Rubik Pi FAQ
THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE RUBIK PI
We have answered the most important questions about the new Rubik Pi for you:
- What is the Rubik Pi?
- What is the Qualcomm Dragonwing chipset?
- What is the difference between the Rubik Pi and other single board computers?
- Is the Rubik Pi compatible with Raspberry Pi accessories and software?
- What operating systems can the Rubik Pi run?
- What are the technical specifications of the Rubik Pi?
- How much RAM, storage, and processing power does the Rubik Pi have?
- What is the power consumption of the Rubik Pi?
- How efficient is the Pubik Pi in terms of energy consumption, especially for IoT or edge computing?
- What kind of projects can I use the Rubik Pi for?
- Can the Rubik Pi be used in industrial or commercial applications?
- How does the Rubik Pi perform in AI or machine learning tasks?
- Which networking options are available with the Rubik Pi?
- Does the Rubik Pi have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
- Can I expand the Rubik Pi with additional modules or accessories?
- What kind of developer support is available for the Rubik Pi?
- Are there software libraries or SDKs for Rubik Pi?
- How easy is it to set up and use the Rubik Pi?
- What is the price of the Rubik Pi?
- What is the availability of the Rubik Pi?
- Where can I buy the Rubik Pi?
- What kind of customer service can I expect from Rubik Pi?
- Is the Rubik Pi future-proof?
- Does the Rubik Pi support software updates, or will it quickly become obsolete?
- Can I run custom or proprietary applications on the Rubik Pi?
- How does the Rubik Pi handle thermal management?
- What are the future plans for Rubik Pi?
Interested in the Rubik Pi?
>> Then use the unique opportunity to experience the innovative single board computer at one of our interactive Rubik Pi launch events in May!
RUBIK Pi 3, a lightweight development board based on Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490 platform, is the first Pi built on Qualcomm AI platforms for developers. The ultra-compact and lightweight microcomputer (measuring only 100mm x 75mm) also features memory, storage, and a variety of interfaces and functions, such as support of USB Type-A (1x 2.0, 2x 3.0), USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C with DP (4K@60), Camera, HDMI OUT (4K@30), 1000M Ethernet port, 40pin header connector, 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.2, M.2 M-key connector, Micro USB and RTC, etc.. RUBIK Pi integrates the high-performing Qualcomm Dragonwing™ QCS6490 processor, delivering 12.5 TOPS of on-device AI inference performance and supporting small language models with up to 1.8 billion parameters.
Qualcomm Dragonwing™ is a brand portfolio launched by Qualcomm to showcase its range of industrial and embedded IoT, enterprise and networking solutions. This portfolio integrates advanced AI, high-performance computing and connectivity technologies to provide customized hardware, software and services.
The Rubik Pi has a more powerful and advanced (6nm) SoC from Qualcomm than other SBCs and also includes an integrated AI accelerator (NPU) directly on the SOC. Both DDR and UFS are already included in the board (8GB and 128GB by default). It is based on a SoC and SoM that are commercially available for customized designs, making it a perfect platform for development and prototyping.
The Rubik Pi uses some of the Raspberry Pi interfaces, such as the famous pin header or the camera ports which allows for most Raspberry Pi accessories to be used directly on the Rubik Pi.
Some accessories such as the “high resolution camera”, the “camera module 2 and 3”, the fan or the power supply are supported out of the box. For other accessories, software may need to be installed.
At the time of release, Rubik Pi comes with Qualcomm Linux based on Yocto Kirkstone / Scarthgap, which has been developed using a developer-first approach. It aims to simplify development, increase productivity, accelerate time to market and improve collaboration through optimized development processes. Upstream conformity will be maintained.
Further operating systems are confirmed (Android, Debian )and planned (Ubuntu, Windows on ARM) in the course of 2025.
- Platform: Qualcomm® QCS6490
- Memory: RAM 8 GB LPDDR4x, ROM 128 GB UFS 2.2
- Video: 1 x HDMI 1.4 output (up to 4K 30 Hz), 1 x DP over USB Type-C (up to 4K 60 Hz), 2 x camera connector (4-lane MIPI CSI D-PHY)
- Audio: 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity: 1 x USB Type-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1), 2 x USB Type-A (USB 3.0), 1 x USB Type-A (USB 2.0), 1 x 1000M Ethernet (RJ45), 1 x UART for debug (over Micro USB), 1 x M.2 Key M connector (PCIe 3.0 2-lane), 40-pin LS connector supporting various interface options: - Up to 28 x GPIO, Up to 2 x I2C, Up to 3 x UART, - Up to 3 x SPI, - 1 x I2S (PCM), - 1 x PWM channel,
- Others: 1 x Power on button, 1 x EDL button, 1 x RGB LED, 2-pin RTC battery connector, 4-pin PWM fan connector
- Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth: BT 5.2
- On-board PCB antenna
- Operating temperature: 0 ~ 70°C
- Dimensions: 100mm x 75mm x 25mm
By default, the Rubik Pi comes with 8GB LPDDR4x and 128GB UFS2.2. The processor (QCS6490) is an 8-core CPU with integrated GPU and NPU, providing a total of 12 AI TOPS.
