Rockchip RK3668 Shocks Industry: 15 Powerful Specs & Use Cases Revealed

Introduction to the Rockchip RK3668

What Is the Rockchip RK3668?

The Rockchip RK3668 is a next-generation AI-focused system-on-chip (SoC) developed for edge computing, smart displays, embedded vision systems, and industrial automation. Designed by Rockchip, a leading Chinese fabless semiconductor company, the RK3668 pushes performance boundaries while optimizing power consumption and integration.

This SoC is equipped with cutting-edge hardware, including AI accelerators, advanced GPU cores, and multimedia engines that support high-resolution processing. It's intended to serve as the backbone for intelligent devices in sectors like healthcare, surveillance, smart homes, robotics, and automotive.

Why It Matters in the Current SoC Landscape

In a market dominated by Qualcomm, MediaTek, and NVIDIA, Rockchip is carving a niche with high-performance SoCs aimed at developers and OEMs who demand powerful processing without exorbitant costs. The RK3668 is positioned as a direct competitor to chips like NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, and its own predecessor — the Rockchip RK3588.

Technical Specifications Overview

CPU Architecture

The RK3668 is rumored to pack an octa-core configuration, featuring 4x Cortex-A76 performance cores and 4x Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, operating at up to 2.6GHz. This big.LITTLE architecture offers a balanced approach to performance and energy efficiency.

GPU, NPU, and ISP Capabilities

It includes a Mali-G610 MP6 GPU, suitable for 8K video rendering and AI-enhanced graphics. The integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) supports up to 6 TOPS, enabling real-time object detection, facial recognition, and edge AI processing. Its Image Signal Processor (ISP) allows for high-quality camera processing, useful in surveillance and visual inspection systems.

Fabrication Process and Power Efficiency

Manufactured using a 6nm TSMC process, the RK3668 benefits from improved thermal control and lower power draw, making it ideal for fanless or compact embedded devices.

Performance Benchmarks

Real-World Benchmark Scores

Preliminary benchmarks place the RK3668’s multi-core CPU performance in the same range as Apple’s A12 Bionic. In AI tasks, its 6 TOPS NPU rivals entry-level Jetson modules, handling YOLOv5 and MobileNet inference with ease.

Comparison with Competing Chips

While it doesn't outclass Jetson Orin in raw AI power, the RK3668 strikes an excellent balance for edge AI applications at a fraction of the cost.

AI and Machine Learning Capabilities

Built-in NPU Power

With 6 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second) dedicated to AI, the RK3668 supports fast edge inference, crucial for:

• Smart surveillance cameras

• Autonomous delivery robots

• Voice assistants

• Industrial quality control systems

AI Use Cases in Vision, Audio, and Robotics

Thanks to support for frameworks like TensorFlow Lite, ONNX, and PyTorch Mobile, developers can deploy models directly to the chip. It supports object detection, segmentation, pose estimation, and even speech-to-text AI engines.

Graphics and Media Processing

GPU Performance for 4K and 8K

The Mali-G610 GPU handles 8K@30fps playback and 4K@120fps processing, with support for HDR10+, H.265, and VP9 hardware decoding.

Video Encoding/Decoding Capabilities

It supports simultaneous multi-channel 4K recording and streaming, ideal for video conferencing systems, NVRs, and smart TVs. On-device encoding includes H.264 and H.265, with AI-enhanced video stabilization.

I/O Interfaces and Connectivity

USB, HDMI, and MIPI Support

The Rockchip RK3668 comes packed with flexible input/output options, making it suitable for multimedia-rich embedded systems:

• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports

• 4x USB 2.0 ports

• Dual HDMI outputs (4K @ 60Hz)

• eDP and MIPI-DSI support for custom display panels

• MIPI-CSI camera interfaces for multi-camera applications

These interfaces make it a strong candidate for applications such as digital signage, automotive dashboards, and interactive kiosks.

Ethernet, PCIe, and Storage Options

The RK3668 offers dual Gigabit Ethernet controllers with TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) support, making it ready for industrial networking tasks. It also supports:

• PCIe 3.0 x2 for expansion modules (Wi-Fi, SSDs, etc.)

• SATA 3.0

• eMMC 5.1 and UFS 2.2 for internal storage

• SDIO interfaces for external SD card booting or data storage

Memory and Storage Support

LPDDR4/LPDDR5 Compatibility

The chip supports both LPDDR4x and LPDDR5 RAM, up to 16GB, allowing manufacturers to fine-tune the system based on application needs — from low-power IoT nodes to AI inference workstations.

eMMC and UFS Options

For storage, developers can choose between eMMC 5.1 for cost efficiency or UFS 2.2 for faster data access, which is vital for AI workloads and 4K video processing.

