Summary of LIBRE COMPUTER PROJECT LAUNCHES OPEN SOURCE LA FRITE SC
Libre Computer launched the La Frite, a compact single-board computer based on the Amlogic S805X quad-core Cortex-A53 processor. Measuring 64 x 55mm with a Raspberry Pi A+ footprint, it supports mainline Linux and various OS distributions including Ubuntu and Android Oreo. The board features HDMI video output, Fast Ethernet, USB ports, and an IR receiver, offering a cost-effective alternative to its predecessor, the Le Potato, with lower power consumption but reduced 4K capabilities.
Parts used in the La Frite:
- Amlogic S805X SoC
- Quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU
- Mali-450 GPU
- Raspberry Pi A+ footprint PCB
- 40-pin expansion header
- Low-profile 10/100 Fast Ethernet port
- 2x USB 2.0 ports
- Micro-USB OTG with power input
- HDMI port
- IR receiver
- DDR4 RAM (512MB or 1GB)
- 8GB eMMC storage option
Libre Computer has successfully launched a smaller, less powerful follow-up to its Le Potato SBC, the “La Frite SBC. The La Frite SBC is a small version of the Le Potato SBC, that has a quad -A53, HD-only Amlogic S805X, a Raspberry Pi A+ footprint and GPIO connector, and mainline Linux support. The 64 x 55mm La Frite is roughly modeled on the 65 x 56mm Raspberry Pi Model A+. The new board has a different layout and more real-world ports than the Pi model A+, although it has a similar 40-pin expansion header like the A+.
The La Frite comes in different configurations, that starts at just $10 or $15 for models with 512MB or 1GB DDR4, respectively. Fully fitted models with 8GB eMMC, HDMI cable, and a 2.5A power supply with LED and power button go for $30 or $35. Shipments will start in November 2018. The La Frite is powered by a 1.2GHz S805X version of the quad-core, Cortex-A53 Amlogic S900. This is lower power, compared to the 1.5GHz S905X model found on Le Potato. The SoC has the same Mali-450 GPU but is limited to 1080p video encode and decode rather than 4K on Le Potato.
Other features include a low-profile 10/100 “Fast” Ethernet port plus 2x USB 2.0 ports and a micro-USB OTG with power input. The display port is listed as HDMI 2.0 port on the product page but listed as HDMI 1.4 port on KS. There’s also an IR receiver, but for WiFi connectivity you have to use one of the USB ports.
La Frite supports Ubuntu, Debian, LibreELEC, Lakka, RetroPie, Android Oreo, other Linux based distributions. Libre Computer has collaborated with BayLibre, which recently demonstrated a hardware accelerated codec running on Chromium through the V4L2 Linux subsystem on Amlogic’s S900. This means Soon, Le Potato and La Frite will be able to play H.265, H.264, and VP9 content on upstream Linux with Chromium for the first time.
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- What is the La Frite SBC?
It is a smaller, less powerful follow-up to the Le Potato SBC featuring an Amlogic S805X chip. - How much does the La Frite cost?
Prices start at $10 for 512MB models and go up to $35 for fully fitted kits with eMMC and accessories. - Does the La Frite support 4K video?
No, it is limited to 1080p video encode and decode rather than 4K found on the Le Potato. - Can I use WiFi with the La Frite?
You must use one of the USB ports to connect a WiFi adapter as there is no built-in wireless. - What operating systems are supported?
It supports Ubuntu, Debian, LibreELEC, Lakka, RetroPie, Android Oreo, and other Linux-based distributions. - Is the La Frite compatible with Raspberry Pi?
It has a similar footprint and GPIO connector to the Raspberry Pi Model A+, though the layout differs. - When will shipments begin?
Shipments for the La Frite started in November 2018. - What codec improvements are coming?
Collaboration with BayLibre aims to enable H.265, H.264, and VP9 playback on upstream Linux via Chromium.
