HARDKERNEL ODROID-M2 16GByte RAM

The M2 is a striking high performance SBC compared to the M1 series

We launched the ODROID-M1 about 2 years ago, and the ODROID-M1S about 1 year ago. Both models have been successfully supplied and continue to be adopted as core components in embedded systems by our B2B customers.

We received feedback that the performance and input/output port configuration of the ODROID-M1/M1S were sufficient for most embedded systems. However some customers still wanted higher-end models equipped with high-performance processors. To meet the demand for higher performance computing power required by important industrial embedded system builders, we are launching the new ODROID-M2 SBC today.

Compared to the original ODROID-M1 (based on the RK3568B2 SoC), the ODROID-M2 uses the RK3588S2 SoC whose comparative characteristics are listed below:

• Multiprocessing performance is about 3 times faster.
• LPDDR5 64-bit RAM with a memory bandwidth that is more than twice higher.
• A GPU that is more than 5 times faster.
• A NPU that is more than 3 times faster.
• An on-board 64GB eMMC storage device which is twice faster thanks to a HS400 interface.

The RK3588S2 SoC with multiple high-performance CPU/GPU cores and large cache memory blocks, is manufactured in the Samsung Foundry’s 8N process, and has the advantage of relatively low power consumption compared to performance.

Thanks to the high-speed 64-bit LPDDR5 memory and high-performance GPU, it shows very usable graphics performance in a 4K dual-head display configuration. We connected two 4K monitors using the M2 board’s HDMI port and the Alt-mode USB Type-C port. This demo shows 4K 3D rendering using HW GPU acceleration on the first monitor, and 4K video playback using HW VPU acceleration on the second monitor. Since hardware accelerators are used to run high-end graphics applications, the cooling fan rarely rotates because it does not generate a lot of heat.

4K Dual-head display demo video

For detailed internal configuration, please refer to the block diagram shown below.

On-board eMMC storage

For the first time in the ODROID board series, an eMMC chip is soldered to the PCB by default instead of using a removable eMMC module. We think 64GB capacity is sufficient for building most embedded systems solutions of this category

The sequential access speed of the on-board eMMC is approximately 260MB/s, which is about 3 to 5 times faster than typical microSD cards. Note that the ODROID-M1 series supports the eMMC interface of the HS200 specification, but the ODROID-M2 supports the much faster HS400 specification.

On-board M.2 NVMe slot

In case the 64GB storage space of the soldered eMMC memory is insufficient, consider using an industry standard M.2 2280 form factor NVMe SSD. An on-board M.2 NVMe slot is provided to access large amounts of data storage.

Unlike the original M1 model’s PCIe 3.0 x 2 lanes configuration, M2 has PCIe 2.1 x 1 lane. The NVMe transfer speed of the M2 has been reduced by about 1/4. However, we still believe that ~400 MiB/s of storage access speed is sufficient for building various high-end embedded systems. Note that M.2 SATA SSD storage devices cannot be used. The M.2 slot supports only the PCIe SSD (M-Key).

Real Time Clock

The ODROID-M2 has a hardware Real-Time Clock (RTC) and calendar function by embedding the low-power optimized PCF8563 chip. By installing just one CR2032 RTC backup battery, the clock and calendar will continue to operate for nearly 10 years without a main power supply. The battery is not supplied and must be purchased separately.

Heatsink cooling fan

A high-performance octa-core single-board computer requires power consumption close to 8 watts when the CPU and GPU are continuously subjected to high-computing loads. At this time, considerable heat is generated and a cooling fan is inevitably needed to avoid thermal throttling of the SoC. Accordingly, the cooling fan is included in the kit. The speed of the cooling fan can be controlled using PWM.

Free case

Using 3D modeling from the early PCB design stage, we were able to complete the case development precisely and rapidly. The case is also included in the kit.

SBC 3D model and case

Power consumption

To create the graph below, we turned on the M2 and recorded the power consumption until the Ubuntu Desktop OS boots and enters Idle mode. We used the SmartPower3 device to examine power characteristics. See https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/smartpower-iii/.

With Ethernet and HDMI monitor connected, the peak power consumption is close to 8 Watts during booting and very heavy computing, but drops to 2 Watts in desktop GUI idle state.

If you remove the HDMI monitor for a headless system, power consumption in idle mode drops to near 1.3 Watt. Additionally, please note that when the Ethernet cable is unplugged, the power drops to 0.9 Watt.

Thermal characteristics

Thermal throttling does not occur even when performing a CPU stress test while mounted in a case. Because system power consumption is low, less heat is generated. Cooling is sufficient with just the stock heatsink fan.

As shown in the graph below, when a stress test was performed on ODROID-M2 with a stock heatsink under room temperature conditions of 35°C, the CPU temperature was about 75°C and maintained the maximum clock frequency. If the room temperature is 25°C and there is no case, the CPU temperature will be around 60°C.

Board details

Specifications

Note: The maximum clock speed of the Cortex A76 big cores is between 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz. (2.3GHz +/- 0.1GHz)

In the semiconductor factory’s test process, the power, voltage and thermal characteristics of each individual CPU are measured and the appropriate maximum clock value is stored in OTP memory as a PVTM. This value cannot be changed by the user.

When we tested over 100 samples of M2 boards, most were in the 2.2 ~ 2.3 GHz range, while only a few exceeded 2.3 GHz.

GPIO Header

There are 40-pin and 14-pin header pin connectors for general purpose input and output functions.

Digital IOs, UARTs, I2Cs, PWMs, ADCs, SPI, Analog audio output, Power-on and Reset signals are available.

IMPORTANT: Please note that the ODROID-M2 14-pin header pin-map is quite different from the ODROID-M1S due to the missing USB 2.0 signals and different power rails.

MIPI-DSI

The four-lane MIPI-DSI port can be directly connected to an LCD panel. The ODROID-Vu8S kit with an 8 inch, 800×1280 wide viewing angle LCD and capacitive multi-touch screen is an available option. See https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/vu8s-8inch-mipi-lcd-for-m1s/.

If you assemble the ODROID-M2 single board computer on the rear side of the Vu8S kit, you can easily implement a Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) device with Android as well as Linux.