Development

Rockchip Linux

Vendor BSP vs mainline kernels, cross-compiling, and what actually works on each SoC.

Rockchip Linux comes in two flavours. The vendor BSP kernel (4.19, 5.10 and 6.1 branches on rockchip-linux/kernel) ships every driver the SoC needs, including NPU, ISP, the MPP video codecs and RGA. Mainline Linux has cleaner code, long-term maintainability and fast-improving support, especially on RK3399, RK3568 and now RK3588. Products usually start on the BSP and track mainline for longevity.

Key points

Pick the kernel by feature need: NPU (rknpu), ISP (rkisp) and hardware video (MPP) are best supported on the vendor BSP.
Cross-compile with ARCH=arm64 CROSS_COMPILE=aarch64-linux-gnu- (ARCH=arm for Cortex-A7 parts like RV1106/RK3506).
Vendor defconfig: rockchip_linux_defconfig; mainline: defconfig plus board DTB.
Keep kernel, DTB and kernel modules in lock-step. A mismatched DTB is the #1 cause of "it booted yesterday".

References

Linux guides

LinuxIntermediate

Build the Rockchip Linux Kernel (Vendor BSP and Mainline)

Cross-compile a Rockchip kernel on an x86 host, install the Image, DTB and modules, and know when to choose the vendor BSP or mainline.

8 min read · RK3588, RK3588S, RK3576

LinuxBeginner

Configure GPIO on Rockchip: Pin Numbering, Device Tree and libgpiod

Convert GPIO3_B5-style names to Linux line numbers, drive pins with libgpiod, and describe them properly in the device tree with pinctrl and overlays.

7 min read · RK3588, RK3588S, RK3576

BeginnerBeginner

How to Identify a Rockchip SoC (from Linux, U-Boot, USB or the Chip Marking)

Five quick ways to find out exactly which Rockchip SoC and board you are dealing with, even on an unknown device.

4 min read · All SoCs

BeginnerBeginner

Rockchip Boot Process Explained: BootROM, TPL, SPL, BL31, U-Boot and Linux

A stage-by-stage walkthrough of how a Rockchip SoC boots, where each piece lives on flash, and how to tell from the serial log which stage failed.

9 min read · All SoCs

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