- Maybe you missed it? Banana Pi R4 Router Board Review
- Banana Pi BPI-F5 Review, specs, and features.
Banana Pi BPI-F5: A new RISC SBC powered by the Allwinner T527 processor
The cutting-edge BPI-F5 SBC from Banana Pi is equipped with the Allwinner T527 Octa-core A55 processor and features a powerful neural processing unit (NPU) that offers up to 2 TOPS. This remarkable combination makes it an ideal choice for advanced edge intelligence in AI applications.
Tailored specifically for artificial intelligence applications across various industries
The T527 series boasts a high-performance Octa-core processor from Allwinner semiconductor company, delivering an impressive 2 TOPS with cutting-edge AI capabilities. Its hardware is built on a RISC-V MCU designed for intelligent industrial control and automotive applications, but it is versatile enough for other uses as well.
The T527 stands out as the perfect choice for embedded devices demanding reliable media and AI capabilities. It excels in high-performance industrial robots, integrated display and control units, edge intelligent boxes, and vehicle terminals. Its versatility allows it to be deployed across a myriad of sectors, including commercial displays, point-of-sale systems, cloud computing, robotics, industrial intelligence, edge computing gateways, centralized control systems for post-installation, commercial vehicles, and industrial computers.
Banana Pi BPI-F5
Banana Pi BPI-F5 Specifications
| Banana Pi BPI-F5 | |
|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core ARM Cortex-A55 in a DynamlQ big.LITTLE configuration, up to 1.8 GHz |
| 32KB L1 I-cache and 32KB L1 D-cache per A55 core | |
| Optional 64KB L2 cache per“LITTLE”core | |
| Optional 128KB L2 cache per“big”core | |
| GPU | ARM G57 MC1 GPU |
| Supports OpenGL ES 3.2/2.0/1.1, Vulkan 1.1/1.2/1.3, and OpenCL2.2 | |
| Anti-aliasing algorithm | |
| High memory bandwidth and low power consumption in 3D graphics processing | |
| NPU | 2 TOPS NPU |
| Embedded 512KB internal buffer | |
| Supports deep learning frameworks: TensorFlow, Pytorch, Caffe, Onnx NN, TFLite… | |
| Video decoder | H.265 MP decoder up to 4K@60fps |
| H.264 BL/MP/HP decoder up to 4K@30fps | |
| VP9 decoder up to 4K@60fps | |
| Multi-format 1080p@60fps video playback，including VP8，MPEG1/2SP/MP，MPEG4，SP/ASP，AVS+/AVS JIZHUN | |
| Video encoder | H.264 encoder up to 4K@25fps |
| MJPEG encoder up to 4K@15fps | |
| JPEG encoder up to 8K x 8K resolution | |
| Audio DSP | HiFi4 Audio DSP, Frequency up to 600MHz |
| 32KB I-cache +32KB D-cache | |
| widely used in the special fields of image, audio and digital signal processing to provide exclusive computing power for audio and video entertainment and industrial production. | |
| RISC-V MCU | Independence RISC-V CPU, up to 200 MHz, support RTOS system |
| 16 KB I-cache and 16 KB D-cache·RV32IMAFC instructions | |
| Real-time processing, high-speed response and industrial-grade stable operation on industrial and robotic systems provide important guarantees. | |
| Display | HDMI 2.0b up to 4K@60fps |
| 4+4-lane MIPI-DSI output，supporting up to 2.5K@60fps and 4K@45fps | |
| 2xLVDS interface with dual link up to I080p@60fps | |
| 2xRGB interfaces with DE/SYNC mode up to I080p@60fps | |
| eDP1.3 up to 2.5K@60fps and 4K@30fps | |
| Camera | Parallel CSl interface: 8/10/12/16-bit width. Supports BT.656 up to 4720P@30fps and BT.1120 up to 41080P@30fps |
| MIPI CSI interface:24 lane/42 lane/4+2*2 lane MIPICSI，flexible combination up to 2.0 Gbit/s per lane in HS transmission，compliant with MIPI-CSI2V1.1 and MIPI DPHYV1.1 Maximumvideocaptureresolution of 8M@30fps | |
Key Features
- SoC: Allwinner T527
- CPU: Octa-core ARM Cortex-A55 in a DynamlQ big.LITTLE configuration, up to 1.8 GHz
- GPU: ARM G57 MC1 GPU
- NPU: Up to 2 TOPS (INT8), Embedded 512KB internal buffer
- RISC-V MCU for Real-time operating system (etc：RTOS)
- DSP: 600MHz HiFi4
- RAM: 2GB/4GB (max 4GB), default 4GB LPDDR4x
- Storage: 8GB/32GB eMMC, default 32GB eMMC
- Header Connector: 1x 40-Pin Header
- USB Interfaces: 2x USB Host V2.0
- Video Interfaces: 2x MIPI DSI, x1 eDP, HDMI 2.0a
- Camera Inetrfaces: 2x MIPI CSI
- Various interfaces: Console port, Analog, and an external RTC battery socket.
