Banana Pi
Banana Pi is a series of open-source single-board computers (SBCs) developed by Guangdong BiPai Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese company focused on hardware solutions for IoT, embedded systems, and STEAM education.[1] Launched in 2014 as an affordable alternative to the Raspberry Pi, the platform provides ARM-based computing boards with features like USB ports, Ethernet connectivity, Wi-Fi, and HDMI support, running operating systems such as Linux, Android, and Ubuntu.[1][2][3] The project originated with Shenzhen SINOVOIP Co., Ltd., founded in 2003, which initiated open-source hardware development leading to the first Banana Pi model's mass production in March 2014 and release on April 29, 2014.[4] In 2015, Guangdong BiPai Technology was established as a dedicated entity in Dongguan, China, with support from Taiwan's Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), expanding into a workforce of over 400 employees and operations in more than 170 countries.[1] Key milestones include achieving National High and New Technology Enterprise status, registering the "BPI" trademark, and building a community of nearly 10 corporate members.[1] Banana Pi boards vary in specifications to suit diverse needs, featuring processors from Allwinner, Rockchip, and Amlogic, such as the quad-core Allwinner H3 in the compact BPI-M2 Zero or the octa-core RK3588 in the BPI-W3 for professional applications.[5][6] Recent models like the BPI-R4 Pro, introduced in 2025, offer extensive connectivity including dual Ethernet and PCIe support for advanced networking.[7] The platform's open-source ethos includes freely available schematics, software, and documentation, encouraging global developer participation and customization.[8] Primarily applied in Internet of Things (IoT) devices, industrial control systems, educational projects, and prototyping, Banana Pi also extends to routers and edge computing solutions.[8] The company provides OEM/ODM services for tailored products, emphasizing reliability in sectors like smart manufacturing and automation.[1]Overview
Definition and purpose
Banana Pi is an open-source hardware project led by Guangdong BiPai Technology Co., Ltd., a company spun off in 2015 from Shenzhen SINOVOIP Co., Ltd., which was founded in 2003 and specializes in embedded software and hardware development.[1] The project centers on producing single-board computers (SBCs) and related hardware, emphasizing transparency through publicly available schematics, software, and documentation to foster community-driven innovation.[8] The primary purpose of Banana Pi is to provide affordable development boards based on ARM, RISC-V, and other architectures, targeting applications in prototyping, education, industrial control, and Internet of Things (IoT) projects.[8] These boards enable developers, educators, and hobbyists to experiment with embedded systems at low cost, often supporting open-source operating systems like Linux distributions and promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education through accessible hardware.[1] For instance, RISC-V models like the BPI-F3 integrate AI computing capabilities for advanced IoT and edge computing tasks.[9] A core concept of the Banana Pi lineup is its compatibility with Raspberry Pi form factors and GPIO pin standards, allowing users to leverage existing accessories, cases, and software libraries with minimal adaptation.[10] This design choice simplifies adoption for developers transitioning from or supplementing Raspberry Pi ecosystems.[10] The project launched in 2013 under SINOVOIP as a direct competitor to the Raspberry Pi, offering boards with enhanced specifications such as faster processors and additional interfaces at comparable price points to broaden access to high-performance embedded computing.[1]Key features and design philosophy
