LinkIt Smart 7688 Development Board | MediaTek MT7688 OpenWrt Linux IoT Platform
Description
The (SPIDER Automation) LinkIt Smart 7688 is a compact, open development board based on the OpenWrt Linux distribution and MediaTek’s MT7688AN chipset. Co-designed by Seeed Studio and MediaTek, it bridges open-source hardware with industry-leading IoT reference designs, providing developers with a robust platform tailored for smart home automation, robotics, and rich IoT applications.
Operating on a 580 MHz MIPS CPU and backed by 128MB of DDR2 RAM and 32MB of flash memory, the board delivers ample computing power and storage capacity to handle intensive tasks such as video processing and network routing. The platform supports multiple development languages including Python, Node.js, and C, enabling flexible software creation through the MediaTek Labs ecosystem.
Key Features
- MT7688AN Chipset & MIPS CPU: Driven by a 580 MHz MIPS24KEc core delivering reliable processing performance.
- Robust Memory Configuration: Equipped with 128MB DDR2 RAM and 32MB flash memory for demanding Linux environments.
- OpenWrt Linux Distribution: Out-of-the-box support for advanced networking, package management, and custom scripts.
- Comprehensive I/O Pinouts: Dedicated breakout pins for PWM, I2C, SPI, UART, GPIO, I2S, Ethernet, and Ethernet port.
- Built-In Wireless & Storage: Features 1T1R Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, a USB host interface, and a MicroSD card slot.
- Multi-Language Programming: Create device applications effortlessly using Python, Node.js, or C.
Benefits
- Rich IoT Prototyping: Ideal for building smart-home gateways, connected appliances, and smart surveillance nodes.
- Flexible Software Ecosystem: Leverage existing libraries and packages compatible with OpenWrt and MediaTek SDKs.
- Expandable Storage: Use the onboard MicroSD card slot to store large datasets, logs, or application files.
- Compact Form Factor: Easily embeds into custom project enclosures and hardware prototypes.
- Collaborative Open Hardware: Backed by extensive reference designs, documentation, and community resources.
- Versatile Communication: Seamlessly bridge wired peripherals and wireless cloud networks.
Applications
- Smart Home Automation: Centralized IoT hubs, smart lighting controllers, and home security monitoring.
- Video & Data Processing: Lightweight video streaming nodes and edge data loggers.
- Robotics Controllers: Wi-Fi-enabled robotic chassis control and telemetry monitoring.
- Industrial & Remote Sensors: Smart gateways connecting field sensors to cloud platforms via Wi-Fi.
- Educational & R&D Projects: Exploring embedded Linux development, networking protocols, and Python/Node.js IoT apps.
- Wireless Bridge Solutions: Converting serial or SPI data streams into network packets over Wi-Fi.
Important Operating Notes
- Stable Power Supply: Choose a reliable power adapter with stable output to ensure optimal performance.
- Voltage Protection: Overshoot voltage of the power input must not exceed 5.5V, and voltage wave fluctuations should remain within ±100mV of the rated voltage.
Package Includes
- 1 x LinkIt Smart 7688 Development Board
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Item Type | IoT Development Board |
| Brand | SPIDER Automation |
| Model Series / Platform | LinkIt Smart 7688 |
| Chipset | MediaTek MT7688AN |
| Processor Core | 580 MHz MIPS (MIPS24KEc) |
| Operating System | OpenWrt Linux Distribution |
| RAM Capacity | 128 MB DDR2 |
| Flash Memory | 32 MB |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (1T1R Single Input Single Output) |
| Expansion & Storage | MicroSD Card Slot, USB Host |
| Digital & Communication Pinouts | GPIO, PWM, I2C, SPI, UART, Ethernet, I2S |
| Supported Programming Languages | Python, Node.js, C |


