The FET3506J-C SoM, based on the Rockchip RK3506J, is a compact industrial-grade module designed for embedded applications. It combines three ARM Cortex-A7 cores running up to 1.5 GHz with a Cortex-M0 at 200 MHz, delivering a balance of performance for applications and low-power efficiency for control tasks. Measuring just 29 mm x 40 mm, the module uses board-to-board connectors that simplify integration and modular design.
Built for harsh environments, the FET3506J-C has passed extensive industrial testing, ensuring stable operation under full load at temperatures up to +85 °C. Even without a heatsink, the module maintains reliable performance while consuming as little as 0.7 W of power.
Forlinx FET3506J-C System on Module Specifications:
The FET3506J-C SoM is based on the Rockchip RK3506J application processor, featuring three Arm Cortex-A7 cores up to 1.5 GHz and a Cortex-M0 at 200 MHz for real-time control. It integrates a basic 2D GPU but does not include hardware VPU or NPU acceleration. Memory options include 256 MB or 512 MB of DDR3 RAM, with storage configurations of 256 MB NAND Flash or 8 GB eMMC. When storage is not soldered, optional interfaces such as 4-bit SDIO or FSPI can be used.
For expansion, the module uses two 80-pin board-to-board connectors that expose a variety of interfaces. These include MIPI DSI (2-lane, up to 1.5 Gbps per lane), a 24-bit RGB LCD interface (up to 1280 x 1280 @ 60 Hz), FLEXBUS high-speed parallel, and DSMC for PSRAM or FPGA communication. Networking and industrial connectivity are provided through two CAN-FD interfaces, dual 10/100 Mbps RMII Ethernet ports, and two USB 2.0 ports (one OTG). It also offers multiple SAI channels, PDM, SPDIF, audio ADC, and audio DSM for audio applications.
The SoM further supports three SPI, three I²C (up to 1 Mbps), up to six UARTs (UART0 for debugging), eleven PWM channels, four 10-bit SAR ADCs, up to eight Touchkey inputs, and as many as 76 GPIOs. Operating from a 5 V DC supply, the board measures just 40 mm x 29 mm and is designed for industrial use with a wide temperature range from –40 °C to +85 °C.
Rockchip RK3506J Industrial Module: OK3506J-C Single Board Computer
The OK3506J-C SBC complements the FET3506J-C SoM by integrating it with a carrier board that exposes the full range of I/O interfaces. Designed for quick evaluation and prototyping, it enables developers to test and deploy applications more efficiently. Powered by the Rockchip RK3506J with three Cortex-A7 cores and a Cortex-M0, the SBC runs Linux 6.1 and offers a wide selection of interfaces to support comprehensive secondary development.
OK3506J-C Single Board Computer
Forlinx OK3506J-C Single Board Computer Specifications:
The OK3506J-C SBC is designed around the FET3506J-C SoM (Rockchip RK3506J) and expands its capabilities through a feature-rich carrier board. Storage options include a microSD card slot, available only when paired with the NAND flash version of the SoM. For display, the board supports either a 2-lane MIPI DSI connector (up to 1.5 Gbps per lane) or a 24-bit RGB LCD connector with resolutions up to 1280 × 1280 at 60 Hz, though only one interface can be active at a time. Audio is supported via a 3.5 mm stereo jack with microphone input and an onboard microphone for added flexibility.
Networking is handled through dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, a Wi-Fi 4 + Bluetooth 4.0 module (Realtek RTL8723DU over USB 2.0) with SMA antenna connector, and optional 4G LTE connectivity through a mini PCIe slot with Nano SIM support. The SBC also integrates one USB Type-C port that supports OTG and flashing, with master/slave selection via DIP switch, along with two standard USB 2.0 Type-A ports. For industrial and serial communication, it offers two isolated CAN/CAN-FD ports, one isolated RS485 port, and a terminal block for serial debugging.
Expansion options include a DSMC header for high-speed FPGA or PSRAM communication and an FSPI header that is multiplexed with NAND pins. Debugging features are provided through a USB-to-serial converter on the Type-C port and a JTAG header multiplexed with UART0 debug pins. The board also integrates six hardware buttons (Reset, Maskrom, VOL+, VOL–, Menu, and ESC), an onboard RTC with coin-cell battery holder, and a power on/off switch. Designed for reliability, the SBC is powered by a 12 V DC input through a barrel jack.
Both modules come with a solid software ecosystem, including support for Linux 6.1, LVGL 9.2 for graphical interfaces, AMP (asymmetric multiprocessing) architecture, and Linux RT for real-time applications. This combination gives developers the flexibility to build everything from advanced UI-driven systems to deterministic control applications, making the platform well-suited for a wide range of embedded projects.
As of now, Forlinx has not released official pricing for the FET3506J-C SoM or the OK3506J-C carrier board. Interested buyers can find more details on the official product page or in the company’s press release.
Images used courtesy of Forlinx.
Niladri Chowdhury