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- Banana Pi BPI-M6 Review, Specification, Features, and Prices.
Banana Pi BPI-M6
Banana Pi BPI-M6 is the next-gen single-board computer from Banana Pi, launched on the 24th of Nov 2022. Its hardware is powered by Senary(Synaptics) VS680 quad-core Cortex-A73 (2.1GHz) nest to one Cortex-M3 processor, integrated with Imagination GE9920 GPU, and NPU Up to 6 .75Tops. It offers 4GB LPDDR4 of memory and 16GB EMMC storage configuration. It supports four USB 3.0 interfaces, a gigabit network port. onboard 1 HDMI-Rx port, and 1 HDMI-Tx port.
Banana Pi BPI-M6 (Top & Rear views)
Banana Pi BPI-M6 Specifications
- SoC: Senary (Synaptics) VideoSmart VS680
- CPU: Quad-core Cortex-A73 (2.1GHz) and One Cortex-M3 processor
- GPU: Imagination GE9920
- NPU for AI up to 6 .75Tops
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
- Internal Storage: 16GB eMMC flash
- x1 M.2 Key E(PCIe + MIPI CSI)
- x4 USB 3.0
- x1 GbE Ethernet
- x1 HDMI in and x1 HDMI out
Banana Pi BPI-M6 Hardware Specification
| CPU | Senary(Synaptics) VS680 quad-core Cortex-A73 (2.1GHz) and One Cortex-M3 processor |
| GPU | Imagination PowerVR Series9XE GE9920 GPU |
| NPU for AI | Up to 6 .75Tops |
| Memory | 4 GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | MicroSD slot with support for up to 256GB expansion and 16G eMMC flash with support for up to 64GB |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Ethernet, Optional WiFi USB dongle |
| Video | 1 x HDMI 2.1 (up to 4K@60Hz with HDR, CEC, EDID) out, and 1 HDMI in Port |
| Audio Output(s) | 1 x HDMI digital output |
| Display | MIPI DSI interface |
| M.2 interface | M.2 Key E(PCIe + MIPI CSI) |
| USB ports | USB 3.0 PORT (x4) |
| GPIO | 40 Pin Header : GPIO (x28) and Power (+5V, +3.3V and GND). GPIO pins can be used for UART, I2C, SPI, or PWM |
| Switches | SPI boot and U-boot |
| LED | Power Status and Activity status |
| Power Source | 5 volt @3A TYPE C |
| Size & Weight | 92x60mm, 48g |
| OS | Android and Linux |
Hardware
VideoSmart™ VS680 solution is a top-edge computing SoC that combines a CPU, NPU, and GPU. This new multimodal platform with an integrated neural network accelerator is purpose-built with intelligence designed for applications, including smart displays, intelligent cameras, set-top boxes, and media streaming devices.
The Synaptics VideoSmart VS680 provides a multimedia powerhouse. It combines a Qdeo 4K video engine capability, an audio processor supporting far-field keyword detection, and voice recognition, including a proprietary Deep Learning Accelerator (DLA).
Previous VideoSmart products targeted the streaming-video set-top-box (STB) market, but the new VS680 aims for a broader range of intelligent devices. In addition, it integrates a higher computing power based on the Imagination PowerVR Series9 GPU. Another new feature is an ISP with HDR capabilities that can handle two 4K cameras. It s well suited to the Facebook Portal and other smart displays, which enable video calling.
Unique Multimedia Features
The audio processor can power an intelligent speaker or a sound bar, but when combined with the DLA, it also handles voice-UI tasks device itself or functions as the front end for a cloud-based digital assistant. The DLA interacts with the dual ISP configuration to run neural networks on video streams of front and rear cameras to perform face recognition, object recognition, and security monitoring. A 1080p touchscreen panel in an STB can be powered by the Qdeo engine while delivering 4K content to a TV at the same time.
HDMI Capture
Equipped with a Micro HDMI 2.1 input, the BPI-M6 can offer valuable functions and can operate as a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) device to record unencrypted tv stations or use it as a gaming capture card. Gamers can capture video and audio signals while broadcasting live streams to other players. Another option is to connect a simple generic web camera to the BPI-M6 and use the card as a cheap DVR device. The applications are limitless and depend solely on the user’s imagination and specific project needs.
(PoE) Power over Ethernet Ready
The BPI-M6 comes with a built-in onboard four-pin header. Using a PoE HAT extension board, users can power the BPI-M6 board over Ethernet–enabled networks. You will also need to use compatible power-sourcing equipment for this to work.
Connectivity
The Banana Pi BPI-M6 doesn’t have a built-in BT/WiFi chip. Instead, the Banana Pi team decided to add an M.2 Key E socket. This design approach makes a lot of sense. Users can add a new WiFi 6 Wireless LAN/Bluetooth card and upgrade it if needed when a new model is available.
Price and Availability
Currently, there is no pricing and availability information for the BPI-M6 SBC, but we expect to sell by the middle of 2023. We will update this article once we have additional information to share. Meanwhile, you are welcome to check the Banana Pi M6 Wiki page and visit their official AliExpress store.
