Orange Pi 3 LTS Review: Features, Comparison & Uses

Table of Contents

 

Introduction and Design Purpose

The Orange Pi 3 LTS board, developed by Shenzhen Xunlong Software, is a compact, powerful, and versatile single-board computer (SBC). It is designed for a wide range of applications that require efficient, reliable, and scalable computing. Whether you are a developer, an educator, or an engineer, this board offers the flexibility and performance needed for numerous projects. Measuring just 56mm x 85mm and weighing 45 grams.

it’s powered by the Allwinner H6 quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A53 processor running at 1.8GHz. With 2GB of LPDDR3 RAM, 8GB of eMMC storage, and support for Android 9, Ubuntu, and Debian, it’s both versatile and capable. The board features Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, and HDMI 2.0a for 4K video output. Designed for IoT, media centers, and educational purposes, it’s an excellent choice for developers and enthusiasts alike.

 

Purpose and Applications:

  • Software Development: Ideal for creating and testing software solutions in IoT, embedded systems, and mobile development.
  • IoT Projects: With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, perfect for IoT applications such as smart homes, environmental monitoring, and industrial automation.
  • Educational Use: Suitable for students and hobbyists to learn computing, software development, and networking.
  • Final Product Manufacturing: Ideal for embedded systems or prototyping final products with long-term support.

 

 

Technical and Hardware Analysis

Processor Architecture and Performance:

The Allwinner H6 processor leverages ARMv8-A architecture, offering high performance while maintaining low power consumption. It is suitable for intensive graphical and computational tasks.

Ports and Connectivity:

  • USB 3.0 Port:Ideal for high-speed storage devices.
  • HDMI Port:Supports 4K UHD video output.
  • Gigabit Ethernet Port:Ensures fast and stable network connections.

Thermal Management:

Equipped with a heat sink, the board effectively manages heat under heavy workloads, ensuring stable performance.

 

Applications of the Orange Pi 3 LTS

Software Development and Programming:

  • Running small servers.
  • Developing IoT applications.
  • Simulating and performing small-scale machine learning tasks.

Media Center:

  • Supports 4K video playback.
  • Functions as a home media player.

Education and DIY Projects:

  • Suitable for students and enthusiasts in robotics and electronics.
  • Ideal for smart projects like home automation.

 

 

Comparison with the Previous Model (Orange Pi 3)

Hardware Design Improvements:

  • RAM:The LTS model uses DDR3 RAM, which consumes less power.
  • Increased Stability:Designed for long-term use.

Enhanced Connectivity:

  • Added Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band WiFi.

Software Support:

The LTS version offers extended software updates, making it more appealing for professional projects.

 Buy Orange Pi 3 Board

 Buy Orange Pi 3B Board

 

Supported Programming Languages

Linux OS Support:

  • Key languages: Python, C/C++, Java, and Node.js.
  • Tools: Docker, TensorFlow Lite, OpenCV.

See Program with Python for Electronics: Sensor Integration to IoT Guides

Android OS Support:

  • Mobile app development using Java and Kotlin.
  • Running Android games and applications.

 

Installing Klipper for Orange Pi 3 LTS

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Klipper for Orange Pi 3 LTS

 

FAQ

Is the Orange Pi 3 LTS suitable for industrial projects?

Yes, its stability and long-term support make it ideal for small-scale industrial applications.

Can additional modules be connected to the board?

Yes, modules such as sensors and communication modules can be connected via GPIO and USB.

What are the differences between Orange Pi 3 and Orange Pi 3 LTS?

The LTS model features hardware and software optimizations designed for long-term applications.

 

Conclusion

The Orange Pi 3 LTS board stands out with its diverse features, high processing power, and extensive software support. It is an excellent choice for developers, students, and even industrial projects. If you’re looking for a compact and powerful board with advanced capabilities, this product is a great fit for your needs.

 

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