RK3568 Embedded Mainboard PCBA Production Plan: How to Select and Customize Effectively

With the increasing demand for high-performance embedded systems in industrial automation, smart homes, and edge computing, the Rockchip RK3568 processor has emerged as a powerful and flexible solution. However, to fully realize its potential in real-world applications, a well-planned and high-quality PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) process is essential. This article provides a comprehensive guide to developing a successful RK3568 embedded mainboard PCBA production plan, including how to select the right design, customize for your use case, and optimize for cost, scalability, and reliability.

1. Why Choose RK3568 for Embedded Mainboards

The RK3568 is a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor featuring:

• Support for LPDDR4/4x, eMMC, and SPI storage
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe 3.0, SATA3, CAN, and USB 3.0 interfaces
• Multiple display outputs (MIPI, HDMI, LVDS)
• Industrial-grade reliability and extended temperature support

This makes it ideal for applications such as:

• Smart control panels
• Industrial HMI
• Network video recorders
• Edge AI terminals
• IoT gateways

2. Key Components of an RK3568 PCBA Production Plan

✅ A. Requirements Definition & Mainboard Selection

Before selecting or designing a mainboard, clarify:

• Interface needs (USB, CAN, RS485, etc.)
• Display requirements (LVDS or HDMI?)
• Operating system compatibility (Linux or Android?)
• Expansion support (M.2, PCIe, GPIO)

You may choose from:

• Off-the-shelf RK3568 development boards
• Semi-custom mainboards with optional I/O
• Fully customized PCBA boards for mass production

✅ B. PCB Design Optimization

A successful PCBA plan requires a high-quality PCB layout. Key considerations include:

• High-speed signal integrity for DDR4 and PCIe
• Thermal management via copper pours and heat sinks
• EMI/ESD protection for industrial reliability
• Power routing for stable voltage to RK3568 SoC and peripherals

✅ C. BOM (Bill of Materials) Strategy

Select components with:

• Long lifecycle availability
• Industrial temperature support
• Global sourcing stability

Working with a PCBA partner like Portworld allows BOM optimization for cost-effectiveness without compromising performance.

3. SMT and PCBA Assembly Considerations

Surface Mount Technology (SMT)

RK3568 chips are BGA-packaged, so precision SMT assembly is critical. Key processes:

• Stencil printing with high precision
• Automated pick-and-place machines
• Reflow soldering under strict temperature curves

Inspection & Testing

• X-ray inspection for BGA solder joints
• AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) for surface-mounted components
• Functional Testing to validate USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and OS boot

4. Customization Options for RK3568 PCBA

Hardware Customization

• Additional ports (e.g., 4G/5G modules, CAN bus)
• Extended temperature support
• Metal enclosures for harsh environments

Software Customization

• OS pre-installation (Android 11, Debian, Ubuntu)
• Custom bootloader and kernel configuration
• Security modules for encryption/authentication

CKD/SKD Manufacturing Model

To reduce import tariffs and increase assembly control, many OEMs opt for CKD (Completely Knocked Down) or SKD (Semi Knocked Down) kits for local assembly. Portworld supports both models for global deployment.

5. Choosing the Right PCBA Partner

A successful RK3568 production plan depends on choosing an experienced manufacturer. Here’s what to look for:

A reliable, high-performing RK3568 embedded mainboard PCBA starts with smart planning—from board selection to assembly and testing. With the right customization and a trusted manufacturing partner like Portworld, you can unlock the full potential of the RK3568 platform for industrial and smart device applications.

Whether you’re building a smart home control panel, an industrial gateway, or a multimedia device, Portworld offers tailored PCBA solutions to meet your unique requirements.