Banana Pi has released product information for their AI-focused core module "Banana Pi BPI-SM9". Equipped with SOPHGO BM1688 and rated at up to 16 TOPS (INT8), the official documentation emphasizes video analytics applications such as decoding and analyzing multiple HD video streams. However, there are inconsistencies in official sources regarding power (5V/12V), dimensions, and GbE port count, so verify whether you are purchasing the module alone, IO board, or kit before ordering.
Banana Pi has published product information for the Banana Pi BPI-SM9. Information is available on the official product page, official Docs, and official shop. This module combines SOPHGO BM1688 with 8× Cortex-A53 (1.6GHz) and AI inference rated at up to 16 TOPS (INT8), designed with video analytics applications in mind. However, power input (5V/12V), dimensions, and GbE port count don't match across documentation. You'll need to distinguish between the module alone, IO board, and kit—getting this wrong can be costly, so verification before purchase is essential.
Table of Contents
Specifications
| ■ Banana Pi BPI-SM9 | |
|---|---|
| CPU | SOPHGO BM1688 (Octa-core Arm Cortex-A53, 1.6GHz rated) |
| NPU | Up to 16 TOPS (INT8, rated. Conditions unconfirmed) |
| GPU | Not confirmed in official primary sources |
| Memory | 4GB/8GB/16GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4X (SKU dependent, notation varies) |
| Storage | eMMC (32GB noted, may vary by SKU), microSD (TF), SATA 3.0 ×2 (noted, may vary by configuration) |
| Wired LAN | GbE (1 port/2 port noted in different official sources, may vary by configuration) |
| Video Output | HDMI 2.0 (noted) |
| USB | USB (port count may vary by configuration) |
| Expansion | M.2 Key M ×1, M.2 Key E ×1, PCIe Gen3 x2 (noted) |
| GPIO | 40-pin GPIO header (mentioned for dev kit, pinout unconfirmed) |
| Cooling | Fan connector (JP4: GND/12V/TACH/PWM, mentioned for dev kit) |
| Power | DC 5V (official product page) / DC 12V (official Docs) *inconsistent |
| Size | 260-pin SO-DIMM (module form factor). Dimensions inconsistent in official sources |
| Compatibility | Claims Jetson Orin Nano/NX compatible pinout (compatibility scope/conditions unconfirmed) |
| OS | Ubuntu 22.04 (noted), Linux 5.10 + Qt 5.15 (noted) |
This is a video analytics-oriented AI kit combining BM1688 (up to 16 TOPS rated) with video I/O in a two-tier configuration of SO-DIMM core module and IO board. However, power, dimensions, and GbE port count don't align across sources, so cross-referencing SKUs (Core board/SM9 IO/kit) before purchase is recommended.
Features
SoC/CPU
The heart of BPI-SM9 is SOPHGO BM1688. The CPU features 8 Cortex-A53 cores, suited for designs where control tasks and lightweight preprocessing run on CPU while inference is offloaded to the NPU.
The announcement date (or release date) could not be determined from official primary sources alone. For serious adoption decisions, tracking product news and update history to understand "when this product was released" is advisable.
NPU/AI Performance (Perspective on Video Analytics)
AI performance is rated at up to 16 TOPS (INT8). Since TOPS varies with computational conditions, models, and precision requirements, rather than simple numerical comparison, it's better to verify early "how well your specific model runs on BM1688."
Looking at the official Docs descriptions, BPI-SM9 clearly targets use cases involving decoding multiple HD video streams and running analytics—processing from video input through inference in one pipeline. This is a subtly important point for edge devices.
For competitors, there are options like Raspberry Pi 5 + Hailo-8L (13 TOPS), Rockchip-based SBCs with integrated NPUs, and Jetson Orin Nano/NX development kits. However, BPI-SM9 is designed with the premise of being "embeddable as a core module," so it's more appealing to those considering mass production and enclosure design.
Memory and Storage (Prioritizing Boot and Write)
Storage includes eMMC and microSD (TF) card options, with at least TF boot documented in the official Getting Started guide. However, the 32GB eMMC notation may vary by SKU, and confusion during purchase can lead to "smaller than expected" issues.
