The Orange Pi Kunpeng Pro is a fresh entry into the single-board computer space, resulting from a collaboration between Orange Pi and Huawei. This new board stands out with its AI acceleration features, catering to developers and hobbyists alike who require advanced computing capabilities in a compact form factor.
This innovative single-board computer is an alternative to the popular Raspberry Pi, offering a unique set of features that make it particularly appealing for a range of applications. One of the key offerings of the Orange Pi Kungpeng Pro is its operating system: EulerOS. This special Linux distribution comes with a desktop environment that supports common applications like Firefox, making it a versatile choice for both development and general use.
The Orange Pi Kunpeng Pro comes equipped with impressive image output capabilities, featuring not only two HDMI 2.0 ports but also the typical MIPI DSI and MIPI CSI interfaces, which are essential for connection to monitors and camera systems.
Under the hood, the device is powered by a SoC that includes four computing cores and a dedicated graphics chip. It stands out with its Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which delivers a remarkable performance of 8 TOPS, making it ideal for AI model acceleration. The single-board computer is available with either 8 or 16 GB of RAM, and users have the option to include eMMC storage up to a generous 256 GB. The availability of a memory card slot adds to its flexibility. For those requiring even more storage capabilities, the Orange Pi Kunpeng Pro supports both NVMe and SATA SSDs via an M.2 interface.
Networking options are robust with Gigabit Ethernet and WiFi 5 support across the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. It also includes Bluetooth 4.2 and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) for additional wireless connectivity. Peripheral connection is not a problem, thanks to two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and power delivery is via a USB-C port. This 107 x 68 mm board doesn’t fall short on expansion possibilities, as it also includes a GPIO pin header with the customary 40 pins and a headphone jack.
For cooling, there is provision for connecting a fan, which is essential for maintaining optimum performance during intensive tasks. Convenience is further enhanced by the possibility of mounting an M.2 SSD on the rear panel, ensuring easy assembly and sleek design.
As of now, the Orange Pi Kunpeng Pro is available in China with a starting price that is roughly equivalent to $148. Details about its availability in the global market are not yet clear, but it is expected that this information will be announced in the near future.
This innovative board with its strong focus on AI acceleration and flexible features is poised to make an impact in the world of single-board computers. Whether it’s for educational, professional, or personal use, the Orange Pi Kunpeng Pro offers a powerful and versatile solution for a variety of computing needs.
