FriendlyElec has launched a $30, open spec “NanoPi M1 Plus” SBC with a quad-A7 SoC, onboard wireless, 8GB eMMC, a 40-pin RPi interface, and a GbE port.

FriendlyELEC (AKA FriendlyARM) has released a more feature-rich version of its community-backed, $15 NanoPi M1 SBC. The $30 NanoPi M1 Plus retains the 1.2GHz quad-core, Cortex-A7 Allwinner H3 SoC and 600MHz Mali-400 MP2 GPU, but adds features that meet or exceed those of the quad -A9 Samsung Exynos based NanoPi M2 ($25) and octa-core -A53 Exynos NanoPi M3 ($35). The NanoPi M1 Plus joins nine other NanoPi boards listed in our most recent Linux hacker board roundup — the most of any other vendor.

NanoPi M1 Plus, front and back
(click images to enlarge)

At 64 × 60mm, the board is a bit larger than the NanoPi M1, but smaller than the Raspberry Pi 3. This enables additions to the M1 design including standard, rather than optional 1GB RAM, and a generous 8GB of eMMC flash storage.

The Plus model adds WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, and the Ethernet has been upgraded to 10/100/1000Mbps. The onboard mic is also new. The only subtraction here is that one of the three USB 2.0 host ports has moved to an onboard header.

NanoPi M1 Plus detail view (left) and connected to optional 5-megapixel camera
(click images to enlarge)

As with the M1, the M1 Plus gives you a microSD slot, a micro-USB OTG port with power support, an IR receiver, and serial debug. There’s also a 5V power supply and a 40-pin, Raspberry Pi compatible GPIO connector.

Media features include HDMI 1.4a and CVBS outputs, both with audio support, as well as a DVP camera port with optional 2- and 5-megapixel cameras. Other options include GPS, compass, RTC, LCDs, a 3D printable case, and various sensor and I/O modules. FriendlyElec is providing the same, open source OS images, including Ubuntu-MATE and Ubuntu Core.

Specifications listed for the NanoPi M1 Plus include:

• Processor — Allwinner H3 (4x Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz); ARM Mali-400 MP2 GPU @600MHz; 256KB L1, 1MB L2 cache
• Memory/storage:
  • 1GB DDR3 SDRAM
  • 8GB eMMC
  • MicroSD slot
• Wireless — 802.11 b/g/n and dual-mode Bluetooth 4.0 with antenna IPX interface
• Networking — Gigabit Ethernet port
• Multimedia:
  • HDMI 1.4a output with audio
  • 3.5mm CVBS A/V output with composite and stereo audio
  • DVP camera interface
  • Onboard mic
• Other I/O:
  • 2x USB 2.0 host ports
  • USB 2.0 host header
  • Micro-USB 2.0 OTG port (with power input)
  • Debug serial port header
  • 40-pin, RPi compatible GPIO connector for UART, SPI, I2C, I2S/PCM, SPDIF-OUT, etc.
• Other features – IR receiver; power & status LEDs; numerous options
• Power — DC barrel jack; +5V @ 2A (max.); supports micro-USB input; power and reset buttons
• Dimensions — 64 × 60mm
• Operating system — Ubuntu MATE; Ubuntu Core; Debian; Android

 
Further information

The NanoPi M1 Plus is available for a $30 promotional price, which is likely to rise in the coming months. The price does not include shipping. More information may be found on FriendlyElec’s NanoPi M1 Plus product page and wiki.