Banana Pi boards share several core hardware features designed to facilitate prototyping, embedded systems development, and IoT applications. These include a 40-pin GPIO header that maintains pin compatibility with Raspberry Pi, enabling the use of existing HATs and shields for expansion without requiring custom adaptations. Standard interfaces such as HDMI for video output, Ethernet connectivity (Gigabit in many models) for networking, multiple USB ports for peripherals, and microSD card slots for storage provide versatile options for multimedia and data-intensive tasks.[11] This emphasis on expandability supports modular designs, where users can stack add-ons for sensors, displays, or communication modules to extend functionality in educational, industrial, or hobbyist projects.[8] The design philosophy of Banana Pi centers on open-source principles, with all hardware schematics, PCB layouts, and supporting documentation freely available to foster community collaboration and innovation.[8] Led by Guangdong BiPai Technology Co., Ltd., the project prioritizes cost-effectiveness, positioning boards in the affordable $20–$100 price range to democratize access to powerful computing for makers, educators, and small-scale manufacturers.[12] Multimedia capabilities are a key focus, incorporating hardware-accelerated video decoding—such as H.264 support up to 1080p resolution—to enable efficient handling of streaming, surveillance, and media playback without straining CPU resources.[13] Over time, Banana Pi has evolved its feature set by transitioning from early Allwinner SoCs, known for basic ARM-based performance, to more advanced Rockchip and Amlogic processors that enhance multimedia and general computing efficiency.[14] Recent models incorporate RISC-V architectures, such as the SpacemiT K1 in the BPI-F3, to bolster AI acceleration and networking capabilities while maintaining compatibility with open-source tools.[15] This progression reflects a commitment to integrating cutting-edge, power-efficient chips that support emerging applications like edge computing and machine learning. As a Chinese-manufactured product from facilities in Guangdong province, Banana Pi benefits from a robust domestic supply chain, ensuring reliable production and rapid scaling for global distribution.[16] The company offers OEM/ODM customization services tailored to Asian markets, including adaptations for regional IoT standards and industrial protocols, which enhances supply chain resilience and market responsiveness.[8]History and development
Company background
Shenzhen SINOVOIP Co., Ltd. was founded in 2004 in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, as a professional embedded software and hardware development firm. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, the company specializes in network communication, embedded systems, and integration solutions, employing a team of around 40 engineers dedicated to research and development.[1][17] In 2015, Guangdong BiPai Technology Co., Ltd. was established as a spin-off from SINOVOIP, headquartered in Dongguan Songshan Lake High-Tech Park, to concentrate on open-source hardware initiatives, including the Banana Pi project. This entity shifted focus toward IoT solutions, STEAM education, and custom development services such as OEM/ODM, building on SINOVOIP's foundational expertise since the inception of open-source hardware efforts in 2013.[1] Guangdong BiPai operates as a medium-sized enterprise with over 500 employees across its operations, including a factory exceeding 10,000 square meters and more than 400 production workers. It serves global markets in over 170 countries, with distribution agents in more than 40 countries. No major external funding rounds have been publicly documented for the company.[1] The company's operational emphasis lies in R&D for ARM, MCU, and RISC-V platforms, supporting embedded systems innovation through community-driven development. This includes active engagement via official forums and GitHub repositories, where contributors collaborate on open-source projects and software ecosystems.[1][8][18]Major milestones and evolution
