Summary of QUALCOMM UNVEILS SNAPDRAGON 855 HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT (HDK)
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Mobile Hardware Development Kit (HDK) is an optimized Android platform for developers to build mobile devices. Based on the 7nm octa-core Snapdragon 855 processor, this board supports high-end connectivity features like WiFi 6 readiness, Gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.0. It includes extensive I/O options such as HDMI, DisplayPort, multiple MIPI interfaces for cameras and displays, and expansion slots like Mini PCIe and 96Boards connectors. The kit also offers optional accessories including a high-resolution touchscreen and various camera modules to facilitate rapid prototyping and innovation.
Parts used in the Snapdragon 855 Mobile Hardware Development Kit:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Octa-core System on Chip
- Adreno 640 GPU
- Flash Storage and Micro SD Card Slot
- MIPI 4-lane DSI Interfaces (2x)
- HDMI Port
- DisplayPort over USB 3.1 Type-C Port
- MIPI 4-lane CSI Camera Inputs (3x)
- Gigabit Ethernet Controller
- WiFi 5 802.11ac Module
- Bluetooth 5.0 Module
- GNSS Receiver (GPS/GLONASS/COMPASS/GALILEO)
- USB 3.0 Type A Ports (2x)
- USB 3.1 Type-C Port
- Sensor I/O Connectors (2x)
- Audio Input and Output Headers
- 3.5mm Audio Headset Jack
- Mini PCIe Port
- 96Boards HS and LS Connectors
- VERTIGO Connector
- User LEDs and Power/Volume Buttons
- Optional 5.7 inch Touchscreen Display
- Optional Camera Modules (Front and Rear)
Snapdragon 855 is a popular, high-end processor that is found in premium smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S10 or Xiaomi Mi 9. Recently Snapdragon 855 Mobile Hardware Development Kit appeared on Qualcomm developer website. The Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 855 mobile hardware development kit (HDK) is a highly integrated and optimized Android development platform designed for technology companies to integrate and innovate mobile device development on the Snapdragon 855 mobile platform.
Snapdragon 855 is a octa-core processor fabricated with 7nm process and comes with WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, GNSS, Gigabit Ethernet, multiple MIPI DSI and CSI interfaces, DisplayPort over USB-C and HDMI outputs and more.
Snapdragon 855 HDK Preliminary Specifications:
- SoC – Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Octa-core processor with 1x Kryo 485 Gold Prime core at up to 2.8 GHz, 3x Kryo 485 Gold cores at up to 2.4 GHz, and 4x Kryo 485 Silver low-power cores at up to 1.7 GHz, Adreno 640 GPU
- System Memory – TBD
- Storage – TBD flash, micro SD card slot
- Video Output
- 2x MIPI 4-lane DSI + touch panel
- 1x HDMI
- DisplayPort over USB 3.1 type-C port
- Camera Input – 3x MIPI 4-lane CSI with support for 3D camera configuration
- Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet
- WiFi 5 802.11ac 2×2 with MU-MIMO; “WiFi 6 ready”
- Bluetooth 5.0
- GNSS – GPS/GLONASS/COMPASS/GALILEO
- USB – 2x USB 3.0 type A ports, 1x USB 3.1 type-C port
- Expansion
- 2x Sensor I/O connectors
- Audio input and output header
- 3.5mm audio headset jack
- Mini PCIe port
- 96boards? HS and LS connectors
- VERTIGO connector (what is it for?)
- Debugging – 1x micro USB port
- Misc – 4x user LEDs, WiFi and Bluetooth LEDs, power and volume buttons
- Power Supply – 12V DC via power barrel, and maybe USB-C port
- Dimensions – Not specified, but it sure looks like the board follows 96Boards CE Extended specs, so it should be 100×85 mm
The board supports Android 9, and the company provides optional accessories including a 5.7″ touchscreen display with 2560×1440 resolution and expansion board, as well as camera modules, namely 12MP + 5MP front camera, and DUAL 12MP + 13MP rear cameras.
Read more: QUALCOMM UNVEILS SNAPDRAGON 855 HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT (HDK)
- What operating system does the Snapdragon 855 HDK support?
The board supports Android 9. - Can the Snapdragon 855 HDK be used with WiFi 6?
The hardware is described as WiFi 6 ready while currently featuring WiFi 5 802.11ac. - How many MIPI camera inputs are available on the development kit?
The kit includes 3x MIPI 4-lane CSI inputs that support 3D camera configurations. - Does the Snapdragon 855 HDK include physical buttons?
Yes, it includes power and volume buttons along with user LEDs. - What video output options are provided by the board?
It provides one HDMI port and DisplayPort over a USB 3.1 type-C port. - Are there expansion options for sensors or other modules?
Yes, the board features 2x Sensor I/O connectors, a Mini PCIe port, and 96Boards HS and LS connectors. - What is the power supply requirement for the device?
The device requires a 12V DC supply via a power barrel and potentially a USB-C port. - What optional display resolution is supported by the accessories?
An optional 5.7 inch touchscreen with a 2560×1440 resolution is available.
