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Rockchip’s RV11xx family has become a well-established platform in the embedded vision and AI edge computing market, particularly for smart cameras, video analytics, and low-power always-on devices. Within this family, RV1126 and RV1126B are two closely related SoCs that are often confused due to their similar naming and overlapping feature sets. However, a deeper technical inspection reveals apparent differences that can significantly impact product design, performance, and long-term scalability.
This article presents a neutral, engineering-focused comparison of the RV1126B and RV1126, highlighting architectural differences, AI capabilities, multimedia pipelines, I/O options, and typical application scenarios. The goal is to help engineers, system architects, and product managers select the most suitable platform for their specific requirements.
Positioning of RV1126 and RV1126B in Rockchip’s Portfolio
Both RV1126 and RV1126B are designed primarily for AI-enabled vision applications, rather than general-purpose computing. Typical use cases include:
- Smart IP cameras
- AI video analytics gateways
- Industrial vision systems
- Thermal imaging devices
- Low-power always-on (AOV) security cameras
- Intelligent IoT endpoints
While the RV1126 represents the earlier, more cost-optimized solution, the RV1126B can be regarded as an enhanced iteration with stronger AI, imaging, and connectivity capabilities.
CPU Architecture: Cortex-A53 vs Cortex-A7
RV1126B CPU
The Cortex-A53 is a 64-bit architecture that offers:
- Higher IPC compared to Cortex-A7
- Better instruction set support (ARMv8-A)
- Improved power efficiency per unit of performance
This makes RV1126B more suitable for heavier Linux-based workloads, AI pipeline orchestration, and complex middleware stacks.
RV1126 CPU
Cortex-A7 is a proven, ultra-low-power 32-bit architecture, well-suited for:
- Lightweight operating systems
- Cost-sensitive designs
- Fixed-function camera pipelines
However, it lacks the performance headroom and architectural longevity of Cortex-A53.
CPU Summary:
RV1126B provides a more modern and scalable CPU subsystem, while RV1126 focuses on efficiency and cost control.
RV1126B vs RV1126: Comparison Table
Typical Application Scenarios
When RV1126B Is the Better Choice
- AI-heavy video analytics
- Multi-camera or panoramic systems
- Thermal + visible fusion cameras
- Gigabit Ethernet requirements
- USB 3.0 peripherals
- Future-proof AI designs
When RV1126 Makes Sense
- Cost-sensitive IP cameras
- Single-camera designs
- Moderate AI workloads
- Simplified hardware BOM
Discover additional information about Rockchips and ARM products:
- RK3688 vs RK3668: Rockchip’s Next-Generation Chips
- Rockchip RK3588S2: What It Is and Its Role
- RK3566 vs RK3568: Comparison Guide
- ARM Cortex-A53: 64-bit Processor
Conclusion
The comparison of RV1126B vs RV1126 shows that while both SoCs belong to the same family and share core multimedia capabilities, they target different tiers of the embedded vision market.
RV1126 remains a solid and efficient solution for mainstream smart camera products, offering balanced performance at lower cost. In contrast, RV1126B introduces meaningful upgrades across CPU architecture, AI acceleration, imaging pipelines, connectivity, and power management. These enhancements make RV1126B better suited for next-generation AI vision systems that demand higher performance, richer sensor integration, and longer product lifecycles.
Choosing between Rockchip RV1126 and RV1126B should therefore be guided not only by current requirements but also by future scalability, AI complexity, and system-integration goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between RV1126B and RV1126?
The primary difference between RV1126B vs RV1126 lies in performance and system integration. RV1126B uses a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU and a 3 TOPS NPU, while RV1126 relies on a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU with a 2 TOPS NPU. RV1126B also adds USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet support, more camera inputs, and enhanced always-on vision features.
Is RV1126B a direct replacement for RV1126?
In many designs, RV1126B can be considered a functional upgrade rather than a strict pin-compatible replacement. While both SoCs share similar memory and storage interfaces, RV1126B introduces additional peripherals (USB 3.0, RGMII Ethernet, audio codec, RTC) that may require PCB and power design adjustments.
Which chip is better for AI-based video analytics?
For AI workloads, RV1126B is clearly superior due to its higher NPU performance (3 TOPS vs 2 TOPS) and stronger CPU architecture. This makes RV1126B more suitable for multi-model inference, higher-resolution analytics, and future AI algorithm updates.
Does RV1126 support modern AI frameworks?
Yes. RV1126 supports mainstream AI inference frameworks optimized for Rockchip NPUs, including INT8-quantized neural networks. However, model size, resolution, and concurrency are more constrained compared to RV1126B due to lower NPU throughput.
How do the ISP capabilities differ between RV1126B and RV1126?
Although RV1126 supports up to 14MP single-sensor input, RV1126B offers more advanced ISP features, including higher-quality multi-camera stitching, stronger fisheye correction (4K@30), and enhanced AI-ISP pipelines. RV1126B is generally better suited for multi-sensor and panoramic camera designs.
Can both SoCs handle 4K video encoding and decoding?
Yes. Both RV1126B and RV1126 support 4K@30 H.264 and H.265 encoding and decoding, as well as 4K MJPEG. There is no significant difference in raw codec capability between the two platforms.
Is USB 3.0 support important in real-world designs?
USB 3.0 support on RV1126B can be important for applications requiring:
- High-speed external storage
- Fast data offload
- Development and debugging
- High-bandwidth peripherals
RV1126, limited to USB 2.0, may become a bottleneck in data-intensive systems.
Which chip is better for multi-camera systems?
RV1126B is better suited for multi-camera configurations, supporting up to four MIPI-CSI inputs and additional interfaces such as thermal imaging. RV1126 typically targets single- or dual-camera designs.
Do both RV1126B and RV1126 support always-on vision (AOV)?
Yes, but at different levels. RV1126B supports AOV 3.0, including pre-roll recording and more advanced low-power capture modes. RV1126 supports AOV 1.0, which is suitable for basic always-on applications but offers fewer optimizations.
Is Gigabit Ethernet supported on both platforms?
No. RV1126B supports Gigabit Ethernet via RGMII, while RV1126 is limited to RMII, typically resulting in Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps). This makes RV1126B preferable for high-bitrate or multi-stream video transmission.
Which SoC is more future-proof?
From a long-term perspective, RV1126B is more future-proof due to its 64-bit CPU architecture, higher AI performance, richer I/O options, and stronger ISP pipeline. RV1126 remains a cost-effective choice for stable, well-defined products with limited AI expansion needs.