The Banana Pi project originated in late 2012 as an open-source hardware effort by Shenzhen SINOVOIP Co., Ltd., positioning itself as a direct alternative to the Raspberry Pi amid initial global supply shortages of the latter that limited availability for developers and educators. The inaugural BPI-M1 board entered mass production in March 2014 and was released in April 2014, equipped with an Allwinner A20 dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 SoC, 1GB DDR3 RAM, and support for SATA storage, enabling it to serve as a cost-effective platform for embedded projects, media centers, and prototyping. This launch capitalized on the growing demand for accessible single-board computers (SBCs), quickly establishing Banana Pi as a viable competitor in the ARM-based ecosystem.[4][19] From 2015 to 2018, Banana Pi broadened its portfolio beyond basic SBCs by introducing router-oriented boards, including the BPI-R1 in 2014 with five Gigabit Ethernet ports and SATA support for network-attached storage, followed by the BPI-R2 in 2017 featuring a MediaTek MT7623A SoC, five Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, and mini-PCIe expansion for wireless modules. Concurrently, the project shifted toward Amlogic and Rockchip SoCs to improve multimedia performance; for instance, the BPI-M3 (2016) adopted an Amlogic S905X quad-core Cortex-A53 processor for enhanced 4K video decoding, while later models utilized Rockchip SoCs for superior graphics and processing in applications requiring high-definition output. These developments reflected a strategic diversification to meet demands in home networking, digital signage, and early IoT deployments.[20][21] Between 2020 and 2023, amid intensifying U.S.-China technology trade tensions that imposed export restrictions on advanced semiconductors, Banana Pi pivoted toward open-architecture alternatives like RISC-V, debuting the BPI-F2S in 2022 as its first RISC-V SBC with a Sipeed Lichee RV64GC SoC for cost-sensitive embedded systems. This era also saw the introduction of AI-oriented boards, such as those integrating neural processing units (NPUs) from Rockchip and Amlogic, enabling on-device inference for computer vision and machine learning at the edge, thereby reducing reliance on restricted U.S.-sourced components. The BPI-F3, announced in early 2024 but building on prior RISC-V explorations, featured an 8-core SpacemiT K1 RISC-V processor with 2 TOPS AI acceleration, further solidifying this shift toward independent, high-efficiency computing architectures.[22] In 2024 and 2025, Banana Pi advanced its high-performance lineup with the BPI-M7, released in January 2024 and powered by the Rockchip RK3588 octa-core SoC with a 6 TOPS NPU, HDMI 2.1 output for 8K video playback, and dual 2.5GbE ports for robust data throughput in multimedia and server applications. Complementing this, the BPI-RV2 RISC-V gateway board launched in April 2025, utilizing a Siflower SF21H8898 quad-core RISC-V SoC with one 2.5GbE WAN and five Gigabit LAN ports, plus M.2 expansion for WiFi 6 modules to support next-generation wireless networking in smart homes and industrial gateways. In October 2025, the BPI-R4 Pro was released, featuring the MediaTek MT7988A SoC, 8GB DDR4 RAM, multiple 10GbE and 2.5GbE ports, and support for Wi-Fi 7, enhancing capabilities for advanced routing and networking applications.[23][24][25][26] These releases underscore Banana Pi's progression from entry-level SBCs to comprehensive ecosystems optimized for edge computing, evidenced by numerous industrial case studies in IoT monitoring, automation, and customized embedded solutions.Single-board computers
BPI-M series
