Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 – Loaded with Options

2020-10-19 | By Nate_Larson

You’ve had some time now to get acquainted with the much revered Raspberry Pi 4 boards by now, whether it be the 1, 2, 4, or 8GB variant, and you’ve created a phenomenal project the world is waiting on to revolutionize life as we know it! But how do you socket a Pi? 

Fret not, for the Raspberry Pi Foundation has now released the Compute Module 4, or CM4, designed to ease your transition to a production-ready application. And not just one version, but they are offering an astounding 32 variants to ensure you can purchase an option that has exactly what you require, without having to foot the bill for a bunch of extras to help you keep your final product price competitive.

Do you need integrated wireless communication? Perfect, there is an option for you!

Don’t need wireless communication? That’s fine, save yourself a few bucks!

How much RAM do you need; 1, 2, 4, or 8GB? Yep, options for all of those as well!

Onboard storage you ask? Of course, you can choose from 8, 16, or 32GB. Or, if you have other plans for your operating system, you can go with the CM4 Lite option and save the cost of included eMMC!

Take note that if you select an option that includes the onboard wireless module, a UFL connector is provided in addition to an onboard PCB antenna which allows the addition of an optional external antenna, for which an antenna kit is available. The antenna kit comprises an antenna, which has been pre-certified for use with CM4, a bulkhead fixture, and a cable.

CM4 with external antenna kit

The CM4 is a complete redesign of the Compute Module as we know it. Gone are the days of the card edge connector, being replaced with two low-profile board-to-board connectors to allow the full utilization of all the onboard features.

Bottom side of CM4

As such, to assist in the transition from a typical Raspberry Pi 4 board and provide all interfaces for the development of your grand idea, the Pi Foundation has accompanied the launch of the new CM4 boards with a new IO board, aptly dubbed the CM4IO.

CM4IO board fitted with CM4

The CM4IO features:

• Standard 40-pin GPIO header
• 2 × full-size HDMI 2.0 connectors
• 2 × MIPI DSI display FPC connectors
• 2 × MIPI CSI-2 camera FPC connectors
• 2 × USB 2.0 connectors
• Gigabit Ethernet jack with PoE support (Requires separate Raspberry Pi PoE HAT)
• PCIe Gen 2 x1 socket
• MicroSD card socket (for use with CM4 Lite modules)
• Battery-backed real-time clock
• 5-12 V input voltage range (separate power supply required)

CM4IO

Start planning your next Raspberry Pi project with the new CM4 and get a head start on your next production project today!