1. Introduction
The Waveshare Luckfox Pico Mini RV1103 is a compact and cost-effective Linux micro development board designed for developers. It integrates an ARM Cortex-A7 32-bit core, a RISC-V MCU, NPU, and ISP processors, offering a versatile platform for various embedded applications. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your development board.
Figure 1: Top view of the Waveshare Luckfox Pico Mini RV1103 development board.
Video 1: An overview of the Luckfox Pico Mini, highlighting its compact size and comparison with other development boards.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- Luckfox Pico Mini B development board (x1)
- FLASH, without pre-soldered header (as per product description)
Figure 2: Illustration of the package contents, typically including one Luckfox Pico Mini B board.
3. Key Features and Specifications
The Luckfox Pico Mini RV1103 board is equipped with advanced features for high-performance embedded applications:
- Processor: Single-core ARM Cortex-A7 32-bit core with integrated NEON and FPU.
- NPU: Built-in Rockchip self-developed 4th generation NPU, supporting int4, int8, and int16 hybrid quantization. Computing power of int8 is 0.5 TOPS, up to 1.0 TOPS with int4.
- ISP: Built-in self-developed third-generation ISP3.2, supports 4-Megapixel, with image enhancement and correction algorithms (HDR, WDR, multi-level noise reduction).
- Memory: Built-in 16-bit DRAM DDR2, capable of sustaining demanding memory bandwidths.
- Encoding: Powerful encoding performance with intelligent encoding mode and adaptive stream saving, reducing bit rate by over 50% compared to conventional CBR mode.
- MCU: Built-in RISC-V MCU for low power consumption and fast start-up, supporting 250ms fast picture capture and AI model loading for face recognition.
- Integrated Components: Built-in POR, audio codec, and MAC PHY.
Figure 3: Overview of the integrated CPU, NPU, ISP, and other processors on the RV1103 chip.
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Cortex A7@1.2GHz + RISC-V |
| NPU | 0.5 TOPS (int8), up to 1.0 TOPS (int4), supports int4, int8, and int16 |
| ISP | Input 4M@30fps (Max) |
| Memory | 64MB DDR2 |
| USB | USB 2.0 Host/Device |
| Camera Interface | MIPI CSI 2-lane |
| GPIO | 17 × GPIO pins |
| Default Storage | Mini B: SPI NAND FLASH (128MB) |
| Operating System | Linux |
| Dimensions | 28.14mm x 21.00mm (approx.) |
Figure 4: Detailed technical specifications of the Luckfox Pico Mini development board.
4. Setup
To begin using your Luckfox Pico Mini RV1103, follow these general setup guidelines:
- Power Supply: Connect the board to a 5V power source via the USB Type-C connector. This connector is also used for program burning.
- Storage: The Mini B version includes 128MB SPI NAND FLASH for storage. For other versions or additional storage, a TF card slot is available.
- Boot Mode: To enter download mode, press and hold the BOOT button while powering on the device.
- Connectivity: Utilize the various interfaces such as MIPI CSI for camera, GPIO for general purpose I/O, UART, SPI, I2C, and USB for communication and peripheral connections.
Figure 5: The TF Card Slot and Camera Interface, key components for expanding functionality.
5. Operating Instructions
The Luckfox Pico Mini RV1103 runs on Linux, providing a flexible environment for development. Interaction typically involves connecting to a host computer for programming and debugging.
Pin Definition and On-Board Components:
Understanding the pinout and on-board components is crucial for proper operation and development. Refer to the diagram below for a detailed pin definition and component identification.
Figure 6: Pinout diagram and identification of key components on the Luckfox Pico Mini board.
- USB Type-C connector: Used for power supply and program burning.
- ACT-LED: System operation status indicator (in the default system).
- USER-LED: User-programmable LED.
- BOOT button: Press it when powering on to enter download mode.
- SLC NAND FLASH: Only available on the B version, and reserved pads for A version.
- CSI camera interface: MIPI CSI 2-lane.
- TF card slot: For external storage.
- RV1106: Vision Processor SoC with built-in ARM Cortex-A7 core.
6. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Luckfox Pico Mini RV1103, observe the following maintenance guidelines:
- Handling: Handle the board with care, avoiding static discharge. Use anti-static precautions when working with the board.
- Environment: Operate the board in a clean, dry environment, away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight.
- Cleaning: If necessary, gently clean the board with a soft, dry brush or compressed air. Avoid using liquids or abrasive materials.
- Storage: When not in use, store the board in its original packaging or an anti-static bag to protect it from dust and physical damage.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Luckfox Pico Mini RV1103, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:
- Board Not Powering On:
- Ensure the USB Type-C cable is securely connected to a reliable 5V power source.
- Verify the power source is providing sufficient current.
- Unable to Flash Firmware:
- Make sure the board is in download mode (press and hold BOOT button while connecting power).
- Check USB cable connection and try a different USB port or cable.
- Ensure necessary drivers are installed on your host computer.
- Peripherals Not Detected:
- Verify connections to GPIO, MIPI CSI, or other interfaces.
- Check your software configuration and ensure correct pin assignments.
- Consult the official documentation or community forums for specific peripheral setup guides.
For more detailed troubleshooting or specific technical inquiries, refer to the official Waveshare documentation or support resources.
8. Dimensions and Applications
The compact size of the Luckfox Pico Mini RV1103 makes it suitable for integration into various projects where space is a constraint.
Outline Dimensions:
Figure 7: Physical dimensions of the Luckfox Pico Mini board (approx. 28.14mm x 21.00mm).
Typical Application Scenarios:
This development board is versatile and can be applied in numerous fields, including but not limited to:
- Smart Home Devices
- Industrial Automation Devices
- Robotics & Drones
- Smart Transportation Devices
- Smart Monitoring Devices
- New Retail Applications
- IoT (Internet of Things) projects
- Embedded Development
9. Warranty and Support
Waveshare products typically come with a standard manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official Waveshare website or contact their customer support.
For technical support, documentation, and community forums, visit the official Waveshare website or their dedicated product page for the Luckfox Pico Mini RV1103. You can also find additional resources and tutorials on their Amazon Store.
