Rockchip RK3588 Chip Application Guide

Rockchip RK3588 Chip Application Guide

The Rockchip RK3588 is a powerful, high-performance octa-core 64-bit processor launched by Rockchip Electronics. Built on an advanced 8nm process, it is designed to deliver exceptional computing power and multimedia processing capabilities for a wide range of AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) applications.


Key Features of the RK3588 Chip

1. Powerful Core Architecture

  • CPU: The RK3588 adopts a big.LITTLE architecture, integrating four high-performance ARM Cortex-A76 cores and four high-efficiency ARM Cortex-A55 cores. This combination achieves high computational performance while maintaining lower power consumption—ideal for scenarios that require a balance between performance and energy efficiency.

  • GPU: Equipped with an ARM Mali-G610 MC4 GPU, it supports multiple graphics APIs including OpenGL ES, OpenCL, and Vulkan. This enables strong graphics rendering performance and 2D acceleration for complex graphical processing needs.

  • NPU: Features a built-in 6 TOPS (trillion operations per second) NPU, supporting multiple data formats such as INT4, INT8, INT16, FP16, BF16, and TF32. This delivers outstanding performance in AI applications like edge computing, image recognition, and speech recognition.

2. Exceptional Multimedia and Display Capabilities

  • Video Codec: Supports up to 8K@60fps H.265/VP9/AVS2 decoding and up to 8K@30fps H.264/H.265 encoding. This allows seamless handling of ultra-high-definition content for high-end displays and video surveillance applications.

  • Multi-Display Output: Integrated with multiple display interfaces including eDP, DP, HDMI 2.1, and MIPI, the RK3588 can drive up to four independent displays with resolutions up to 8K@60fps. This makes it ideal for smart signage, automotive cockpits, and multi-screen workstations.

  • Image Processing: Features a 48MP ISP (Image Signal Processor) with HDR (High Dynamic Range) and 3DNR (Three-Dimensional Noise Reduction) technologies, capable of processing multiple camera inputs to ensure high-quality image and video capture.

3. Extensive Expansion Interfaces

The RK3588 offers a wealth of external interfaces, enabling developers to easily expand functionality and integrate hardware:

  • High-Speed Interfaces: Supports PCIe 3.0, PCIe 2.0, SATA 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet, making it easy to connect SSDs, 5G/4G modules, Wi-Fi 6 modules, and other high-speed storage and communication devices.

  • Multi-Camera Input: Supports up to six MIPI CSI camera inputs, meeting the needs of complex applications requiring multi-camera collaboration, such as intelligent security systems and automotive surround-view systems.

  • OS Support: Rockchip provides comprehensive software support for the RK3588, including Android, Linux (such as Debian and Ubuntu), and various domestic operating systems, offering developers a flexible development platform.

Detailed Parameters of the RK3588 Chip

The Rockchip RK3588 chip is a high-performance, low-power flagship processor built on an advanced 8nm process technology. Below are the chip’s detailed parameters:

Application Scenarios for the RK3588

Thanks to its powerful performance and rich interfaces, the RK3588 is widely applicable across various high-tech fields:

  • Edge Computing & AIoT: Its strong NPU performance makes it an ideal choice for edge computing devices in smart security, industrial automation, and intelligent robotics.

  • Smart Cockpit: Capable of handling multiple camera inputs and multi-display output while running complex AI algorithms—perfect for automotive infotainment systems and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).

  • ARM PCs & Mini PCs: The high-performance CPU and GPU allow it to serve as the core of small desktop or mini PCs, offering smooth computing and multimedia experiences.

  • Cloud Servers & NAS: Abundant storage and network interfaces make it suitable for personal and enterprise-level cloud servers and network-attached storage (NAS) solutions.

  • AR/VR Devices: Advanced graphics and video processing capabilities provide robust support for virtual reality and augmented reality applications.

RK3588 vs. Key Competitors Comparison

 

FeatureRockchip RK3588MediaTek Kompanio 1380 (Mobile SoC)NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano (AIoT/Edge Computing)Intel Celeron N5105 (x86 Low-Power)
Primary FocusAIoT, Edge Computing, High-Performance Dev PlatformConsumer tablets, ChromebooksProfessional AI development, Robotics, Edge ComputingMini PCs, Industrial PCs, NAS
Core ArchitectureBig.LITTLE (4x A76 + 4x A55)Big.LITTLE (4x A78 + 4x A55)8-core ARM Cortex-A78AE v8.24-core Intel Tremont
AI Performance (NPU)6 TOPS4 TOPS (APU)20 TOPS (GPU)0 TOPS (CPU/GPU)
Video Encoding/Decoding8K@60fps Decode <br> 8K@30fps Encode4K@60fps Decode <br> 4K@60fps Encode4K@60fps Decode <br> 4K@60fps Encode4K@60fps Decode <br> 4K@30fps Encode
Display OutputUp to 8K@60fps <br> Multi-display supportUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 4K@60fps
Interface & ExpansionExtremely Rich <br> PCIe 3.0, SATA 3.0, multi-channel MIPI CSILimited <br> Mainly for mobile devicesRich <br> PCIe 3.0, multi-channel CSIRich <br> PCIe 3.0, SATA 3.0
Power ConsumptionLow Power <br> Approx. 5-10WLow Power <br> Approx. 5-10WHigher Power <br> 7-15WHigher Power <br> 10W TDP
Software EcosystemOpen & Diverse <br> Android, Linux (Debian, Ubuntu), Chinese OSAndroid-centricAI-focused <br> JetPack, CUDAWindows, Linux
Cost-EffectivenessHigh <br> Especially for AI and multimediaHighRelatively HighHigh

Future Development of the RK3588

The future of the RK3588 will focus on technology upgrades, market expansion, ecosystem building, and differentiated competition. With the release of the next-generation flagship RK3688 and co-processor chips, as well as deeper penetration into smart cockpit, industrial automation, and edge computing markets, Rockchip aims to solidify its leadership in China’s AIoT chip sector while steadily entering the global high-end market. Furthermore, by optimizing NPU technology, interface standards, and power management, the RK3588 and its successors will be better positioned to support AI large models, 8K displays, and other cutting-edge trends—driving intelligent transformation across industries.