Rockchip SoC Guides#
Rockchip is a semiconductor company known for ARM-based SoCs used in tablets, smart displays, Android TV boxes, industrial control panels, single-board computers, AI edge devices, video terminals, and embedded Linux products. Its processors are widely adopted in products that need a balance of display support, multimedia capability, Android/Linux software support, cost control, and hardware integration flexibility.
In the embedded SBC market, Rockchip SoCs are especially common in Android SBCs, Linux SBCs, industrial HMI panels, smart home control panels, access control terminals, video intercom systems, retail kiosks, digital signage players, camera terminals, and edge AI devices.
Rockchip platforms are popular because they cover a wide product range. Lower-power processors such as PX30 can be used in compact control panels. Mid-range platforms such as RK3566 and RK3568 are suitable for Android panels, Linux HMI devices, and industrial SBCs. Newer and higher-performance platforms such as RK3576 and RK3588 are used for edge HMI, AI terminals, multi-camera systems, and advanced embedded computers.
Why Rockchip SoCs Are Used in Embedded Products#
Rockchip SoCs are commonly selected for embedded products because they provide a practical mix of functions that are important in real product design.
Typical advantages include:
- Broad Android and Linux support through vendor and board-level BSPs
- Strong display interface options such as MIPI DSI, LVDS, HDMI, eDP, and RGB depending on the platform
- Good multimedia capability for video playback, camera preview, audio, and digital signage
- Wide use in Android SBCs and Linux SBCs
- Competitive cost-performance ratio
- Mature ecosystem for smart panels, HMI devices, kiosks, and edge terminals
- Multiple performance levels from entry-level panels to high-performance AI systems
- Availability of SBC, SoM, and custom board solutions from many hardware vendors
For product teams, Rockchip is often attractive when the project needs a display-centered embedded platform and the development schedule requires a practical Android or Linux starting point.
Rockchip SoC Families#
Rockchip has released many SoCs over different product generations. Some are used mainly in consumer electronics, while others are widely adopted in embedded and industrial products.
The list below focuses on Rockchip processors that are commonly relevant to SBCs, embedded Linux, Android panels, HMI devices, gateways, and edge applications.
| SoC | CPU Class | Typical OS | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| PX30 | Entry-level quad-core ARM | Android / Linux | Smart home panels, small HMI, access terminals |
| RK3326 | Entry-level quad-core ARM | Android / Linux | Handheld devices, compact terminals, small embedded displays |
| RK3288 | Older high-performance ARM platform | Android / Linux | Android panels, digital signage, industrial terminals |
| RK3399 | Dual-core + quad-core ARM big.LITTLE | Android / Linux | Linux SBCs, Android terminals, edge devices |
| RK3566 | Mid-range quad-core ARM | Android / Linux | Smart panels, HMI, access control, retail terminals |
| RK3568 | Mid-range industrial-oriented ARM | Android / Linux | Industrial SBCs, gateways, HMI panels, control terminals |
| RK3576 | Newer mid-high performance ARM platform | Android / Linux | Edge HMI, smart terminals, camera-enabled devices |
| RK3588 / RK3588S | High-performance ARM platform | Android / Linux | AI edge devices, multi-display systems, high-end SBCs |
| RV1106 / RV1103 | Vision-oriented embedded SoC | Linux / RTOS-style SDKs | Smart cameras, AI vision, IPC devices |
| RV1126 / RV1109 | Vision AI SoC | Linux | Smart cameras, vision terminals, AI camera products |
Rockchip PX30#
PX30 is a compact and cost-effective Rockchip SoC used in lightweight Android and Linux products. It is suitable for devices that need a small display, touch input, networking, and basic UI performance.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A35 class |
| Positioning | Entry-level embedded Android/Linux platform |
| Typical OS | Android, Linux, Buildroot |
| Display Use | Small to medium TFT displays |
| Typical Interfaces | MIPI DSI, RGB/LVDS depending on board design, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO |
| Common Applications | Smart home panels, room controllers, access panels, small HMI devices |
| Main Strength | Low power, compact design, cost-effective for simple UI products |
| Limitation | Not suitable for heavy multimedia, AI, or high-resolution multi-display systems |
PX30 is a good choice when the product needs a simple Android or Linux interface and does not require high CPU or GPU performance.
