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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 and 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
Banana Pi BPI-M6 Hardware Specifications | |
Model | Banana Pi BPI-M6 |
– |  |
Hardware features | |
CPU | Senary(Synaptics)V680 Quad-core |
RAM | LPDDR4 4GB |
CPU architecture | Armv7-M 32-bit ARMv8-A 64-bit |
NPU for AI | Up to 6.75Tops |
Core number | • 4x Cortex-A73 (2.1GHz) • 1x Cortex-M3 processor |
CPU Frequency (Max) | 4x 2.10 GHz 1x 100 MHz |
GPU | Imagination GE9920 |
GPIO header | 40 pin: GPIO (x28) |
Micro SD (TF) Card Slot |  |
eMMC Storage | 16GB up to 64GB (Optional) |
SPI Flash | |
M.2 interface | M.2 Key E(PCIe + MIPI CSI) |
Display | MIPI DSI Interface |
USB | x4 USB 3.0 ports |
Integrated WiFi | N/A |
Switch | SPI boot and U-boot |
10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet | |
Micro HDMI | • 1x HDMI 2.1 (up to 4K@60Hz with HDR, CEC, EDID) • 1x digital output |
POE Ready (4-Pins Header) | |
PCB size | 92mm × 560mm |
Weight | 48g |
Power Interface | Type-C (5V/3A) |
OS | Android/Ubuntu/Debian/Raspbian |
Astimate Price | $75 |
Hardware
VideoSmart™ VS680 solution is a top-edge computing SoC that combines a CPU, NPU, and GPU. This new platform has a neural network accelerator integrated into it. It is designed for applications like 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 be used to power a smart speaker or sound bar. When combined with the DLA, it can also handle voice-UI tasks on the device or work as the interface for a cloud-based digital assistant. The DLA works with the dual ISP setup to apply neural networks to video streams from both front and rear cameras. This helps with tasks like 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 board comes with a practical four-pin header conveniently built-in. With the addition of a PoE HAT extension board, powering the BPI-M6 through Ethernet-enabled networks becomes effortless. Just make sure to use power-source equipment that is compatible with the board.
Connectivity
The Banana Pi BPI-M6 does not come with a built-in BT/WiFi chip. However, the ingenious decision made by the Banana Pi team was to incorporate an M.2 Key E socket instead. This remarkable design choice allows users to easily install a WiFi 6 Wireless LAN/Bluetooth card and enhance or replace it whenever a new model becomes available. This practical approach ensures flexibility and future-proofing for users’ wireless connectivity needs.
Price and Availability
The BPI-M6 is currently available for purchase, with prices starting at $75.00. Feel free to explore the Banana Pi M6 Doc page and visit their official AliExpress store for more information.
