tinker board
tinker your way to the future
Tinker board is a single-board computer 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 ideas into reality.
Features & Functionality
Class Leading Performance
Using a powerful and modern quad-core ARM-based processor, the Rockchip RK3288, tinker board offers significantly improved performance, versus other popular SBC boards. Realizing the growing demands of different builds and projects, the tinker board features up to 2GB of LPDDR3 dual-channel memory. Tinker board is also equipped with an SDIO 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, the tinker board supports next-generation graphics and GPU Compute APIs. Powered by an ARM-based Mali T764 GPU, the tinker boards 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 is currently only possible via the Rockchip video player, which is limited to support under TinkerOS. Currently, third-party video players and applications may not offer hardware acceleration and may likewise offer limited playback performance and/or stability. 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 192kHz/24-bit audio. The audio jack can support both audio output and a microphone in, without an extension module
Maker-Friendly, with IoT Connectivity
Tinker board features standard maker and hobbyist connectivity options, including a 40-pin GPIO interface. Additionally, it comes equipped with two HD MIPI connections allowing for HD displays and HD cameras. For those interested in network centric or LAN storage they will appreciate that Tinker board features Gbit LAN, which offers superior throughput when compared to traditional 10/100 Ethernet controllers. Furthermore, tinker boards LAN port offers a non-shared bus design which helps to maximize and stabilize throughput, ensuring outstanding concurrent LAN and other onboard bus performance. Tinker boards network connectivity is aided by the inclusion of an integrated shield Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controller, which ensures a reduction in interference and improved radio performance. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the IPEX antenna header that allows for upgrades to the onboard antenna.
Rounding out its connection options, tinker board also features a full-size HDMI output for connection to TVs, monitors and other HDMI-enabled displays, as well as 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 provide a superior end user experience for first-time builders or experienced hobbyists. Makers will appreciate the improved visibility and clarity of the color-coded GPIO header that allows for quick and easy recognition of respective pin headers. The tinker boards PCB dimensions and topology also mirror standard SBC boards that allow support for a wide range of chassis and physical accessories.
The PCB also features silk-screening with connection header and location callouts, for improved connection clarity. Onboard MIPI headers also feature contrasting colored pull tabs. Tinker board also includes a heatsink, which helps improve heat dissipation under heavy loading or in hot ambient environments.
TinkerOS
A Debian-based distribution ensures a smooth and functional experience, directly out of the box. Whether its browsing the web, watching videos, or writing scripts, TinkerOS is a great starting point for your next project or build.
Hardware
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.