Rockchip RK3326#
RK3326 is commonly used in compact smart devices and lightweight embedded products. It can support basic display products and portable terminals where cost and power are important.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A35 class |
| Positioning | Entry-level embedded multimedia platform |
| Typical OS | Android, Linux |
| Display Use | Compact TFT displays and handheld screens |
| Typical Interfaces | MIPI DSI, USB, audio, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO depending on design |
| Common Applications | Handheld terminals, compact display devices, low-cost smart products |
| Main Strength | Suitable for small Android/Linux devices with moderate UI needs |
| Limitation | Limited headroom for complex HMI, heavy video, or industrial expansion |
RK3326 is useful for small devices, but for industrial HMI or custom SBC products, RK3566 or RK3568 is usually more practical.
Rockchip RK3288#
RK3288 is an older but widely known Rockchip platform. It was used in many Android boxes, tablets, digital signage devices, and embedded display terminals.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A17 class |
| GPU | Mali-T760 class |
| Positioning | Older high-performance Android/Linux multimedia SoC |
| Typical OS | Android, Linux |
| Display Use | HDMI, LVDS/eDP/MIPI depending on board design |
| Common Applications | Digital signage, Android terminals, industrial panels, media devices |
| Main Strength | Mature ecosystem and good historical Android/Linux adoption |
| Limitation | Older platform; lifecycle and modern BSP support should be checked carefully |
RK3288 can still be found in legacy products, but new projects usually consider RK3566, RK3568, RK3576, or RK3588 instead.
Rockchip RK3399#
RK3399 is a well-known big.LITTLE Rockchip SoC used in Linux SBCs, Android devices, edge terminals, and embedded systems. It offers stronger CPU performance than many older mid-range platforms.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core Cortex-A72 + quad-core Cortex-A53 class |
| GPU | Mali-T860 class |
| Positioning | Older high-performance SBC and embedded platform |
| Typical OS | Android, Linux |
| Display Use | HDMI, eDP, MIPI DSI depending on board design |
| Typical Interfaces | USB 3.0, PCIe, Ethernet via board design, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO |
| Common Applications | Linux SBCs, Android terminals, edge devices, development boards |
| Main Strength | Strong historical ecosystem and good general-purpose SBC capability |
| Limitation | Older generation; power and lifecycle should be evaluated for new products |
RK3399 is still important in the SBC ecosystem, but many new industrial projects now prefer RK3568 or RK3588 depending on performance needs.
Rockchip RK3566#
RK3566 is a mid-range Rockchip SoC widely used in Android SBCs, Linux SBCs, smart panels, access control terminals, retail devices, and embedded display systems.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 class |
| GPU | Mali-G52 class |
| Positioning | Cost-effective mid-range Android/Linux SoC |
| Typical OS | Android, Linux, Yocto, Buildroot |
| Display Use | MIPI DSI, LVDS, HDMI depending on board design |
| Camera | MIPI CSI or USB camera depending on board and BSP |
| Typical Interfaces | USB, Ethernet, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, PWM |
| Common Applications | Android smart panels, HMI devices, access control, digital signage, retail terminals |
| Main Strength | Good cost-performance balance for display-centered products |
| Limitation | Not ideal for heavy AI, multi-camera, or high-end graphics workloads |
RK3566 is often selected when the product needs a modern Android or Linux UI but does not require high-end performance.
