ArmSoM Sige7s Brings Rockchip RK3588S to Compact Single-Board Computer Form Factor
ArmSoM has released the Sige7s, a Raspberry Pi-sized board powered by the Rockchip RK3588S processor, alongside a compute module variant called the CM7s for embedded applications.
The latest addition to ArmSoM's Sige lineup marks a return to Rockchip silicon following the Sige6, which had switched to Allwinner. The new Sige7s builds on the company's earlier Sige7 design but uses the RK3588S, a more cost-optimized variant of the full RK3588 chip.
Specifications and Design
- SoC: Rockchip RK3588S, 8nm, 4x Cortex-A76 @ 2.4GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz
- AI: 6 TOPS NPU (INT4/INT8/INT16)
- RAM: up to 32GB LPDDR4/4X
- Storage: removable eMMC module (16GB to 128GB) + microSD
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support (add-on module)
- 2x USB 3.0 + 2x USB 2.0
- 1x MIPI CSI (up to 5MP camera)
- CAN, SPI, PWM, 3x UART, 2x I2C, 6x ADC
- RTC battery connector
- Headphone out
- Power and Maskrom buttons
- 0°C to 80°C operating temperature
- Size: 85 x 56 x 17mm, same footprint as a Raspberry Pi
The Sige7s begins at $153 through ArmSoM's store. The RK3588S designation indicates a stripped-down iteration of the original RK3588 that powers the Sige7. Processing capabilities remain identical—the same CPU, Mali-G610 MP4 GPU, and 6 TOPS NPU are present—but peripheral bandwidth has been reduced. The board omits PCIe 3.0 support, features a single HDMI output instead of two, lacks HDMI input capability, and includes only one Gigabit Ethernet controller.
This design philosophy prioritizes computational performance over input-output expansion. Users seeking rapid NVMe connectivity or dual network interfaces should look elsewhere. However, those requiring RK3588-class processing power within a smaller footprint at a lower price point will find the Sige7s appealing.
Several design choices reduce overall costs for purchasers. The board accepts a broad 5V to 23V input range, eliminating dependence on a proprietary USB-C power adapter. The removable eMMC module allows storage to be upgraded or transferred to another device without desoldering. Display connectivity includes HDMI 2.1 supporting 8K@60fps, DisplayPort 1.4 via USB-C, and a 2-lane MIPI DSI connector. The integrated video engine decodes 8K@60fps H.265/VP9 content and encodes at 8K@30fps, positioning the board as a capable media platform.
The 40-pin header maintains Raspberry Pi compatibility. According to ArmSoM, the board works with Pi HATs, the Pi 7-inch display, IMX219-based Pi cameras, and Pi 4 cooling solutions. This compatibility benefits users with existing Pi accessories or those seeking to expand functionality.
Compute Module Alternative
Alongside the Sige7s, ArmSoM offers the CM7s, a compute module variant built on the identical RK3588S processor. The CPU, GPU, NPU, and video engine specifications match exactly; the distinction lies in form factor. Compute modules contain only the processor, memory, storage, and power management circuitry, omitting standard physical ports like USB, HDMI, and Ethernet. This configuration suits embedded applications where integration into custom hardware is required.
The CM7s measures 55 x 40mm, comparable in size to the Raspberry Pi CM5. It supports up to 32GB LPDDR4/4X RAM and up to 256GB eMMC storage. Through 100-pin connectors, the module exposes HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, MIPI CSI/DSI, USB 3.0, PCIe 2.0/SATA, and standard GPIO buses. ArmSoM has committed to manufacturing the CM7s through at least August 2034, providing long-term supply assurance for product developers.
The CM7s-IO carrier board provides a complete system. It includes HDMI, USB-C DisplayPort, 4x USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, a 40-pin header, an M.2 M-key slot for NVMe SSDs, microSD, and MIPI camera and display connectors. Unlike the Sige7s, the carrier board operates on 12V DC barrel jack power.
Pricing and Availability
Both boards are available immediately from ArmSoM's official store, with additional listings on AliExpress and Taobao.
- Sige7s: starts at $153 (Wi-Fi antennas sold separately)
- CM7s: starts at $179
United States customers should note that ArmSoM collects 25 percent of the product value as prepaid customs duty at checkout, labeled as "sales tax," preventing unexpected charges upon delivery.
For users wanting an immediately functional RK3588S computer, the Sige7s is the straightforward choice. Those designing custom hardware or requiring NVMe expansion via the carrier board should consider the CM7s.
ArmSoM's hardware design often parallels Banana Pi boards, reflecting the known collaboration between the companies and their shared design foundations. Documentation quality has noticeably improved since ArmSoM's earlier product releases, a positive development given that new single-board computers frequently face documentation and community support challenges.