Hardkernel Unveils $30 Raspberry Pi Compatible Module with RTC, ADC, and LiPo Battery Support

Hardkernel is better know for its ODROID boards powered by Samsung Exynos SoC. So I was surprised to discover ODROID-W, “a miniature computing module which is fully compatible with all software available for the Raspberry-Pi”.  Software compatible, really? Yes, because they used the same Broadcom BCM2835 SoC found in the Raspberry Pi, packaged it in a smaller form factor, while keeping HDMI, USB, and CSI interface, and expansion headers, and all that for $30, plus just $9 for shipping.

ODROID-W Board (Click to Enlarge)
ODROID-W Board (Click to Enlarge)

Let’s go through ODROID-W specifications first:

  • SoC – Broadcom BCM2835 ARM1176JZ-F processor @ 700 Mhz with VideoCore IV GPU
  • System Memory – 512MB LPDDR2 (Samsung K4P4G324EB PoP)
  • Storage – microSD slot + eMMC socket (bottom of the board)
  • Raspberry Pi vs ODROID-W
    Raspberry Pi vs ODROID-W

    Video Output – micro HDMI (with NXP IP4791CZ12 protection IC)

  • USB – micro USB connector, and USB host (not soldered)
  • Expansion Headers:
    • R-Pi compatible 26-pin expansion header (through holes)
    • R-Pi compatible 15-pin CSI connector
    • 20+6 -pin header for extra GPIO/ADC/Power and USB connection
    • RTC backup battery connector (1.25mm pitch Header)
    • Li-Po battery connector (1.25mm pitch Header)
  • Misc – RTC
  • Power
    • Supply – Via micro USB or LiPo battery
    • PMIC – Ricoh RT5T619 Power Management IC with step-down DC/DC Converters, low-dropout regulators, Real Time Clock, Li-ion Battery Charger, I2C-Bus Interface, Voltage detections, Thermal shut-down, and 12bit Analog-Digital Converter. (0 to 2.5V)
    • Step-up DC/DC converter – TI TPS61259 . For battery-powered portable applications. Supports up to 1000-mA load current from a battery discharged as low as 3.4V. The 5 Volt output is used for USB host and HDMI circuitry.
    • Voltage detector IC – Torex XC61FN2412MR for stable system start (Auto-power on) It includes Voltage detector and Delay circuit
  • Dimensions – 60 x 36 x 7mm
ODROID-W Block Diagram (Click to Enlarge)
ODROID-W Block Diagram (Click to Enlarge)

Hardkernel created this board thanks to a request from a customer for a wearable platform. ODROID-U3 consumes too much power, and the Raspberry Pi was just too big. So they created a software compatible module for this purpose, which explains why we lose Ethernet, composite output, the audio jack, one USB port, and the DSI connector, and the SD card slot has been replaced by a micro SD slot, but keep everything else, and gain RTC, 2x ADC, LiPo, and eMMC socket, a few more GPIOs (32 in total), all into a much smaller form factor. Current documentation and resources include the schematics (PDF), the mechanical drawing files (DXF), Linux 3.12 source code with RTC, ADC, etc.. drivers, and ODROID-W Wiki.

The video below shows how you can solder the USB connector to the top or bottom of the boards, and boot the battery-powered board with Raspbian installed on the micro SD card. Nothat if you want network connectivity as well, you’ll need to add a hub. Alternatively, you could also use their $20 W Docking Board for the module which adds 4 USB ports, 10/100M Ethernet, a 3.5mm stereo audio jack, and a UART port for the serial console.

There’s also another interesting video showing how to make your own smartwatch with ODROID-W.

Hardkernel ODROID-W can be pre-ordered now for $30 + $9 for shipping payable by Paypal, with shipping starting on August 26. There are also various accessories such as the W docking board with or without a TFT LCD display, a connector pack (USB + headers), RTC backup battery, a 750 mAh battery, and more.

Thanks to Nanik for the tip.

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22 Comments
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Brian
Brian
9 years ago

This is awesome.

Anis
Anis
9 years ago

@Brian
I thought it was a fake
But I want to know which screen we can mount without HDMI ?

manuti
9 years ago

The people from the Raspberry Pi Foundation are very angry with this new device
http://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=588151#p588151

Captain Obvious
Captain Obvious
9 years ago

manuti :
The people from the Raspberry Pi Foundation are very angry with this new device

@manuti
Yes… people on the forum not understanding how open source works certainly represent the “Raspberry Pi Foundation”

Anis
Anis
9 years ago


Yes i saw it but if i want put my own LCD which one is compatible? Only with SPI connection ?

adem
adem
9 years ago

yes but no network whats it good for without network

Mauro Ribeiro
Mauro Ribeiro
9 years ago

Just to clarify.
There’s one USB port on ODROID-W but it doesn’t come with the connector mounted on it.
Connector is shipped with the board. If you want.. you can solder the provided connector.

And no. the MIPI-DSI on rPI isn’t on ODROID-W.

Paulo
Paulo
9 years ago

How do they get their hands on all documentation necessary to design such device?

Armer
Armer
9 years ago

@Paulo
It must be via NDA with Broadcom.

Manodano
Manodano
9 years ago

adem : yes but no network whats it good for without network as cnxsoft said not everybody will need this we allready ordered 2 for our mobile experiments there is no use for ethernet we are communicate over UMTS and nrf2401l or cc1101 what we need ist what this board has it’s rpi compatible thats what we want. it has a rtc it has ADC it is half size of an rpi and is prepared for us with an lipo. So we will just find on this board what we missed on the rpi. but to be right the BCM2835… Read more »

onebir
onebir
9 years ago

So much for the Raspi being open source…

Mauro Ribeiro
Mauro Ribeiro
9 years ago

its not totally cancelled. Read the what has been told.
After this first batch is sold.. There won’t be more.
For the reason said. Broacom doesn’t want to sell the BCM2835 anymore to us.

Khadas VIM4 SBC