to the eMMC5.1 HS400 specification enables users to expand storage by 32GB to 256GB, and a TF slot accommodates unused TF cards.
Connectivity options are abundant in the Orange Pi AIpro. It includes Wi-Fi 5 with Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connections and a standard Gigabit Ethernet port for wired networking. Display options encompass two HDMI 2.0 ports capable of delivering 4K at 60 FPS, along with a 2-lane MIPI DSI connection. Moreover, Orange Pi has thoughtfully integrated two 2-lane MIPI interface camera inputs, compatible with the Raspberry Pi Camera Module. For audio enthusiasts, a 3.5mm audio jack and an integrated analog silicon microphone are included.
The Orange Pi AIpro streamlines the user experience with strategically placed buttons for quick access to essential functions such as power control, reset, and startup mode toggling. Additionally, a 12V fan header enables the connection of a single fan to the SBC.
When it comes to connecting peripherals, the Orange Pi AIpro does not disappoint, offering two USB 3.0 Type-A ports and one USB 3.0 Type-C port. Another USB Type-C port with 20V power delivery is reserved for connecting the power adapter. A conventional 40-pin GPIO header caters to various interfaces, including GPIO, UART, I2C, SPI, I2S, and PWM. Operating system enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Orange Pi AIpro is compatible with Ubuntu and openEuler.
For those eager to get their hands on this cutting-edge SBC, pre-orders are currently available on JD.com. The 8GB model is priced at $125.71, while the 16GB model can be yours for $162.48. Additionally, customers who place pre-orders have the exciting opportunity to register for a limited-edition developer gift box, restricted to just 1,000 units. Orange Pi plans to commence shipping orders on January 5th, promising an exciting start to the new year for AI enthusiasts and developers alike.
Conclusion:
The Orange Pi AIpro’s collaboration with Huawei’s Ascend chip marks a significant advancement in the single-board computer market. With impressive AI capabilities, expanded connectivity options, and generous storage support, it is set to attract AI enthusiasts and developers, potentially challenging the dominance of existing SBC players like Raspberry Pi. This innovation reflects a growing demand for powerful and versatile SBCs in the tech market, opening up new opportunities for AI development and IoT applications.
