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HiKey 960: Understanding This Development Board

Introduction to the HiKey 960

The HiKey 960 is a high-performance development board designed for prototyping, testing, and deploying advanced applications using the powerful Kirin 960 system-on-chip (SoC). Developed by Linaro and HiSilicon, the HiKey 960 offers a robust platform for developers to create cutting-edge solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and connected devices.

Key Features of the HiKey 960

The HiKey 960 boasts an impressive array of features that make it an attractive choice for developers:

  1. Kirin 960 SoC: The heart of the HiKey 960 is the Kirin 960 SoC, which includes an octa-core ARM Cortex-A73/A53 CPU and a Mali-G71 MP8 GPU.
  2. Memory and Storage: The board comes with 3GB LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB UFS 2.1 flash storage, providing ample memory and storage for demanding applications.
  3. Connectivity: The HiKey 960 supports a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.0, and HDMI.
  4. Expansion Capabilities: The board features a 40-pin Low Speed (LS) expansion header and a 60-pin High Speed (HS) expansion header, allowing developers to connect various peripherals and modules.

Kirin 960 SoC Specifications

Component Specification
CPU 4x ARM Cortex-A73 @ 2.3GHz + 4x ARM Cortex-A53 @ 1.8GHz
GPU ARM Mali-G71 MP8 @ 900MHz
NPU HiSilicon Dedicated NPU
DSP HiFi 4 DSP
ISP Dual 14-bit ISP
Modem LTE Cat.12/13, CDMA, TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, HSPA+, EVDO, GSM, GPRS, EDGE

Getting Started with the HiKey 960

To start developing with the HiKey 960, you’ll need to set up the hardware and software environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Hardware Setup

  1. Connect the power supply to the HiKey 960 board.
  2. Connect a monitor to the HDMI port on the board.
  3. Connect a keyboard and mouse to the USB ports on the board.
  4. Insert a microSD card with the required software images.

Software Setup

  1. Download the appropriate software images for your operating system of choice (e.g., Android, Linux, or AOSP).
  2. Flash the software images onto the microSD card using a tool like Etcher or dd.
  3. Insert the microSD card into the HiKey 960 board.
  4. Power on the board and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

Developing Applications for the HiKey 960

The HiKey 960 supports a variety of operating systems and development environments, making it easy for developers to create applications using their preferred tools and languages.

Operating Systems

The HiKey 960 supports several operating systems, including:

  • Android
  • Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, and more)
  • AOSP (Android Open Source Project)

Development Environments

Developers can use various development environments and tools to create applications for the HiKey 960, such as:

  • Android Studio
  • Eclipse
  • Visual Studio Code
  • GCC
  • Clang
  • Python
  • Java
  • C/C++

Exploring the HiKey 960’s Potential

The HiKey 960’s powerful hardware and flexible software support make it an ideal platform for a wide range of applications and use cases.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

With its dedicated NPU and high-performance CPU and GPU, the HiKey 960 is well-suited for AI and ML applications. Developers can leverage frameworks like TensorFlow, Caffe, and PyTorch to create intelligent systems for image recognition, natural language processing, and more.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

The HiKey 960’s powerful graphics capabilities make it an excellent choice for VR and AR applications. Developers can use tools like Unity and Unreal Engine to create immersive experiences for gaming, education, and training.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The HiKey 960’s extensive connectivity options and low-power capabilities make it a great fit for IoT applications. Developers can use the board to create smart home devices, wearables, and industrial sensors that communicate with each other and the cloud.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Smart Home Automation

A team of developers used the HiKey 960 to create a smart home automation system that integrates with various sensors and devices. The system uses machine learning algorithms to learn the user’s preferences and automate tasks like adjusting the thermostat, turning lights on and off, and locking doors.

Case Study 2: Augmented Reality Education

An educational technology company used the HiKey 960 to develop an AR application that helps students learn about science and history. The application uses the board’s graphics capabilities to overlay 3D models and animations onto real-world objects, making learning more engaging and interactive.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While developing with the HiKey 960, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  1. Board not powering on: Check that the power supply is correctly connected and providing the required voltage and current.
  2. Display not working: Ensure that the HDMI cable is securely connected and the monitor is set to the correct input source.
  3. Network connectivity issues: Verify that the Wi-Fi or Ethernet settings are configured correctly and that the board is within range of the network.
  4. Software not loading: Check that the microSD card is properly formatted and contains the correct software images.

FAQ

  1. What is the difference between the HiKey 960 and other development boards?
    The HiKey 960 stands out from other development boards due to its powerful Kirin 960 SoC, which includes an octa-core CPU, Mali-G71 MP8 GPU, and a dedicated NPU. This makes it well-suited for demanding applications like AI, VR, and AR.

  2. Can I use the HiKey 960 for commercial projects?
    Yes, the HiKey 960 is designed for both prototyping and commercial development. It has the necessary certifications and support for deploying applications in production environments.

  3. What accessories do I need to use the HiKey 960?
    To use the HiKey 960, you’ll need a power supply, an HDMI cable, a monitor, a keyboard and mouse, and a microSD card with the appropriate software images. Optional accessories include a case, additional storage, and expansion modules.

  4. How do I get support for the HiKey 960?
    Support for the HiKey 960 is available through the Linaro and 96Boards communities. You can find documentation, forums, and mailing lists where you can ask questions and get help from other developers.

  5. Can I run multiple operating systems on the HiKey 960?
    Yes, the HiKey 960 supports multiple operating systems, including Android, Linux, and AOSP. You can choose the operating system that best suits your development needs and switch between them as required.

Conclusion

The HiKey 960 is a powerful and versatile development board that offers developers a platform for creating cutting-edge applications in areas like AI, VR, and IoT. With its Kirin 960 SoC, extensive connectivity options, and flexible software support, the HiKey 960 is an excellent choice for both prototyping and commercial development.

By following the hardware and software setup guides, exploring the board’s potential through case studies, and leveraging the support of the Linaro and 96Boards communities, developers can unlock the full potential of the HiKey 960 and create innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible.