ASUS SBC Tinker board RK3288 SoC 1. 8GHz Quad Core CPU, 600MHz Mali-T764 GPU, 2GB

Tinker Board is a Single Board Computer (SBC) in an ultra-small form factor that offers class-leading performance while leveraging outstanding mechanical compatibility. The Tinker Board offers makers, IoT enthusiasts, hobbyists, PC DIY enthusiasts and others a reliable and extremely capable platform for building and tinkering their ideas into reality.

Features & Functionality

Class-Leading Performance

With its powerful and modern quad-core ARM-based processor — the Rockchip RK3288 — Tinker Board offers significantly improved performance versus other popular SBC boards. To provide the flexibility needed for different builds and projects, Tinker Board features 2GB of LPDDR3 dual-channel memory. Tinker Board is also equipped with an SD 3.0 interface that offers significantly faster read and write speeds to expandable microSD cards used for the OS, applications and file storage.

Robust GPU Performance & Functionality

Featuring a powerful but energy-efficient design, Tinker Board supports next-generation graphics and GPU computing API’s. Powered by an ARM-based Mali™-T764 GPU, Tinker Board’s GPU and fixed-function processors allow for a wide range of uses, including high-quality media playback, gaming, computer vision, gesture recognition, image stabilization and processing, as well as computational photography and more. Multimedia enthusiasts will appreciate the fixed-function H.264 and H.265 playback support, including playback of HD and UHD video*.
*HD & UHD video playback at 30 fps on Tinker Board is currently only available via the included media player. Third-party video players and applications may not offer hardware acceleration, which will result in limited or unstable playback performance. Please refer to the FAQs for more information.

HD Audio Quality

Further improving on key areas found lacking on many SBC boards, Tinker Board is equipped with an HD codec that supports up to 24-bit/192kHz audio. Its integrated audio jack supports audio output and a microphone in, without an extension module.
Maker-Friendly, with IoT Connectivity

Tinker Board features standard maker connectivity options, including a 40-pin GPIO interface that allow for interfacing with a range inputs from buttons, switches, sensors, LEDs, and much more. Tinker Board is equipped with one DSI MIPI connection for displays and touchscreens. The secondary CSI MIPI connection is for connection to compatible cameras allowing for computer vision, and much more.

Tinker Board also features Gbit LAN for Internet and network connectivity. A dedicated bus resource designed for the LAN port ensures consistent Ethernet performance. The integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controller on the Tinker Board is shielded with a metal cover to ensure minimal interference and improved radio performance. An integrated IPEX antenna header allows for easy antenna replacement or upgrades.

Tinker Board also features a full-size HDMI output. Additionally, it includes four USB 2.0 ports for extensive peripheral and accessory connectivity.
Enhanced DIY Design

Careful consideration went into the design and development of the Tinker Board to ensure that it provides a superior user experience for first-time builders or for seasoned hobbyists. Builders will appreciate the color-coded GPIO header, which makes it easy to recognize respective pin headers.

The PCB dimensions and topology of the Tinker Board align with standard SBC boards, allowing support for a wide range of chassis and physical accessories. The PCB features silk-screening with a connection header and location callouts, for improved connection clarity. The onboard MIPI headers also feature color-coded pull tabs.

TinkerOS ‧ Supported OS ‧ Applications

A Debian-based distribution ensures a smooth and functional experience, directly out of the box. Whether it’s browsing the web, watching videos, or writing scripts, TinkerOS is a great starting point for your next project or build.

Furthermore TinkerOS has been carefully designed to be extremely lightweight and responsive. Running on top of the base Debian 9 is a the LXDE desktop environment. This GUI is optimized specifically for SBC boards. It also features plug & play NTFS support allowing for easy access to Windows based flash drives and external hard drives. The included web browser has also been carefully selected and optimized. It based on Chromium allowing for speed and stability along with a number of extensions. The ASUS team has help to enable hardware acceleration of the browser allowing for improved web rendering and video playback including HD resolutions in YouTube.

TinkerOS also includes a number of popular applications allowing for easy programming and development. These include IDLE / Python as well as Squeak / Scratch.

Beyond TinkerOS and its Debian Linux offering Tinker Board also support the Android Operating system. This allows for an entirely different usage scenarios ranging from media playback, gaming, and much more.

Network/Audio Specifications

Tinker Board features gigabit Ethernet, which offers significantly improved throughput versus competitor SBCs that are equipped with 10/100 Ethernet.

One powerful feature of the Tinker Board is the row of available GPIO (general purpose input/output) pins along the edge of the board. These pins are a physical interface between the Tinker Board and the outside world. At the simplest level, you can think of them as switches that can be turned on or off. Of the 40 pins, 28 are GPIO pins (shared with SPI/UART/I2C pins). The Tinker Board is equipped with one SPI bus that offers two chip selects. The SPI bus is available on the onboard 40-pin header.