Home Assistant OS 10 has further expanded its accessibility and versatility by adding support for the ODROID-M1 single-board computer (SBC). This integration makes the all-in-one Home Assistant solution—which includes the operating system, supervisor, and Home Assistant Core—available on a platform known for its robust features and extensive peripheral support. The ODROID-M1, designed for a wide range of embedded system applications, is powered by the Rockchip RK3568B2, an adaptation of the RK3568 SoC to address the current semiconductor supply chain challenges. Rockchip has committed to supporting this SoC for the next 15 years, ensuring the availability of the ODROID-M1 well into the 2030s.
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What is ODROID?
ODROID is a brand of single-board computers (SBCs) developed by Hardkernel Co., Ltd., a South Korean company founded in 2008. Known for producing high-performance, versatile computing platforms, ODROID boards are popular in the maker community, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals alike. The brand name “ODROID” combines “Open” and “Android,” reflecting the company's initial focus on creating open-source hardware optimized for Android development. Over the years, ODROID has expanded its product line to include a wide range of SBCs, catering to various applications such as home automation, robotics, multimedia centres, and more. Renowned for their robust build quality, powerful processors, and extensive peripheral support, ODROID boards provide a reliable and flexible foundation for embedded systems and innovative projects worldwide.
Exploring the Features and Peripherals of the ODROID-M1
The ODROID-M1 is equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU, featuring four ARMv8.2-A cores clocked at 2 GHz. While the Cortex-A55 is known for its low power consumption, it still delivers impressive performance, making it suitable for various applications, including those that require efficient processing without high energy demands. Despite its lower power profile, the Cortex-A55’s two-generation advancement over the Raspberry Pi's Cortex-A72 core positions it as a competitive alternative, especially when considering both CPU and GPU performance. The ODROID-M1 closely matches the ODROID-C4, which is known to perform comparably to the Raspberry Pi 4 (4 GB) in standard benchmarks.
The ODROID-M1 is available with 8 GB of LPDDR4 DRAM, making it a direct competitor to the Raspberry Pi 4 in terms of memory. For those with more modest requirements, a 4 GB variant is also available. The board comes pre-installed with 16 MiB of SPI-Flash memory, which includes Petitboot—a handy tool that simplifies the management of multiple operating systems and kernel versions. Petitboot also supports booting from various storage devices, adding to the flexibility of the ODROID-M1.
| Model | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Networking | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODROID-M1 | Rockchip RK3568 | Mali-G52 MP2 with 4 × Execution Engines (650 Mhz) | 4 or 8 GB LPDDR4 with 32-bit bus width (3120 MT/s, up to 1,560 MHz) | eMMC slot, MicroSD slot, NVME (PCIe 3.0 × 2), SATA 3.0 | GbE LAN port (Realtek RTL8211F) | 2 | 2 |
| Raspberry Pi 4 | Broadcom BCM2711 | Broadcom VideoCore VI (500 MHz) | 1, 2, 4, or 8 GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM | MicroSDHC slot, USB Boot Mode | GbE LAN | 2 | 2 |
Enhanced Storage Capabilities: A Key Advantage of the ODROID-M1
One of the standout features of the ODROID-M1 is its advanced storage options, which surpass those of the Raspberry Pi 4. The board supports a standard 22 mm x 80 mm M.2 NVMe storage device, leveraging a PCIe 3.0 2-lane configuration. This setup can achieve sequential access speeds of up to 1600 MB/sec, making it ideal for applications requiring high-speed data transfer. The SoC’s placement on the backside of the PCB allows for efficient heat dissipation, with the chassis serving as a heat sink.
In cases where additional storage is required, the ODROID-M1 includes a SATA 3.0 port, supporting 2.5-inch storage devices. This port provides nearly 500 MB/s of sequential access performance. For users needing a complete setup, Hardkernel offers a SATA Mount and Cable Kit, which includes the necessary SATA data and power cables, along with a mount plate and support screws. This kit ensures that the drive is securely attached above the board.
When it comes to running Home Assistant OS 10, the ODROID-M1 offers two main storage options: the eMMC socket and the microSD card slot. For the best combination of performance and reliability, the eMMC module socket is the recommended choice. Hardkernel provides a range of compatible eMMC modules, available in various capacities and preloaded with different operating systems.
Built-in NPU: Optimized for Machine Learning
As machine learning continues to grow in importance, the ODROID-M1 is well-equipped to handle these demands with its integrated neural network processing unit (NPU). This NPU delivers up to 0.8 TOPS, providing a significant boost in AI processing power. The ODROID-M1 supports popular frameworks such as TensorFlow Lite and ONNX on Ubuntu, with hardware acceleration provided by the NPU. In specific use cases, this can result in AI computing speeds that are 30 to 40 times faster than software-based processing alone.
However, it's important to note that while the NPU is a powerful feature, it cannot currently be utilized by Home Assistant. Home Assistant's architecture and typical workload do not leverage this type of hardware acceleration. Therefore, while the NPU offers impressive potential for machine learning tasks in other contexts, users running Home Assistant on the ODROID-M1 should be aware that this capability remains untapped within the Home Assistant environment.
Power Consumption: Efficiency at its Core
One of the key considerations for any embedded system is power consumption, and the ODROID-M1 excels in this area. The efficient Cortex-A55 cores, combined with the low-power design of the RK3568B2 SoC, ensure that the ODROID-M1 operates within a modest power envelope. Specifically, the ODROID-M1 typically consumes around 5 to 10 watts under normal operating conditions, depending on the workload and connected peripherals, and as little as 1.3W when idle. This makes it suitable for always-on applications, such as home automation, where power efficiency is critical. Although specific power consumption figures can vary depending on the workload, the ODROID-M1 is designed to balance performance and energy use effectively, ensuring that it remains both powerful and energy-efficient for extended periods of use.
Conclusion: A Powerful Addition to Home Assistant OS
The addition of ODROID-M1 support to Home Assistant OS 10 significantly expands the hardware options available to users. With its robust processing capabilities and extensive storage options, the ODROID-M1 is a versatile and powerful choice for anyone looking to run Home Assistant on a reliable and future-proof platform. Whether you're a seasoned home automation enthusiast or just starting, the ODROID-M1 offers the performance and features needed to build a comprehensive and efficient smart home system.
For those interested in exploring the ODROID-M1 further, Hardkernel provides a range of accessories and support options to help you get the most out of this powerful SBC. As Home Assistant continues to evolve, the ODROID-M1's integration ensures that users have access to the latest in home automation technology on a platform that is both capable and enduring.