Power Management Features

Thermal Design and Dissipation

Despite its robust capabilities, the RK3668 maintains a TDP of under 10W, allowing it to operate in fanless enclosures. Rockchip provides a reference heat sink solution for passive thermal control.

Efficiency Under Load

Using dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), the chip automatically adjusts power usage based on workload, reducing thermal stress and extending device lifespan.

Security and Encryption Features

TEE and Secure Boot

The RK3668 includes TrustZone-based Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), secure boot chains, and hardware keys for firmware verification, ensuring protection against tampering.

Hardware Encryption Capabilities

Built-in AES, SHA, and RSA accelerators enable real-time encryption for sensitive tasks, from financial terminals to medical data processing devices.

Operating System and SDK Support

Android, Linux, and RTOS Support

The Rockchip RK3668 supports a wide range of operating systems out of the box:

• Android 14 and Android TV

• Yocto-based Linux distributions

• Debian/Ubuntu LTS

• RTOS for minimal applications

Developer SDKs and Documentation

Rockchip provides a comprehensive SDK, including:

• BSPs (Board Support Packages)

• TensorFlow Lite and ONNX runtimes

• GPU/VPU drivers

• Device tree overlays and bootloaders

This makes it easier for developers to prototype and deploy projects faster.

Target Markets and Use Cases

Edge AI Devices

The RK3668 is designed for smart edge computing, powering devices like:

• Edge inference cameras

• Self-service kiosks

• Smart vending machines

Industrial Automation

With its robust I/O and security, it's ideal for factory equipment, PLC gateways, and robotic arms requiring real-time vision.

Consumer Electronics

Smart TVs, set-top boxes, and AI-powered tablets will benefit from the RK3668's graphics and media processing abilities.

Development Boards and Reference Designs

Rockchip Evaluation Kits

Rockchip is expected to release official EVBs (Evaluation Boards) for early adopters and product developers. These kits include:

• Multiple display interfaces

• GPIO access

• Full I/O breakout

• Debug and power monitoring tools

3rd-Party SBCs (e.g., Firefly, Khadas)

Firefly and other open-source hardware vendors will likely build SBCs (Single Board Computers) around the RK3668, offering developers Raspberry Pi-like form factors with AI acceleration built-in.

Rockchip's Roadmap and Product Ecosystem

RK3668’s Place in Rockchip’s Lineup

The RK3668 sits between the RK3588 (mainstream AI chip) and the future RK3888 (upcoming flagship SoC), giving it a strong balance of features and cost-effectiveness.

Planned Upgrades and Variants

Variants may include:

• RK3668J (low power)

• RK3668M (media-focused)

• RK3668AI (higher TOPS NPU)

Pricing and Availability

OEM Pricing Tiers

As with most Rockchip solutions, the RK3668 is expected to be aggressively priced, with bulk OEM pricing around $45–$60 depending on configuration.

Availability for Developers

Developers can expect wider availability in Q4 2025, with reference boards and SBCs hitting markets via AliExpress, Seeed Studio, and CNX Software partners.

Challenges and Limitations

Compatibility Issues

As a newer chip, the initial driver support and upstream Linux kernel patches may lag behind for advanced features.

Thermal Management in Compact Devices

Although efficient, sustained workloads in small enclosures may still require active cooling or thermal throttling, depending on implementation.

Rockchip RK3668 vs. Other AI SoCs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the Rockchip RK3668 used for?
A: It’s designed for edge AI, embedded vision, industrial automation, and smart devices.

Q2: How powerful is the RK3668’s NPU?
A: It offers 6 TOPS, making it suitable for real-time object detection, recognition, and speech tasks.

Q3: Can it run Linux and Android?
A: Yes, it supports Android 14, Debian, Ubuntu, and Yocto Linux distributions.

Q4: Is it better than the RK3588?
A: Yes, especially in AI performance, power efficiency, and GPU support.

Q5: Will there be development boards available?
A: Yes, from Rockchip directly and third-party SBC makers like Firefly and Khadas.

Q6: What is the expected release date?
A: Widespread availability is anticipated in late 2025.

Conclusion: Is Rockchip RK3668 the Future of Embedded AI?

The Rockchip RK3668 presents a compelling blend of AI acceleration, multimedia performance, and power efficiency — all at an accessible price point. For developers and enterprises building the next generation of smart devices, this SoC offers a high-performance platform with the flexibility to scale across markets.

If you're looking for a cost-effective yet powerful AI SoC, the RK3668 is a game-changer worth keeping an eye on.