- External Storage: 1x integrated M.2 Key B socket for 4G and 5G modem modules.
- Power: USB Type-C PD 12V.
- Mode Buttons: Fel Mode, NMI, Reset.
- Industrial grade temperature: -40°C to 80°C
Banana Pi BPI-F5 Interfaces
What makes this board unique compared to other single-board computers?
An array of interfaces is expertly integrated into a compact board.
In addition to featuring an octa-core (8-core) CPU, this board boasts an integrated SIM socket, allowing for the installation of a 4G or 5G model card module via an M.2 interface. Furthermore, it includes two MIPI CSI (camera interfaces), two DSI interfaces, an EDP interface, and an analog interface. Notably, there are also two SIM card sockets included: one for micro SIM and another for a full-size SIM.
Enhanced GPU Performance
The Pi BPI-F5 ARM G57 MC1 GPU offers superior performance compared to the commonly lower-end Mali-450 GPU, which suggests that users can anticipate a noticeable enhancement in graphics capabilities overall. This improvement is likely to extend not only to general gaming and visual experiences but also to video playback performance, resulting in smoother and more visually appealing media consumption. As a result, for those who engage in graphic-intensive tasks or enjoy watching high-quality videos, the G57 MC1 GPU will deliver a significantly better experience. Overall, upgrading to the ARM G57 MC1 GPU should positively impact various applications that rely heavily on graphical performance.
A stellar option for the automotive sector and beyond.
Features a HiFi4 Audio DSP for superior audio quality and clear voice enhancement. The HiFi4 Audio DSP, crafted by Cadence, is a cutting-edge digital signal processor tailored for superior audio, voice, and speech processing. Here are some of its standout features and advantages:
Key Features:
- Architecture: VLIW for efficient parallel processing.
- Performance: Double the performance of HiFi3z DSP, ideal for FFT, FIR filters, and neural networks.
- Codec Support: Modern object-based codecs compatible with TVs, STBs, and soundbars.
- Neural Networks: Enhanced for applications like wake word detection and voice assistants.
- Safety: ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) compliant for automotive applications.
- Software: Over 300 compatible HIFI-optimized audio and voice codecs available.
Applications:
- Smart Speakers: Speakers: Advanced audio performance and intelligent voice assistant features.
- Home Entertainment: Efficient audio codec use in TVs, STBs, and soundbars.
- Automotive Infotainment: advanced audio processing and enhanced mic array options
Metal Case Design
Considering the board’s shape, dimensions, and port layout design, it is highly probable that it retains the same form factor as its predecessor. Additionally, it is expected to feature a case that mirrors those utilized for the M5 and M7 SBC models. This uniform design approach simplifies the process for users, allowing them to replace the old existing board with the new F5 without the need to buy an additional metal case.
Pricing and Availability
Due to the freshness of the information, we currently have limited details to share. However, once we obtain more relevant insights, in the meantime, we invite you to explore their product documentation page here.
