Banana Pi BPI-M1+ SBC – Allwinner A20 Dual-Core, 1GB DDR3, WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet & SATA

The Banana Pi BPI-M1+ is an open-source Single Board Computer (SBC) designed for Linux development, IoT, networking, home automation, multimedia, education, robotics, and embedded computing applications.

Powered by the Allwinner A20 dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor running at 1GHz, the BPI-M1+ combines 1GB DDR3 RAM, Mali-400 MP2 graphics, onboard WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, SATA storage connectivity, HDMI, USB, and a 40-pin GPIO expansion header.

One of the major advantages of the BPI-M1+ is its combination of native SATA and Gigabit Ethernet, making it particularly useful for storage, networking, lightweight server, and embedded Linux projects.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Banana Pi
• Model: BPI-M1+ / BPI-M1 Plus
• Product Type: Single Board Computer (SBC)
• SoC: Allwinner A20
• CPU: Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A7
• CPU Frequency: Up to 1GHz
• GPU: ARM Mali-400 MP2
• Graphics API: OpenGL ES 2.0 / 1.1
• Memory: 1GB DDR3 SDRAM
• Primary Storage: MicroSD / TF Card
• Additional Storage Interface: SATA 2.0
• Ethernet: 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
• WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n Onboard
• USB Host: 2 × USB 2.0
• USB OTG: 1 × USB OTG
• Display Output: HDMI
• Composite Video: CVBS Supported
• Display Interface: LVDS / RGB
• Camera Interface: CSI
• GPIO Header: 40-Pin
• Expansion Interfaces: GPIO, UART, I2C, SPI, PWM, CAN, I2S, S/PDIF & ADC
• Audio Output: HDMI & 3.5mm Jack
• Microphone: Onboard
• Infrared: IR Receiver
• Battery Interface: 3.7V Lithium Battery Interface
• Power Input: 5V DC
• Recommended Power Supply: 5V / 2A
• Typical Dimensions: Approx. 92 × 60mm

Allwinner A20 Dual-Core Processor

The BPI-M1+ is powered by the Allwinner A20, featuring two ARM Cortex-A7 CPU cores running at up to 1GHz.

The ARMv7-based processor provides a practical platform for embedded Linux applications, networking projects, automation, education, lightweight servers, and development environments.

Mali-400 MP2 Graphics

Graphics processing is handled by the integrated ARM Mali-400 MP2 GPU, with support for:

OpenGL ES 2.0

OpenGL ES 1.1

The A20 platform also provides hardware-assisted multimedia capabilities for compatible video formats, making the board useful for multimedia and display-based projects.

Actual video playback capabilities depend on the operating system, drivers, codecs, and software configuration.

1GB DDR3 Memory

The BPI-M1+ includes 1GB of DDR3 SDRAM, shared between the CPU system and graphics subsystem as required.

This allows the board to run Linux-based operating systems and applications such as network services, development tools, automation software, lightweight graphical interfaces, and embedded applications.

Gigabit Ethernet

Unlike many older-generation SBCs that were limited to Fast Ethernet, the BPI-M1+ includes a 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet interface.

This makes the board especially useful for:

• Network Servers
• IoT Gateways
• Home Automation Controllers
• NAS Experiments
• Data Logging
• Remote Monitoring
• Network Development

Actual network throughput depends on the operating system, storage, network infrastructure, drivers, and application workload.

Onboard WiFi

The BPI-M1+ improves on the original BPI-M1 by adding onboard 802.11 b/g/n WiFi.

This allows the board to connect directly to compatible 2.4GHz wireless networks without requiring an external USB WiFi adapter.

The onboard wireless connection is particularly useful for IoT, smart-home, remote-monitoring, and portable embedded applications.

SATA 2.0 Storage Interface

One of the most useful features of the Banana Pi BPI-M1+ is its dedicated SATA 2.0 interface.

A compatible SATA HDD or SSD can be connected for projects requiring more storage capacity than a MicroSD card can provide.

This makes the board suitable for projects such as:

• File Servers
• Home NAS Systems
• Media Storage
• Data Logging
• Local Backup Systems
• Embedded Storage Applications

A connected SATA drive may require a suitable external power source depending on the drive and system configuration.

40-Pin GPIO Header

The BPI-M1+ provides a 40-pin expansion header for connecting external electronic hardware.

Available functions include interfaces such as:

• GPIO
• UART
• I2C
• SPI
• PWM
• CAN Bus
• I2S
• S/PDIF
• ADC
• 3.3V / 5V Power
• Ground

This makes the board suitable for interfacing with sensors, displays, communication modules, motor controllers, relays, and other embedded electronics.

Camera & Display Connectivity

The BPI-M1+ provides several display and camera options, including:

• HDMI Output
• Composite Video / CVBS
• LVDS / RGB Display Interface
• CSI Camera Interface

These connections make the board suitable for embedded display systems, multimedia projects, camera applications, digital signage, and human-machine interfaces.

Compatibility should always be verified for the specific camera or display being connected.

USB Connectivity

The board provides:

• 2 × USB 2.0 Host Ports
• 1 × USB OTG Interface

USB host ports can be used with compatible peripherals such as keyboards, mice, USB storage, serial adapters, and other devices supported by the installed operating system.

Operating System Support

The Banana Pi BPI-M1+ platform has historically supported several Linux and Android distributions, including:

• Debian
• Ubuntu / Lubuntu
• Raspbian-Based Images
• OpenSUSE
• Android

Because this is an older SBC platform, the availability and maintenance status of specific OS images can vary. Check current community or Banana Pi resources before selecting an operating system for a new project.

Applications

Ideal for Linux development, IoT gateways, robotics, home automation, lightweight servers, NAS experiments, network applications, multimedia systems, data logging, embedded computing, STEM education, programming laboratories, industrial prototypes, smart-home projects, and DIY electronics.

Important Note

The Banana Pi BPI-M1+ is different from the original BPI-M1.

The original BPI-M1 uses a 26-pin GPIO header and does not include the same onboard WiFi configuration, while the BPI-M1+ provides a 40-pin GPIO header and onboard 802.11 b/g/n WiFi.

The BPI-M1+ is also an older-generation SBC. Although many Linux and Android distributions have historically been available for it, modern OS support should be checked before selecting the board for a new long-term project.

The 40-pin header should also not automatically be assumed to have full Raspberry Pi electrical, pin-function, driver, or software compatibility simply because the physical connector is similar.

Use a stable 5V / 2A power supply for reliable operation, particularly when USB peripherals or external hardware are connected.

Package Includes

1 × Banana Pi BPI-M1+ Single Board Computer