Hardware Interfaces and Design

Hardware Overview

Radxa E54C is a high-performance edge AI network computing device, powered by the Rockchip RK3582 processor, providing powerful performance and diverse interfaces for networking and AI edge computing. This document details the E54C's hardware interfaces, connection methods, and application recommendations to help you fully utilize the device's capabilities.

RK3582 Chip Architecture

Processor Features

RK3582 is a high-performance SoC designed by Rockchip, optimized for edge computing and network applications. Its main features include:

• Powerful Processing Performance: Dual-core Cortex-A76 (2.4GHz) + Quad-core Cortex-A55 (1.8GHz)
• Network Capabilities: Supports multiple gigabit network interfaces, optimized for network applications
• AI Acceleration: Built-in NPU with computing power up to 5TOPs@INT8
• Low Power Design: Suitable for 24x7 operation edge devices
• Diverse Interfaces: Supports PCIe, USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, and other high-speed interfaces

RK3582 Chip Internal Architecture Diagram

Design Advantages

• Network Optimization: Compared to similar chips, RK3582 has been specially optimized for multi-port network applications
• AI Processing: The built-in NPU can efficiently handle AI inference tasks, reducing CPU load
• Expandability: Supports PCIe interface, allowing high-speed storage expansion or other functionality through M.2

System Architecture

E54C adopts a compact and efficient hardware design, integrating multiple interfaces and functions on a single board. The following diagram shows the system architecture of Radxa E54C, clearly displaying the connection relationships between various components.

E54C Internal System Architecture and Component Connection Diagram

System Components and Data Flow

The above diagram shows the data channels and connection methods between the RK3582 SoC and various hardware components:

• Gigabit Network Interface: 4 gigabit Ethernet ports directly connected to the SoC through built-in controllers
• USB Interface: USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces connected to the main processor through independent buses
• Display Output: HDMI 2.1 interface providing high-resolution output through dedicated controllers
• Storage Interface:
  • MicroSD card using a dedicated SDMMC controller
  • Optional onboard eMMC storage connected via high-speed bus
  • M.2 PCIe interface providing high-speed storage expansion through PCIe 2.1 channel
• Expansion Interface: GPIO pins and other interfaces provide highly customizable expansion capabilities

Data Channel Advantages

The hardware design of E54C has the following advantages over other similar products:

• Independent Network Bus: Each gigabit port has an independent data channel, avoiding network congestion
• High-Speed Storage Access: M.2 PCIe interface extends storage performance through high-speed bus
• Multi-Interface Parallel Access: Different interfaces use independent data channels, improving overall system throughput

Hardware Interface Overview

Radxa E54C Hardware Interface and Component Layout Diagram

External Interface Distribution

Front Interfaces:

• 4 Gigabit Network Interfaces (RJ45)
• 1 USB 3.0 Type-A Interface
• 2 USB 2.0 Type-A Interfaces
• 1 USB 3.0 Type-C (OTG) Interface
• 1 HDMI 2.1 Output Interface
• 1 DC 12V Power Input Interface (5.5mm x 2.5mm)

Side and Internal Interfaces:

• MicroSD Card Slot
• M.2 M-Key Slot (PCIe 2.1)
• 14-Pin GPIO Expansion Interface
• Fan and RTC Battery Interfaces

The following will detail the specifications, connection methods, and application recommendations for each interface.

microSD Card Slot

Interface Specifications

E54C is equipped with a standard microSD card slot, supporting hot-swapping functionality, which can be used for system booting or storage expansion.

PIN	Name	Function Description
1	SDMMC_D2	SD Card Data Line 2
2	SDMMC_D3	SD Card Data Line 3
3	SDMMC_CMD	SD Card Command Line
4	VCC_3V3	3.3V Power Supply
5	SDMMC_CLK	SD Card Clock Signal
6	GND	Ground
7	SDMMC_D0	SD Card Data Line 0
8	SDMMC_D1	SD Card Data Line 1
9	SDMMC_DETN	SD Card Insertion Detection
10	GND	Ground
11	GND	Ground
12	GND	Ground
13	GND	Ground

