How to Configure the RK070CU01 LVDS Display on Rockchip SBCs

The RK070CU01 is a 7-inch 1024x600 TFT LCD display module from Rocktech, commonly used in embedded applications. It utilizes the LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) interface, making it ideal for longer cable lengths and noise immunity—key factors in industrial environments.

This article explains how to integrate the RK070CU01 into an embedded Linux system running on a Rockchip SoC such as the PX30, RK3566, or RK3399.

🧩 Hardware Overview

Model: RK070CU01
Resolution: 1024x600
Interface: LVDS (Single Channel)
Backlight: White LED
Power Supply: 3.3V logic, 5V backlight
Panel Type: TN or IPS (custom options)

🛠️ Prerequisites

Linux BSP with Device Tree support (e.g., Buildroot, Yocto, or Android SDK)
Rockchip kernel sources (4.19 or newer)
Kernel config: CONFIG_DRM_PANEL_SIMPLE=y

📁 Device Tree Configuration

1. Define the Panel Node

lvds_panel: panel {
  compatible = "rocktech,rk070cu01", "simple-panel";
  backlight = <&backlight>;
  power-supply = <&vcc3v3_lcd>;
  enable-gpios = <&gpio0 RK_PA0 GPIO_ACTIVE_HIGH>;

  display-timings {
    native-mode = <&timing0>;
    timing0: timing0 {
      clock-frequency = <51000000>;
      hactive = <1024>;
      vactive = <600>;
      hsync-len = <20>;
      hback-porch = <160>;
      hfront-porch = <160>;
      vsync-len = <3>;
      vback-porch = <23>;
      vfront-porch = <12>;
      hsync-active = <0>;
      vsync-active = <0>;
      de-active = <1>;
      pixelclk-active = <0>;
    };
  };
};

2. Connect Panel to LVDS

In vopb or vopl output route:

&lvds {
  status = "okay";
  rockchip,output = "vopb";
  panel = <&lvds_panel>;
};

Ensure the &vopb or &vopl output path is enabled.

💡 Additional Notes

Backlight Control: Use a PWM or GPIO-controlled backlight driver.
Power-on Sequence: Some panels require delays; use enable-delay-ms if needed.
LVDS Bridge: If you’re converting MIPI to LVDS, configure the DSI-to-LVDS bridge (e.g., SN65DSI83).

🧪 Testing

After compiling and flashing the updated DTB:

dmesg | grep panel
cat /sys/class/graphics/fb0/modes

You should see:

U:1024x600p-60

Use modetest, fbset, or drm_info for deeper diagnostics.

📦 GitHub Resource

You can find ready-to-use RK070CU01 configuration code in this GitHub repository:

👉 https://github.com/Kevin109/rocktech-tft-display-configs

✅ Summary

The RK070CU01 is a robust, widely used 7" LVDS panel ideal for embedded Rockchip platforms. By properly configuring the Device Tree and connecting the panel to the right video output, developers can quickly bring up the display in their custom Linux builds.

Whether you're working with Buildroot or Yocto, this guide helps simplify the integration process.

Want to contribute? Feel free to fork the GitHub repo and share improvements!

Published on Medium by a member of the Rockchip embedded Linux developer community.

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