LattePanda IOTA Review: 4 Reasons It Beats Raspberry Pi 5

• Maybe you missed it? LattePanda Mu x86 Compute Module.
• LattePanda IOTA Review: A compact palm-sized X86 single-board computer featuring an integrated Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller.

Part 1: Product Introduction

A new X86 SBC, offering endless possibilities for creativity and innovation in DIY projects.

At 11:59 PM China Standard Time on Tuesday, September 17, DFRobot officially launched the new LattePanda IOTA, a compact x86 single-board computer available with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5 memory and 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage options. The device is equipped with an Intel N150 quad-core processor, delivering 2-3 times faster CPU performance and 10-30 times better GPU capabilities compared to the Raspberry Pi 5, making it a great choice for users looking for an all-in-one, affordable mini-PC and development board.

A closer view of the board.

A product introduction video.

An enhanced version of the LattePanda V1 Board.

This new board is a smooth upgrade from the classic LattePanda V1 model, which was powered by the Intel Atom x5-Z8360, a low-power quad-core processor and comes equipped with the faster Intel N150 quad-core processor that can reach up to clock frequency of up to 3.4GHz.

Form factor

The company kept the same form factor to ensure full compatibility with dimensions, interfaces, and mounting holes, while delivering a big boost in performance and expandability. Essentially, maintaining the size, shape, and design of the external interfaces unchanged makes it simpler to ensure compatibility with older V1 accessories.

LattePanda V1 vs LattePanda IOTA — Specification Comparison

Which is better for makers: LattePanda IOTA or Raspberry Pi 5? A comparison. Here’s a detailed comparison between both of the SBCs.

Main distinctions.

• Performance Leap: IOTA’s Intel N150 offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance.
• Memory & Storage: IOTA supports faster LPDDR5 and larger eMMC options.
• Connectivity: IOTA adds USB 3.2 Gen2, PCIe expansion, and modern display outputs.
• Co-Processor Upgrade: RP2040 on IOTA is more versatile than the Arduino chip on V1.
• Power Efficiency: V1 is ultra-low power, while IOTA balances power and performance.

🧠 LattePanda IOTA vs. Raspberry Pi 5: Hardware Specs & Benchmarks

Here’s a thorough comparison of the LattePanda IOTA and Raspberry Pi 5, focusing on their specifications and benchmark results:

Summary

• Hardware: Thanks to its ample memory capacity and x86 compatibility, it’s ideal for handling complex computing tasks and Windows-based projects. Additionally, the popular and upgradeable OS enhances its versatility, while the device also serves as a compact mini-PC.
• x86 Compatibility: The Intel N150 is a modern, energy-efficient x86 chip capable of running full desktop operating systems like Windows 11 and standard Ubuntu right out of the box. This offers a significant advantage in software compatibility for traditional applications not built for ARM.

Interfaces and ports

The board comes equipped with all the essential interfaces an everyday user might need, including HDMI 2.1 and eDP display outputs, USB 3.2 Gen2, Gigabit Ethernet, an M.2 expansion slot, and a GPIO header with UART, I2C, and USB 2.0. It also features a built-in RP2040 co-processor, making it highly versatile for various DIY applications.

Keeping the board components cool.

DFRobot has introduced some cooling solutions to meet various user needs and project demands. Their lineup offers three key choices: an active cooler and a passive heatsink that are mounted on the rear side of the board. There’s also an option for a sturdy, closed aluminum case that provides maximum protection for the PCB and is very suitable for use in industrial, home, or office environments.

With the significant boost in performance, power consumption and heat generation have also increased. You can select one of the two heatsinks displayed in the photo below.

A durable metal case (Optional)

🧠 Specifications

🧠Featuring a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller – what’s it all about?

The RP2040, developed by Raspberry Pi Ltd, is a 32-bit dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller. Introduced in January 2021 as the heart of the Raspberry Pi Pico board, it combines high performance with affordability, making it ideal for both hobbyists and professionals.

🔧 Key Specs:

• Processor: Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ @ 133 MHz
• Memory: 264KB SRAM
• Storage: No onboard flash (external flash required)
• I/O: 30 GPIO pins, including SPI, I2C, UART, PWM, and USB 1.1
• Programmable I/O (PIO): 8 state machines for custom peripherals
• Package: QFN-56, 7×7 mm
• Manufacturing Process: 40nm by TSMC

The benefits

As a co-processor, the RP2040 enhances the capabilities of a main processor, such as an x86 or ESP32. It’s commonly found in boards like the LattePanda IOTA, where it supports the main CPU by managing low-level tasks.

🛠️ Co-Processor Roles:

• USB to Serial Conversion: Acts as a dual USB-to-serial bridge
• I2C Slave: Communicates with the main processor to relay sensor data or control signals
• GPIO Expansion: Adds extra I/O capabilities for controlling LEDs, buttons, or other peripherals
• Offloading Tasks: Handles time-sensitive operations like LED blinking or signal generation via PIO, freeing up the main CPU

PIO subsystem

Let’s explore the RP2040’s PIO subsystem, one of its most interesting and unique features is the PIO, or Programmable Input/Output. This hardware subsystem on the RP2040 lets you design custom digital interfaces—such as SPI, I2C, UART, or even VGA—entirely in software, while maintaining hardware-level timing precision.

Rather than depending on the CPU to “bit-bang” signals, which is both slow and imprecise, PIO allows you to create small programs that run on dedicated state machines. This frees up the main processor while providing precise, cycle-accurate control of GPIO pins.

Key Components of PIO

The RP2040 features 2 PIO blocks, each containing 4 state machines, for a total of 8. Each state machine includes:

• GPIO Control: Direct manipulation of pin states
• Instruction Memory: Stores your custom PIO program
• Shift Registers: For serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial conversion
• FIFOs: Buffers for sending/receiving data to/from the CPU or DMA
• Clock Divider: Allows precise timing control

💡 Why It’s Game-Changing

• Timing Precision: PIO runs at system clock speed (e.g., 125 MHz), so you get nanosecond-level control.
• CPU Offload: Once programmed, PIO runs independently—no CPU cycles needed.
• Protocol Emulation: You can emulate nearly any digital protocol, even obscure or proprietary ones.
• Parallelism: Multiple state machines can run different programs simultaneously.

What can be accomplished with PIO?

Here are a few practical examples of what PIO makes possible:

Practical Applications

Powered by the Intel N150 platform’s AI inference capabilities, this board delivers local, real-time intelligence, making it ideal for smart access control, telematics systems, interactive displays, and off-grid monitoring. With its strong performance, extensive connectivity, and dependable design, this SBC is a forward-thinking choice for embedded applications.

With support for ultra-thin eDP touch displays and UPS modules, this board is perfect for portable medical devices, field research kits, and mobile data loggers. It enables developers to quickly prototype and ensures reliable performance, even in tough conditions.