Additionally, the spec sheet notes 2× SATA 3.0 ports. For video analytics use cases where logs and recordings tend to accumulate, this kind of storage I/O is a welcome addition.
That said, M.2 SSD boot capability and M.2 slot physical sizes (2230/2242/2280, etc.) couldn't be definitively confirmed from primary sources. If you're planning enclosure integration, this should be verified first.
Expansion and Compatibility (Eliminating Pitfalls First)
Expansion includes M.2 Key M and Key E, with PCIe noted as Gen3 x2. However, official documentation also mentions additional PCIe notations (RC&EP, Type-C, etc.), and which lanes go where (shared/split) cannot be determined from primary sources alone.
The official page also claims Jetson Orin Nano/NX compatible pinout. However, pin compatibility isn't just about "same physical connector"—it requires matching signal assignments, voltage levels, boot requirements, and software support. If considering this as a replacement, verify against pinout tables and IO board specifications before deciding.
Appearance
The BPI-SM9 module is shown mounted in the SO-DIMM slot on the IO board. With the main chip and surrounding components visible, this view helps when planning heatsink and airflow designs.
This shows the module's underside with SO-DIMM edge connector and what appears to be storage (eMMC) implementation. For configurations assuming module replacement, contact protection and mounting methods (screw hole positions, spacer heights) directly impact build quality. Weight and exact mounting hole positions weren't found in primary sources, so physical verification before enclosure design is recommended.
The IO board appears designed with I/O consolidated on the bottom edge. This type makes case I/O cutout design easier, with USB Type-A, RJ45, and what appears to be USB-C visible in the photo.
Other Details
Power and Thermal
Pay attention to power input. The official product page states DC 5V, while official Docs state DC 12V—the conditions don't match. This may vary depending on whether the documentation refers to the module alone or the development kit (IO board), so verify against the SKU you're purchasing.
For cooling, the official Getting Started guide includes pin definitions for the fan connector (JP4: GND/12V/TACH/PWM). For continuous inference or enclosed builds, this becomes your thermal outlet.
Network and Ports
GbE shows 1 port on the official product page and 2 ports in official Docs. If 2 ports are required (router, gateway, small NAS, etc.), verify the actual configuration through SKU (SM9 IO or kit) and I/O photos.
GPIO
The official Getting Started mentions a 40-pin GPIO header, noting that GPIO defaults to 3.3V and 5V is treated as power pins. Verify voltage levels before connecting external devices, and plan for level shifting if needed.
OS/Software
Official Docs mention Ubuntu 22.04 and Linux 5.10 + Qt 5.15. However, operational details including distribution image filenames, versions, and update frequency couldn't be fully tracked from primary sources alone.
Summary
BPI-SM9 is an AI core module that pairs BM1688's up to 16 TOPS@INT8 rating with video analytics-focused descriptions. With its core module + IO board configuration, the path from prototyping to embedded deployment looks straightforward.
It's suited for those wanting to consolidate video input-based edge inference (surveillance, detection, analytics) into a dedicated device. Conversely, it's not for those who find cross-referencing power, dimensions, and GbE port count specifications tedious. This is something to nail down before purchasing.
Pricing with SKU options (Core board/SM9 IO/kit) and price examples can be found on the official shop. Prices and availability are subject to change.
| Vendor | Price (Reference) |
|---|---|
| Official Shop | From $152.00 (varies by SKU/configuration) |
Related Links
- Official Product Page: https://www.banana-pi.org/en/core-board-and-kit/183.html
- Official Docs (Overview/Specs): https://docs.banana-pi.org/en/BPI-SM9_Core/BananaPi_BPI-SM9
- Official Docs (Getting Started): https://docs.banana-pi.org/en/BPI-SM9/GettingStarted_BPI-SM9
- Official Purchase Options (Buy): https://www.banana-pi.org/en/buy/
- Official Shop (SKU/Pricing/Photos): https://www.bpi-shop.com/products/bpi-sm9-compute-module-with-sophgo-bm1688-chip.html
- Taobao (listed in official Docs): https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?ft=t&id=998392732326
- AliExpress (listed in official Docs): https://ko.aliexpress.com/item/1005010435668009.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2kor