Usage Guide

• Supported Card Types: Compatible with microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC storage cards
• Recommended Specifications: Recommend using Class 10/UHS-I or higher specification cards for better performance
• Maximum Capacity: Theoretically supports up to 2TB microSDXC cards, practically tested to support 512GB

Main Application Scenarios

• System Boot: E54C can boot operating systems from a microSD card, which is the most common usage
• Data Storage: Can be used for storage expansion in existing systems (e.g., when booting from eMMC)
• System Backup: Can be used to backup current system and data

Usage Suggestions

For production environments or systems that need to run 24/7, it is recommended to use eMMC or M.2 SSD as the primary storage and boot device, as they provide better stability and read/write durability. MicroSD cards are suitable for temporary storage and development testing scenarios.

USB Interfaces

E54C provides three different types of USB interfaces to meet various peripheral connection needs.

USB 3.0 HOST Type-A Interface

This is a standard USB 3.0 interface, supporting data transfer rates up to 5Gbps.

PIN	Name	Function Description
1	VCC5V0_USB	5V Power Output, maximum 500mA
2	USB3_HOST_DM	USB 2.0 Data Line Negative
3	USB3_HOST_DP	USB 2.0 Data Line Positive
4	GND	Ground
5	USB3_SSRX1N	USB 3.0 High-Speed Receive Line Negative
6	USB3_SSRX1P	USB 3.0 High-Speed Receive Line Positive
7	GND	Ground
8	USB3_SSTX1N	USB 3.0 High-Speed Transmit Line Negative
9	USB3_SSTX1P	USB 3.0 High-Speed Transmit Line Positive

Application Recommendations:

• High-speed external storage devices (SSD/HDD)
• High-bandwidth network adapters
• USB 3.0 compatible peripherals (cameras, capture cards, etc.)

USB 2.0 HOST Type-A Interface

E54C is equipped with two USB 2.0 interfaces, supporting data transfer rates up to 480Mbps.

PIN	Name	Function Description
1	VCC5V0_USB	5V Power Output, maximum 500mA
2	USB2_HOST_DM	USB 2.0 Data Line Negative
3	USB2_HOST_DP	USB 2.0 Data Line Positive
4	GND	Ground

Application Recommendations:

• Mouse, keyboard, and other input devices
• Low-bandwidth peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.)
• USB 2.0 compatible external devices

USB 3.0 OTG Type-C Interface

The Type-C interface supports OTG functionality, allowing it to work in host or device mode, while also supporting serial debugging and DisplayPort video output.

PIN	Name	Function Description
A1/B1	GND	Ground
A4/B4	VCC5V0_USB	5V Power Supply
A5	CC1	CC-based Interface Configuration Channel 1
A6/B6	DP	Data Line Positive
A7/B7	DN	Data Line Negative
B5	CC2	CC-based Interface Configuration Channel 2
A8	SBU1	Auxiliary Channel 1
B8	SBU2	Auxiliary Channel 2
A2/B2	SSTX+	USB 3.0 High-Speed Transmit Line Positive
A3/B3	SSTX-	USB 3.0 High-Speed Transmit Line Negative
B11	SSRX+	USB 3.0 High-Speed Receive Line Positive
B10	SSRX-	USB 3.0 High-Speed Receive Line Negative
A11	SSRX+	USB 3.0 High-Speed Receive Line Positive
A10	SSRX-	USB 3.0 High-Speed Receive Line Negative
A12/B12	GND	Ground

Application Scenarios:

• Serial Debugging: Can be used for system debugging and configuration, supporting system console access via UART
• OTG Device Mode: Can connect E54C to a computer as a USB device
• DP Display Output: Supports connecting to monitors through a Type-C to DisplayPort adapter cable

USB Usage Notes

• All USB ports share a total current supply of 1.5A, with a recommended maximum of 500mA per port
• For high-power peripherals, it is recommended to use an externally powered USB hub
• The display output and USB 3.0 functionality of the Type-C port cannot be used simultaneously; one must be chosen based on needs

HDMI 2.1 Interface

Interface Specifications

E54C is equipped with a standard HDMI 2.1 interface, supporting video output up to 8K, with powerful video capabilities for various display applications.