The BPI-M series represents the foundational lineup of Banana Pi's ARM-based single-board computers (SBCs), emphasizing general-purpose computing with a progression from basic media and development platforms to high-performance edge AI devices. Launched in 2013, the series began with cost-effective models suitable for hobbyists and educators, evolving to incorporate more powerful SoCs, expanded memory, and advanced connectivity to support demanding applications like multimedia, networking, and machine learning.[14] The inaugural model, BPI-M1, released in 2013, features the Allwinner A20 dual-core Cortex-A7 SoC clocked at 1 GHz, 1 GB DDR3 RAM, HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, and SATA support, making it ideal for media centers and lightweight servers.[14] In 2014, the BPI-M1+ refined this design with onboard Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and enhanced SATA connectivity via a USB-to-SATA bridge, while retaining the same SoC and RAM for improved wireless project compatibility.[27] By 2015-2016, the BPI-M2 and BPI-M2+ introduced the Allwinner H3 quad-core Cortex-A7 SoC at 1.2 GHz, supporting up to 2 GB DDR3 RAM, Gigabit Ethernet, and hardware decoding for 4K video, targeting robotics and multimedia applications.[28] Compact variants expanded this foundation: the BPI-M2 Zero (2017) uses the Allwinner H2+ quad-core SoC with 512 MB RAM for space-constrained IoT devices; the BPI-M2 Berry employs the Allwinner A40i quad-core SoC and 1 GB RAM for industrial wearables; the BPI-M2 Ultra leverages the Allwinner R40 quad-core SoC with 2 GB RAM and onboard Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for versatile IoT prototyping; and the BPI-M2 Magic adopts the Allwinner R16/A33 quad-core SoC with 512 MB RAM for portable embedded systems.[10][29][13][30] The BPI-M3, introduced in 2016, advanced to the Allwinner A83T octa-core Cortex-A7 SoC at 1.8 GHz with 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM, adding Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, MIPI DSI/CSI interfaces, and an onboard microphone for enhanced multimedia and camera-based projects.[31] In 2019, the BPI-M4 shifted focus to network-attached storage (NAS) with the Realtek RTD1395 quad-core Cortex-A53 SoC at 1.4 GHz, 1-2 GB DDR4 RAM, dual SATA ports, and HDMI 2.0, enabling efficient file serving and 4K playback.[32][33] Later models prioritized AI and high-resolution computing: the BPI-M5 (2021) uses the Amlogic S905X3 quad-core Cortex-A55 SoC at 2 GHz with up to 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM and a 0.5 TOPS NPU for basic AI acceleration, while the BPI-M5 Pro (2024) upgrades to the Rockchip RK3576 octa-core SoC (quad A72 + quad A53) with up to 16 GB LPDDR4x and a 6 TOPS NPU for advanced edge processing.[34][35][36] The BPI-M6 (2022) incorporates the Synaptics VS680 quad-core Cortex-A73 SoC at 2.1 GHz, 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM, and a 6.75 TOPS NPU, optimized for smart displays with HDMI input/output and MIPI interfaces.[37] The flagship BPI-M7 (2024) employs the Rockchip RK3588 octa-core SoC (quad A76 + quad A55) at 2.4 GHz, supporting up to 32 GB LPDDR4x RAM, 8K@60 video, and a 6 TOPS NPU for demanding edge AI workloads.[38]| Model | Release Year | SoC | Cores/Clock | RAM | Key Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPI-M1 | 2013 | Allwinner A20 (Cortex-A7) | Dual / 1 GHz | 1 GB DDR3 | HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SATA; media centers |
| BPI-M1+ | 2014 | Allwinner A20 (Cortex-A7) | Dual / 1 GHz | 1 GB DDR3 | Onboard Wi-Fi, improved SATA; wireless projects |
| BPI-M2/M2+ | 2015-2016 | Allwinner H3 (Cortex-A7) | Quad / 1.2 GHz | Up to 2 GB DDR3 | 4K video decode, Gigabit Ethernet; robotics, multimedia |
| BPI-M2 Zero | 2017 | Allwinner H2+ (Cortex-A7) | Quad / 1.2 GHz | 512 MB DDR3 | Compact form; IoT |
| BPI-M2 Berry | ~2016 | Allwinner A40i (Cortex-A7) | Quad / 1.2 GHz | 1 GB DDR3 | Onboard Wi-Fi/BT; wearables |
| BPI-M2 Ultra | 2016 | Allwinner R40 (Cortex-A7/A8) | Quad / 1.2 GHz | 2 GB DDR3 | Wi-Fi/BT, eMMC; IoT prototyping |
