User:CounterPillow/Pinebook-Next
This page documents my proposal for how a RK3588-based Pinebook Pro successor could look like, considering the features of the SoC and what I'd like to see changed from the PbP.
Basic Specs
RK3588 based, either 8GB or 16GB of RAM. Price point: <$500?
General idea is to provide NVMe storage as an easy upgrade option by default (no extra cables needed), and the ability to add a "standard" more expensive Wi-Fi module (or maybe use this as the default Wi-Fi module? Something with mainline drivers PLEASE).
4 to 5 USB ports (2 Type-C, 2 to 3 Type-A through PCIe controller)
PCIe Assignments
PCIe 3.0 x4
Assigned to an M.2 M-key "storage" slot inside the laptop. M.2 slot should provide at least 10W of power (3A at 3.3V).
PCIe 2.1 x1/SATA #1
As PCIe2 on M.2 A/E-key slot for Wi-Fi modules.
PCIe 2.1 x1/SATA #2
As PCIe2 on M.2 A/E-key slot for Wi-Fi modules. If E-key doesn't actually require two PCIe 2.1 signals (I didn't read the standard, just going by what Wikipedia says), this could be used for a Realtek RTL8125 2.5G ethernet controller instead.
PCIe 2.1 x1/SATA #3
As PCIe2 to USB3 (xHCI) controller chip, adding 2 or 3 USB3 Type A ports. e.g. Renesas UPD720202, but any other xHCI controller will do
USB Assignments
USB OTG0
As USB3 Type C with PD charging. Port on a separate board (field replaceable unit, FRU) for easy repair should USB-C port fail. Also with DP support.
USB OTG1
As USB3 Type C. If possible also PD charging and DP. (Rockchip datasheet seems to indicate DP is possible on both USB3 ports at least)
USB Host0 2.0
Used in Wi-Fi M.2 slot.
USB Host1 2.0
Used for internal keyboard.
Other Connectors
- Usual eMMC module connector but mount the eMMC module with a thermal pad between the two PCBs to help stability and thermal transfer. I've noticed it helps a lot on my SBCs to use a thermal pad below the eMMC module.
- microSD slot
- 3.5mm headphone jack with mic input
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet
- 1x HDMI out
Other Features
- CSI Webcam with hardware kill switch or built in slide cover. If too expensive, just leave out the camera entirely.
- Built-in microphone with hardware kill switch. If too complex, just leave out the mic entirely.
- 1920x1080 eDP IPS display
- SPI flash (128Mbit)
- EASY TO OPEN CASE, just a bunch of screws, please no plastic snaps
- Better touchpad than on the PBP (big complaint I've heard of users)
- UART debug output somehow, either headphone jack or preferably over USB-C alt mode
- Speakers (use external mute on amp to avoid popping, another big complaint)
When?
The following things need to happen first before a consumer RK3588 product should be considered:
- mainline Linux + Mesa have support for the GPU
- mainline Linux has support for the video output
- mainline Linux has cpufreq support for reclocking
- QuartzPro64 release here?
- mainline Linux has support for the eDP PHY and eDP controller
Remaining Questions
Cooling
Can cooling be passive or should it be active? Especially consider with hot SSD inserted. Probably active with blower fan just to be safe?
Wi-Fi
Is using an M.2 Wi-Fi module possible within this price point? Would be a big quality upgrade.
Audio Output
How do we best avoid noise and popping on the audio output? Do we need an external audio mute chip (see e.g. [1] for Ti's portfolio) or does the amp/DAC already have a mute we can trigger? Maybe experiment with designs on QuartzPro64. Consider ground return paths in PCB designs.
Type-C PD
Type-C PD is complex. Configure it such that the laptop charges a phone, but that a power bank charges the laptop.