PIN	Name	Function Description
1	HDMI_TX2+	HDMI High-Speed Data Transmission Channel 2 Positive
2	GND	Ground
3	HDMI_TX2-	HDMI High-Speed Data Transmission Channel 2 Negative
4	HDMI_TX1+	HDMI High-Speed Data Transmission Channel 1 Positive
5	GND	Ground
6	HDMI_TX1-	HDMI High-Speed Data Transmission Channel 1 Negative
7	HDMI_TX0+	HDMI High-Speed Data Transmission Channel 0 Positive
8	GND	Ground
9	HDMI_TX0-	HDMI High-Speed Data Transmission Channel 0 Negative
10	HDMI_TXC+	HDMI Clock Signal Positive
11	GND	Ground
12	HDMI_TXC-	HDMI Clock Signal Negative
13	HDMI_CEC	Consumer Electronics Control Signal, for inter-device control
14	NC	Not Connected
15	HDMI_SCL	DDC Clock Line, for EDID information reading
16	HDMI_SDA	DDC Data Line, for EDID information reading
17	GND	Ground
18	VCC5V0_HDMI	5V Power Output
19	HDMI_HPD	Hot-Plug Detection Signal

Supported Resolutions and Formats

The HDMI 2.1 interface supports output in various resolutions and scales:

• 4K@60Hz: Most common high-definition output mode, suitable for most modern displays
• 4K@30Hz: For older displays or TVs
• 1080p@60Hz: Full HD mode, suitable for standard HD displays
• 8K@30Hz: Highest resolution mode, supporting next-generation 8K displays

Supported color formats:

• RGB 444
• YCbCr 444/422/420
• HDR10 support

Application Scenarios

• Digital Signage: Displaying information or advertisements in public places
• Monitoring Systems: Displaying multiple video surveillance feeds
• Visualization Interfaces: Displaying system status and network traffic data
• Media Player: Connecting to TVs or displays for multimedia content playback

Usage Recommendations

• HDMI and Type-C (DisplayPort) can be connected simultaneously, but during use, one will be selected as the output based on system configuration
• It is recommended to use high-quality HDMI cables to ensure stable transmission of high-resolution signals
• Although 8K is supported, 4K@60Hz is sufficient for most practical applications

Gigabit Ethernet Interfaces

Interface Specifications

E54C is equipped with 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, which are the core functional components of the product, supporting various network application scenarios. The following is the pin definition for the standard RJ45 interface:

PIN	Name	Function Description
1	ETH_TXP	Gigabit Ethernet Transmit Data Positive
2	ETH_TXN	Gigabit Ethernet Transmit Data Negative
3	ETH_RXP	Gigabit Ethernet Receive Data Positive
4	NC	Not Connected
5	NC	Not Connected
6	ETH_RXN	Gigabit Ethernet Receive Data Negative
7	NC	Not Connected
8	NC	Not Connected

Gigabit Network Controller

The gigabit network interfaces of E54C are driven by the network controller integrated in the Rockchip RK3582 SoC, with main features including:

• Full-Duplex Gigabit Ethernet: Each port supports 10/100/1000 Mbps rates
• MDI/MDIX Auto-Detection: Automatically identifies straight-through and crossover cables
• IEEE 802.3 Compatible: Supports standard Ethernet protocols
• Hardware Flow Control: Supports IEEE 802.3x flow control
• Internal MAC Address: Each port is assigned an independent MAC address

Network Configuration Scenarios

The four gigabit Ethernet ports allow flexible configuration of various network topologies:

1. Multi-WAN Router Configuration

Multiple ports can be configured as WAN interfaces to achieve:

• Multi-line load balancing
• Link aggregation
• Multi-ISP backup connections

2. Network Hub Configuration

Configure all ports in switch mode:

• Network segmentation (VLAN)
• QoS priority control
• Port mirroring and monitoring

3. Combination Mode

The most common configuration: 1 WAN + 3 LAN ports:

• 1 port connected to upstream router/modem
• 3 ports used for internal network device connections

Usage Recommendations

• It is recommended to use CAT 5e or higher specification Ethernet cables to achieve full gigabit performance
• Multi-WAN configuration requires specialized routing software support, such as iStoreOS or OpenWrt
• Pay attention to heat dissipation issues when running high-traffic network applications

Professional Tip

For applications requiring powerful network performance (such as enterprise routers, gateways, etc.), port bonding can be configured to increase bandwidth and reliability. These advanced features can be easily configured in iStoreOS or OpenWrt.