| BPI-M2 Magic | ~2016 | Allwinner R16/A33 (Cortex-A7) | Quad / 1.2 GHz | 512 MB DDR3 | CSI/DSI; embedded systems |
| BPI-M3 | 2016 | Allwinner A83T (Cortex-A7) | Octa / 1.8 GHz | 2 GB LPDDR3 | Wi-Fi/BT, MIPI interfaces; camera/multimedia |
| BPI-M4 | 2019 | Realtek RTD1395 (Cortex-A53) | Quad / 1.4 GHz | 1-2 GB DDR4 | Dual SATA, HDMI 2.0; NAS, 4K playback |
| BPI-M5 | 2021 | Amlogic S905X3 (Cortex-A55) | Quad / 2 GHz | Up to 4 GB LPDDR4 | 0.5 TOPS NPU, USB 3.0; AI acceleration |
| BPI-M5 Pro | 2024 | Rockchip RK3576 (A72+A53) | Octa / 2.2 GHz | Up to 16 GB LPDDR4x | 6 TOPS NPU; edge AI |
| BPI-M6 | 2022 | Synaptics VS680 (Cortex-A73) | Quad / 2.1 GHz | 4 GB LPDDR4 | 6.75 TOPS NPU, HDMI I/O; smart displays |
| BPI-M7 | 2024 | Rockchip RK3588 (A76+A55) | Octa / 2.4 GHz | Up to 32 GB LPDDR4x | 8K support, 6 TOPS NPU, PCIe/M.2; edge AI |
BPI-F series
The BPI-F series comprises industrial-grade single-board computers from Banana Pi, targeted at control systems, edge computing, and IoT applications, with a progression from ARM-based designs to inclusion of RISC-V architectures for enhanced openness.[8] These boards emphasize robust connectivity, low-power operation, and integration for automation tasks, distinguishing them from the more general-purpose BPI-M series by prioritizing industrial interfaces like CAN bus and AI acceleration.[39] The initial models, BPI-F2S and BPI-F2P, released in 2019–2021, utilize the Sunplus SP7021 SoC featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor at 1 GHz, paired with 512 MB DDR3 RAM and 8 GB eMMC storage. Designed as entry-level solutions for industrial control and gateways, they include CAN bus 2.0 A/B support for reliable vehicle and automation networking, alongside dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, RS-232/RS-485 interfaces, and optional PoE on the F2P variant for simplified deployment in harsh environments.[40][41][42][43] Introduced in 2023, the BPI-F3 advances the series with a full RISC-V focus via the SpacemiT K1 octa-core processor at up to 1.6 GHz, offering up to 16 GB LPDDR4 RAM, 128 GB eMMC storage, dual Gigabit Ethernet, and a 2.0 TOPS NPU integrated into the CPU for AI tasks. It excels in Linux compatibility, supporting distributions such as Ubuntu 22.04, Armbian with kernel 6.1, and Bianbu OS, enabling seamless development for edge AI vision applications like object detection and video analysis through dual MIPI-CSI camera interfaces.[15][9] The BPI-F4, launched in 2024, returns to ARM with the Sunplus SP7350 quad-core Cortex-A55 SoC at 1.8 GHz and a Cortex-M4 MCU, equipped with 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM, 32 GB eMMC, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 4.1 TOPS NPU supporting frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. Optimized for computer vision and edge inference, it handles workloads such as real-time object tracking and segmentation via MIPI-RX camera input, making it suitable for robotics and smart surveillance.[44][45] Released in 2025, the BPI-F5 features the Allwinner T527 octa-core ARM Cortex-A55 SoC at up to 1.8 GHz, incorporating a 200 MHz RISC-V MCU for real-time tasks, 4 GB LPDDR4x RAM, 32 GB eMMC, a 2 TOPS NPU, and Gigabit Ethernet alongside HDMI 2.0 and eDP outputs. Early details highlight its role in high-speed networking for IoT gateways, supporting embedded media and AI functions in industrial settings like control panels and edge servers, though without integrated 5G.[46][47] A key aspect of the BPI-F series is its promotion of the RISC-V ecosystem, exemplified by the BPI-F3, to foster open-architecture computing and sidestep proprietary ARM licensing constraints, thereby encouraging innovation in open-source hardware development.[22][48]BPI-P and other compact models