Recommended guides:
Rockchip RK3568#
RK3568 is one of the most practical Rockchip SoCs for industrial SBCs. It is commonly used in Android HMI panels, Linux HMI devices, gateways, smart building terminals, access control devices, and custom embedded control products.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 class |
| GPU | Mali-G52 class |
| Positioning | Mid-range industrial and commercial embedded SoC |
| Typical OS | Android, Linux, Yocto, Buildroot |
| Display Use | MIPI DSI, LVDS, HDMI, RGB/eDP depending on board design |
| Camera | MIPI CSI or USB camera depending on board and BSP |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, PWM, PCIe on selected designs |
| Industrial Expansion | RS485, RS232, CAN, relay, isolated input through external circuits |
| Common Applications | Industrial HMI, gateways, Android SBCs, Linux SBCs, machine terminals |
| Main Strength | Balanced performance, display support, and industrial expansion flexibility |
| Limitation | Less suitable for heavy AI, high-end multi-camera, or advanced edge computing |
RK3568 is a strong choice when a product needs both a graphical interface and industrial communication capability.
Recommended guide:
Rockchip RK3576#
RK3576 is a newer Rockchip platform positioned for more advanced embedded applications. It is suitable for edge HMI, smart terminals, camera-enabled systems, Android panels, Linux devices, and local edge processing.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Multi-core ARM application processor platform |
| GPU | Modern embedded GPU platform, exact configuration depends on SKU/BSP |
| NPU | AI acceleration support on supported configurations |
| Positioning | Mid-high performance embedded and edge HMI SoC |
| Typical OS | Android, Linux |
| Display Use | MIPI DSI, LVDS, HDMI, eDP depending on board design |
| Camera | Camera input support depending on board design and BSP |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, PWM, PCIe depending on design |
| Common Applications | Edge HMI, smart panels, camera terminals, medical interfaces, smart gateways |
| Main Strength | More performance headroom than RK3566/RK3568 for advanced HMI and edge devices |
| Limitation | Newer platform; BSP maturity and production readiness should be evaluated carefully |
RK3576 is useful when a project needs more future headroom than RK3568 but does not require the full performance and thermal profile of RK3588.
Recommended guide:
Rockchip RK3588 and RK3588S#
RK3588 is Rockchip’s high-performance SoC platform for advanced embedded products. It is widely used in AI edge devices, high-end SBCs, multi-display systems, multimedia terminals, industrial edge computers, and complex vision products.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core Cortex-A76 + quad-core Cortex-A55 class |
| GPU | Mali-G610 class |
| NPU | Integrated AI accelerator, commonly marketed around 6 TOPS class depending on configuration |
| Positioning | High-performance embedded AI and multimedia SoC |
| Typical OS | Android, Linux, Ubuntu, Debian, Yocto depending on board support |
| Display Use | HDMI, eDP, MIPI DSI, DP depending on board design |
| Camera | Multi-camera support depending on board and BSP |
| Typical Interfaces | USB 3.x, PCIe, Ethernet, SATA on selected boards, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO |
| Common Applications | AI edge terminals, multi-camera systems, high-end Android/Linux SBCs, industrial edge computers |
| Main Strength | Strong CPU/GPU/NPU capability and rich multimedia features |
| Limitation | Higher cost, higher power consumption, more complex thermal design |
RK3588 is the right choice when a product truly needs high performance. For simple control panels or basic HMI products, it may be over-designed.
Rockchip RV1106 and RV1103#
RV1106 and RV1103 are Rockchip vision-oriented SoCs often used in smart cameras, AI camera modules, IPC devices, and low-power vision terminals.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | ARM application core class, varies by model |
| NPU | Integrated AI acceleration on supported configurations |
| Positioning | Low-power vision and smart camera SoC |
| Typical OS | Linux-based SDK, lightweight embedded systems |
| Camera | Designed for camera and image processing applications |
| Common Applications | Smart cameras, IPC devices, AI vision modules, detection terminals |
| Main Strength | Compact vision processing and low-power AI camera applications |
| Limitation | Not designed as a general-purpose Android/Linux SBC platform like RK3568 or RK3588 |
These SoCs are best suited for camera-first products rather than general HMI or SBC designs.