It depends on the connected peripherals. Without, the approximate power consumption can be around 8W (with 100% load on CPU, GPU and DSP). CPU only use cases (100% load) can be as low as 4W. Sleep mode can do down to around 5mA @4.2V.
The Rubik PI was developed for industrial IoT applications and is characterized by a balance between high performance and energy efficiency. As the SoC is manufactured in a 6nm process, it offers robust computing capabilities suitable for demanding edge computing tasks while maintaining low power consumption. Specific power consumption figures are not publicly disclosed. However, the design includes advanced features to optimize power consumption, making it well-suited for IoT and edge computing applications where energy efficiency is critical.
The Rubik Pi is a versatile hardware platform suitable for a variety of different projects, especially in the areas of IoT, edge computing and embedded systems. Listed below is a selection of project types you can use the Rubik Pi for:
- Edge Computing
- IoT Applications
- Industrial applications
- Robotics Projects
- Wearable or partable devices, hand helds
- Communication and Networking Systems
- Learning and Educational Projects
- Media and Entertainment
- Security Systems and connected cameras
- Digital Signage
- Retail and payment
- Smart Home
Yes, as a Qualcomm Dragonwing™-based computer, the Rubik Pi is suitable for industrial and commercial applications, but its applicability is dependent on the specific use case and environment. The Rubik Pi is very versatile and can be used for a variety of applications such as automation, IoT (Internet of Things), data acquisition, and monitoring systems. It is also suitable for machine control, sensor management and even running simple industrial control software. It is not designed for real-time operation per se, which can pose a limitation in certain industrial applications requiring accurate timing (e.g. motion control). However, the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ IQ series and some developments for Rubik Pi could solve this problem. In addition, there are real-time extensions in corresponding software available to provide another potential solution.
The Qualcomm Dragonwing™ SoC is often equipped with specialized AI/ML hardware, such as the Hexagon DSP (Digital Signal Processor), which accelerates machine learning tasks such as object recognition, speech recognition, and image processing. Thanks to this hardware acceleration, the Rubik Pi can handle more advanced AI workloads, such as running neural networks or performing inference tasks, significantly faster than, for example, Raspberry Pi-based computers. Thanks to the powerful architecture of the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ SoC, Rubik Pi can execute major machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow Lite, Caffe, PyTorch and ONNX, which are supported and can benefit from the hardware acceleration provided by the SoC. Qualcomm also provides software tools such as the Qualcomm AI Engine that can help optimize AI workloads and accelerate the execution of deep learning models on devices like the Rubik Pi.
The Rubik Pi supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Additional 5G is available with an additional HAT, also offered by Atlantik Elektronik.
Yes, it supports Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.2.
Yes, the Rubik Pi is well suited for expansion. Since it uses the famous RaspberryPi pin header, it can be used with almost all Raspberry Pi Hats (SW transfer may be required). In addition, it is an easy and quick option to create your own expansion board and connect it via the pin header.
The Rubik Pi will have a shared support forum where users can ask questions. For commercial projects, professional support is available from our Atlantik Elektronik FAE team.
Qualcomm Linux is a comprehensive package of software, tools and documentation designed specifically for Qualcomm IoT platforms. It provides a unified Linux distribution suitable for multiple System-on-Chips (SoCs) and includes essential components such as the UEFI boot loader, the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) kernel, Yocto and selected drivers. This guarantees a consistent and seamless developer experience for all target systems.
Qualcomm's Linux software stack provides support for all processors, subsystems and components within the platform, including CPU, GPU, VPU, DPU, NPU, PMICs and more. It makes extensive use of upstream open source software (OSS) and integrates patched upstream and downstream drivers as needed to ensure compatibility and optimal functionality.
The Rubik Pi comes with all the necessary documentation - but for an even quicker start, we recommend attending one of our Rubik Pi hands-on events.
The price is €179. Additional bundles with accessories will be available soon.
The Rubik Pi is now available and can be purchased in our ATE Store. >> Buy the Rubik Pi here.
Rubik Pi can be ordered in our ATE-Store. >> Buy the Rubik Pi here.
| Professional support for commercial projects is available via Atlantik Elektronik FAE team. Contact us here. |
As the Qualcomm QCS6490 is designed to be a long-lasting product with an availability until at least 2036, RUBIK Pi is a highly future-proof design option.
As it is a long-life product, software updates will be available for a long time and security updates will be provided until at least 2036.
| Yes, absolutly. The Rubik Pi has been designed as a development platform for your own applications. |
There are several ways to cool the Rubik Pi. We recommend using the Raspberry Pi fan available as an accessory for heavy duty applications on request.
The Rubik Pi has been specifically designed for a long future. Although not yet confirmed, there are already plans to run various Qualcomm Dragonwing™ SoCs on the Pi. A simple migration to the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ QCS5430 or QCS8550 is possible on request. There are also plans for further industrial variants with the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ IQ series.