The BPI-P and other compact models in the Banana Pi lineup emphasize miniaturized designs for embedded systems, portable devices, and low-power applications such as sensor networks and battery-operated projects. These boards typically feature form factors smaller than 100x70mm and power consumption under 5W, enabling efficient operation in resource-constrained environments. Unlike larger BPI-M series boards optimized for higher performance computing, the compact variants prioritize portability and integration with peripherals like microphones or wireless modules for IoT and voice-enabled tasks.[49][50] The BPI-P2 Zero, released in 2018, serves as a Raspberry Pi Zero-compatible board with an Allwinner H2+ quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor at 1.2GHz and 512MB DDR3 RAM. Measuring 65x52.5mm, it includes onboard WiFi and Bluetooth via an AP6212 module, a mini HDMI port for 1080p output, and a microSD slot for storage expansion. Designed as a low-cost alternative for hobbyist projects, it supports audio output through mini HDMI and features a 40-pin GPIO header for sensor integration, with power draw typically below 3W during idle operation.[51] Introduced in 2023, the BPI-P2 Pro targets voice AI and smart audio applications with a Rockchip RK3308 quad-core ARM Cortex-A35 processor at 1.3GHz and 512MB DDR3 RAM. This 65x52.5mm board incorporates an 8GB eMMC for storage, a far-field microphone array supporting up to eight channels via an integrated audio codec (ADC×8, DAC×2), and PoE compatibility for simplified deployment in networked setups. It also provides WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, a 100Mbps Ethernet port, and USB 2.0 interfaces, maintaining low power usage suitable for always-on embedded voice processing under 4W.[52][53] The BPI-M2 Zero, launched in 2016, offers an ultra-compact 60x30mm form factor with an Allwinner H2+ quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 at 1.2GHz and 512MB DDR3 RAM. It includes WiFi and Bluetooth via AP6212, a mini HDMI port, USB OTG, and a 40-pin GPIO for compatibility with Raspberry Pi Zero accessories, making it ideal for portable sensor-based prototypes with power efficiency around 2W.[54][50] Among other compact models, the BPI-M64 from 2016 uses an Allwinner A64 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 at 1.2GHz with 2GB DDR3 RAM and 8GB eMMC, in a 92x60mm layout supporting WiFi, Bluetooth, and dual USB 2.0 ports for tablet-like embedded interfaces. The BPI-M2 Berry, released around 2017, employs an Allwinner R40 quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 at 1.2GHz with 1GB DDR3 RAM in an 85x56mm Raspberry Pi 3-sized board, featuring SATA for storage expansion and multimedia capabilities via a Mali-400 MP2 GPU. More recent entries include the 2023 BPI-M4 Berry with an Allwinner H618 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 at 1.5GHz, 2GB LPDDR4 RAM, 8GB eMMC, and Gigabit Ethernet in an 85x56mm form for versatile multimedia and light NAS functions; and the BPI-M4 Zero, also from 2023, which mirrors the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W's 65x30mm size using the same H618 SoC with 2GB LPDDR4 and WiFi/Bluetooth for ultra-portable sensor and battery-powered applications. These models collectively highlight Banana Pi's focus on scalable, low-power hardware for embedded innovation.[55][56][29][57][58][59][60][61]Networking and router boards
BPI-R series
The BPI-R series from Banana Pi consists of single-board router and gateway platforms designed primarily for networking applications, emphasizing multi-port Ethernet connectivity, hardware-accelerated NAT, and compatibility with OpenWRT for firewall, VPN, and multi-WAN configurations supporting over 1,000 concurrent users.[62] These boards prioritize wired routing performance over general computing, featuring specialized SoCs with integrated networking engines to handle high-throughput tasks like load balancing and traffic shaping. Introduced in 2014, the series has evolved to incorporate advanced features such as SFP ports, 2.5G/10G Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6/7 support in later models, targeting home, small office, and enterprise deployments.