Rockchip RV1126 and RV1109#
RV1126 and RV1109 are widely used in AI camera and vision products. They are designed for image processing, camera input, and edge AI applications.
| Item | Main Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | ARM Cortex-A7 class depending on model |
| NPU | AI acceleration support |
| Positioning | Vision AI and smart camera SoC |
| Typical OS | Linux-based SDK |
| Camera | Strong focus on ISP and camera pipeline |
| Common Applications | Smart cameras, access control cameras, IPC devices, AI vision terminals |
| Main Strength | Camera and AI vision integration |
| Limitation | Not ideal for general Android SBC or complex HMI products |
RV1126/RV1109 are useful when the product is primarily a camera or vision device.
Choosing the Right Rockchip SoC#
The best Rockchip SoC depends on the product requirement.
For a small smart home panel or compact Android control device, PX30 may be enough.
For a cost-sensitive Android panel, RK3566 is usually a practical choice.
For an industrial SBC, HMI panel, gateway with display, or custom control terminal, RK3568 is often a strong fit.
For a newer edge HMI product with more performance headroom, camera input, or local processing, RK3576 can be considered.
For high-performance AI, multi-camera, multi-display, or advanced edge computing, RK3588 is the better candidate.
For smart camera and vision-first products, RV1106, RV1103, RV1126, or RV1109 may be more suitable.
Quick Selection Table#
| Product Type | Recommended Rockchip Platforms |
|---|---|
| Small smart control panel | PX30, RK3326 |
| Cost-sensitive Android display | RK3566 |
| Industrial HMI panel | RK3568, RK3576 |
| Linux gateway with display | RK3568, RK3576 |
| Android smart terminal | RK3566, RK3568, RK3576 |
| Video intercom / access control | RK3568, RK3576, RK3588 depending on camera needs |
| Digital signage | RK3566, RK3568, RK3588 |
| Edge AI terminal | RK3576, RK3588 |
| Multi-camera vision system | RK3588 |
| Smart camera / IPC | RV1106, RV1103, RV1126, RV1109 |
Key Factors for Rockchip Platform Selection#
Before selecting a Rockchip SoC, engineers should evaluate:
- Android or Linux BSP maturity
- Display interface and resolution
- Touch panel support
- Camera interface and sensor support
- GPU and video codec requirements
- NPU or AI requirements
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB needs
- UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, RS485, and CAN expansion
- Power consumption
- Thermal design
- Board availability
- Long-term supply
- Source code access
- OTA and flashing tools
- Vendor technical support
The SoC alone does not determine success. Board design, BSP quality, display integration, power design, enclosure, and production testing are just as important.
Related Rockchip Guides#
- Rockchip SoCs for Android SBCs
- Rockchip RK3566 Overview
- Rockchip RK3568 for Industrial SBCs
- Rockchip RK3576 for Edge HMI Applications
Conclusion#
Rockchip provides a broad SoC portfolio for embedded Android and Linux products. From compact control panels to industrial HMI systems and high-performance edge AI terminals, Rockchip platforms cover many levels of performance and cost.
For embedded SBC developers, Rockchip is especially attractive when the product needs display output, touch input, Android or Linux software support, multimedia capability, and practical cost-performance balance.
PX30 and RK3326 are suitable for compact entry-level devices. RK3566 and RK3568 are practical choices for smart panels, HMI products, and industrial SBCs. RK3576 offers more headroom for edge HMI and newer embedded applications. RK3588 is suitable for high-performance AI, multimedia, and multi-camera products. RV-series processors are better suited for camera and vision-first devices.
Choosing the right Rockchip SoC requires matching the processor to the final product’s real requirements, including operating system, display, camera, interfaces, power, thermal design, BSP support, lifecycle, and total development risk.