M.2 M Key Interface

PIN	Name
1	GND
2	VCC3V3_PCIE
3	GND
4	VCC3V3_PCIE
5	GND
6	NC
7	GND
8	NC
9	GND
10	NC
11	GND
12	NC
13	GND
14	NC
15	GND
16	NC
17	GND
18	NC
19	GND
20	NC
21	GND
22	NC
23	GND
24	NC
25	GND
26	NC
27	GND
28	NC
29	GND
30	NC
31	GND
32	NC
33	GND
34	NC
35	GND
36	NC
37	GND
38	NC
39	VCC3V3_PCIE
40	NC
41	VCC3V3_PCIE
42	NC
43	GND
44	NC
45	NC
46	NC
47	GND
48	NC
49	GND
50	PCIE_CLKREQ_N
51	GND
52	PCIE_WAKE_N
53	GND
54	PCIE_REFCLK_P
55	PCIE_REFCLK_N
56	NC
57	GND
58	PCIE_RX_N
59	PCIE_RX_P
60	GND
61	GND
62	PCIE_TX_N
63	PCIE_TX_P
64	GND
65	GND
66	NC
67	NC
68	PCIE_RST_N
69	GND
70	NC
71	GND
72	NC
73	GND
74	NC
75	GND

M.2 SSD Support

E54C's M.2 slot supports M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs via PCIe 2.1 interface (1 lane, x1), with the following specifications:

• Interface Type: PCIe Gen2 x1, theoretical bandwidth up to 5Gbps
• SSD Form Factors: Compatible with M.2 2280 (80mm length)
• Protocol Support: NVMe protocol SSDs are supported
• Power Supply: The slot provides 3.3V power

Performance Optimization

• For optimal I/O performance, it's recommended to use high-quality NVMe SSDs with good sequential read/write capabilities
• The device firmware is optimized for popular NVMe SSD models, ensuring maximum compatibility
• In performance-critical applications, the disk IO scheduler can be adjusted for specific workloads

GPIO Expansion Interface

The 14-pin GPIO header provides access to various low-level interfaces:

PIN	Name
1	VCC_3V3_S0
2	VCC5V0
3	I2C7_SDA_M3
4	VCC5V0
5	I2C7_SCL_M3
6	GND
7	UART8_TX_M0
8	SPI0_MOSI_M2
9	UART8_RX_M0
10	SPI0_MISO_M2
11	I2C6_SCL_M0
12	SPI0_SCK_M2
13	I2C6_SDA_M0
14	SPI0_CS0_M2

Additional Interfaces

• Fan Connector: 2-pin connector for connecting a 5V cooling fan
• RTC Battery Connector: For connecting a backup battery to maintain the real-time clock
• Recovery/Reset Buttons: Located on the board for system recovery or reset operations

Hardware Design Considerations

Thermal Management

E54C's aluminum case provides excellent passive cooling. For high-load applications:

• Ensure adequate airflow around the device
• For intensive workloads or hot environments, connect a fan to the dedicated fan header
• Keep ambient temperature below 35°C for optimal performance

Power Requirements

• Input Voltage: 12V DC (±5%)
• Power Consumption:
  • Idle: ~5W
  • Typical load: ~8-12W
  • Full load with NVMe SSD: up to 15W
• Always use the recommended power adapter (12V/2A or higher)

Reliability Features

• Overvoltage protection
• Overcurrent protection
• Thermal throttling to prevent overheating
• Watchdog timer for system stability

Development Recommendations

For optimal use of E54C's hardware capabilities:

• Use iStoreOS or OpenWrt for network-focused applications
• Debian for general computing and AI development
• Custom Linux builds for specialized applications
• Take advantage of the NPU for AI processing, freeing CPU resources for other tasks

Conclusion

The Radxa E54C provides a powerful platform for edge computing and networking applications, with its combination of processing power, network interfaces, and expansion capabilities. This hardware interface reference will help you utilize the full potential of the device in your projects.