[21] The inaugural model, BPI-R1, released in 2014, utilizes the Allwinner A20 dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 SoC at 1 GHz with 1 GB DDR3 RAM, providing four Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port, and support for USB 3G/4G modems via two USB 2.0 ports.[21] It includes a 2.5-inch HDD bay for storage expansion, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and SATA connectivity, enabling basic routing and NAS functions with up to 300 Mbps wireless throughput.[63] Following in 2016, the BPI-R2 upgraded to the MediaTek MT7623N quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 SoC at 1.3 GHz and 2 GB DDR3 RAM, adding an SFP port for fiber optics alongside five Gigabit Ethernet ports (four LAN, one WAN) and dual SATA interfaces for RAID setups.[64] This model achieved up to 1 Gbps routing speeds with hardware NAT acceleration, making it suitable for high-speed home gateways.[65] In 2017, the BPI-R64 introduced the MediaTek MT7622 dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 SoC at 1.35 GHz with 1 GB DDR3 RAM and five Gigabit Ethernet ports, incorporating a Mini PCIe slot for 4G modules and built-in Bluetooth 5.0.[66] It supported 1 Gbps throughput and included 8 GB eMMC storage for OpenWRT-based VPN servers and NAS applications.[67] The BPI-R2 Pro, launched in 2022, shifted to the Rockchip RK3568 quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 SoC at 2 GHz with up to 4 GB DDR4 RAM and 16 GB eMMC, featuring five Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2.5G support on select interfaces, and PCIe for NVMe SSD expansion, enabling 2.5 Gbps routing with enhanced multimedia decoding.[68] The 2023 releases included the BPI-R3 and its compact BPI-R3 Mini variant, both powered by the MediaTek MT7986 (Filogic 830) quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 SoC at 2 GHz with 2 GB DDR4 RAM, integrating Wi-Fi 6 via MT7975C and achieving up to 5 Gbps aggregate throughput across five Gigabit Ethernet ports plus an SFP cage.[62] The R3 Mini omits some expansion slots for a smaller form factor while retaining core networking features like dual WAN failover.[69] Advancing to 2024-2025, the BPI-R4 series employs the MediaTek MT7988 (Filogic 880) quad-core ARM Cortex-A73 SoC at 1.8 GHz, with the base R4 offering 4 GB DDR4 RAM and 8 GB eMMC, two 10G SFP+ ports, and up to 10 Gbps routing via hardware acceleration.[70] The R4 Pro variant upgrades to 8 GB DDR4 RAM, adds Wi-Fi 7 support, PoE capabilities, and seven RJ45 ports (including 2.5G/10G), while the Lite model provides a cost-optimized version with reduced ports for enterprise VPN and firewall duties.[71] Finally, the 2025 BPI-RV2 introduces RISC-V architecture with the Siflower SF21H8898 quad-core SoC at 1.25 GHz and 512 MB DDR3 RAM, featuring one 2.5G WAN port, five Gigabit LAN ports, M.2 for 5G modules, and open-source firmware for IoT gateways.[72]| Model | Release Year | SoC | RAM | Key Networking Features | Throughput |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPI-R1 | 2014 | Allwinner A20 (dual A7, 1 GHz) | 1 GB DDR3 | 4x GbE LAN, 1x GbE WAN, USB modem | Up to 1 Gbps |
| BPI-R2 | 2016 | MT7623N (quad A7, 1.3 GHz) | 2 GB DDR3 | 4x GbE LAN, 1x GbE WAN + SFP | Up to 1 Gbps |
| BPI-R64 | 2017 | MT7622 (dual A53, 1.35 GHz) | 1 GB DDR3 | 5x GbE, Mini PCIe for 4G | Up to 1 Gbps |
| BPI-R2 Pro | 2022 | RK3568 (quad A55, 2 GHz) | 2-4 GB DDR4 | 5x GbE (2.5G select), PCIe | Up to 2.5 Gbps |
| BPI-R3/Mini | 2023 | MT7986 (quad A53, 2 GHz) | 2 GB DDR4 | 5x GbE + SFP, Wi-Fi 6 | Up to 5 Gbps |
| BPI-R4/Pro/Lite | 2024-2025 | MT7988 (quad A73, 1.8 GHz) | 4-8 GB DDR4 | 2x 10G SFP+, 7x RJ45 (up to 10G), Wi-Fi 7 (Pro) | Up to 10 Gbps |
| BPI-RV2 | 2025 | SF21H8898 (quad RISC-V, 1.25 GHz) | 512 MB DDR3 | 1x 2.5G WAN, 5x GbE LAN, M.2 for 5G | Up to 2.5 Gbps |