Particle Tachyon is a single-board computer (SBC) built around an octa-core Qualcomm processor, a 12 TOPS neural processing unit (NPU), and 5G cellular connectivity. Particle introduced it through a Kickstarter campaign in July 2024; today, the company presents it as an edge-computing and hobbyist board and links to a purchase page. It is a computer board, not a microcontroller like Particle’s earlier Spark Core.
What is the Particle Tachyon?
Tachyon is Particle’s credit-card-sized SBC for projects that need a general-purpose computer alongside wireless connectivity and AI acceleration. Particle highlights robotics, camera processing, home-lab servers, and home automation as potential uses. Those are the manufacturer’s suggested applications, not independently verified performance results.
The launch drew attention partly because Particle began as Spark, maker of the Wi-Fi-enabled Spark Core microcontroller, before expanding into an IoT platform. Make: described Tachyon as a return to maker-facing hardware crowdfunding when it covered the Kickstarter launch on July 30, 2024. That framing describes the launch story; Particle’s current product positioning is an edge-computing SBC.
What are the Tachyon’s 5G and AI specifications?
Particle’s product page, accessed October 4, 2026, lists these specifications. They are manufacturer-published figures, not results from independent testing.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Component | Particle-listed specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core Qualcomm Kryo: 1 × 2.7GHz, 3 × 2.4GHz, and 4 × 1.9GHz |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Built-in storage | 128GB UFS |
| GPU and AI acceleration | Adreno 643 GPU and 12 TOPS NPU |
| Cellular | 5G sub-6GHz modem with on-device antennas |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Camera connections | Two 4-lane CSI interfaces |
| USB-C | USB 3.1 with DisplayPort and power delivery |
| Other interfaces and security | PCIe lanes, DSI, secure boot, and an encrypted filesystem |
The storage figure differs by source and date: Make: reported 64GB of built-in storage in its July 2024 launch coverage, while Particle’s current product page lists 128GB UFS. Treat the latter as Particle’s current listed specification; the available sources do not explain the change.
How is Tachyon different from a Raspberry Pi?
The clearest distinction in the available specifications is Tachyon’s combination of integrated 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and a dedicated 12 TOPS NPU, alongside its listed CPU, memory, and interfaces. That does not establish that Tachyon is faster or better than any particular Raspberry Pi: the available sources include no controlled benchmark against a named competitor.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Particle says Tachyon has a Raspberry Pi-compatible 40-pin connector and supports HATs and peripherals. A shared connector standard is useful, but it does not guarantee that every Raspberry Pi accessory will work. Check each add-on’s physical fit, operating-system and driver support, electrical requirements, and interface before buying.
For a practical comparison with a specific Pi model, check the exact board revision and operating system as well as CPU and accelerator needs, memory and storage, cellular coverage and service costs, camera and display connections, USB and PCIe options, and the software and deployment tools your project requires.
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What should you know about 5G coverage and regional variants?
Particle lists North America and Rest of World versions and directs buyers to a country-coverage table. The product page’s general 5G sub-6GHz description does not mean every carrier, country, or frequency combination is supported. Confirm that the variant and coverage meet your requirements before purchasing, and account for any cellular service costs separately.
Particle also lists Wi-Fi 6E, so cellular is not the board’s only wireless option. Which connection makes sense depends on where the device will run, available networks, and the project’s data and reliability requirements.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Is Particle Tachyon available now?
Particle’s current product page includes a “Buy now” link, whereas the July 2024 Make: report covered the Kickstarter campaign. That indicates the product has moved beyond its original crowdfunding launch page, but it does not establish live inventory, price, delivery estimates, or availability through other retailers. Check Particle’s purchase page for current terms. Kickstarter pledges, as Make: noted at launch, are not a guarantee of delivery.
There is also a corporate update: Digi International announced on January 27, 2026, that it had acquired Particle and would integrate Particle with Digi’s OEM Solutions within its IoT Products and Services segment. That announcement does not, by itself, establish a change to Tachyon’s roadmap, pricing, or service continuity.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Sources
- Make:, David Groom, July 30, 2024: “Particle Return to their Roots to Kickstart New AI-Enhanced 5G IoT SBC”
- Particle: Tachyon product page, accessed October 4, 2026
- Digi International: acquisition announcement, January 27, 2026
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
