The faster and more powerful Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 is a versatile System on Module (SoM) in a smaller form factor and with greater memory capacity, making it ideal for embedded solutions.
A faster and more powerful system-on-module (SoM) than previous models, the CM4 offers a greater variety of connectivity and memory options for engineers designing embedded solutions. Among its main features are its small format, greater energy efficiency, compatibility with PCIe and a variety of multimedia interfaces. The power and versatility of the CM4 make it the ideal solution for many applications in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), home automation, and industrial automation. Raspberry Pi products are increasingly used in product design and it is estimated that 40-50% of Raspberry Pi boards are now sold to industrial customers and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) subcontractors. As the largest volume manufacturing partner for Raspberry Pi, Farnell has invested heavily in stock to ensure availability for volume orders, so design engineers can confidently integrate the CM4 and other Raspberry Pi Compute modules. on their new products.
The CM4 is based on the renowned Raspberry Pi Model 4B single-board computer with an updated form factor that houses new interfaces, such as dual HDMI, PCIe, and Gigabit Ethernet, in a smaller footprint. Access to the processor interfaces and GPIO pins is done via two 100-pin high-density connectors. For maximum flexibility, the CM4 is available with eMMC Flash and DRAM of various capacities, and with optional dual-band wireless connectivity. There is also a "lite" version available without eMMC, making it an ideal solution for cost-sensitive applications.
El CM4 It is packed with features that add performance and connectivity, such as:
- Processor: a 72-bit quad-core Broadcom BCM2711 ARM Cortex-A64 clocked at 1,5GHz offering the highest levels of performance and power efficiency on the market. .
- Memory: from 1 GB to 8 GB of LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM and up to 32 GB of eMMC Flash memory depending on the model.
- Multimedia: Hardware codec for H.265 (decodes up to 4kp60 ) and H.264 (decodes up to 1080p60 and encodes up to 1080p30).
- Connectivity: Optional fully certified radio module, supports IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac dual-band wireless networking and Bluetooth 5.0. A built-in electronic switch selects between an external or built-in antenna.
The card CM4IO has been designed to simplify the development of new products using the CM4. It is suitable for evaluating and developing prototypes of new products, it serves as a reference design for the interface between external devices and the CM4; it can also be directly integrated into the final products. The CM4IO card can be used with the full range of CM4 modules and incorporates:
- Gigabit Ethernet connectivity with support for Power over Ethernet (requires a Raspberry Pi PoE HAT add-in card)
- Two full-size HDMI connectors
- Two USB 2 sockets with a connector for two additional sockets
- A micro-USB socket for upgrading the CM4 and a micro SD card socket for CM4Lite modules
- One PCIe Gen 2 socket
the antenna kit Compute Module is also available for CM4 versions that incorporate a wireless module. The kit includes an external antenna that has been pre-certified for use with the CM4, reducing the additional compliance requirements required when incorporating an external antenna into a design. Supplied with cable gland accessory and a cable with U.FL connector.
Lee Turner, General Manager of Farnell Semiconductors and SBCs, noted : “Ease of use is crucial for our customers. Thanks to its extensive documentation, established software stack, and large user community, the Raspberry Pi Compute Module series has always been a very popular product among embedded systems engineers. This new version of the Compute Module offers higher levels of performance and connectivity, as well as improved power efficiency, making it easier than ever to incorporate into products. With its dual HDMI, PCI Express, RAM and eMMC memory options, and a dual-band option, design engineers can develop a wider variety of applications and get their products to market faster than ever before.”
Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi Trading, statedó : “Since 2014, the Compute Module family has become an increasingly important part of the Raspberry Pi offering, enabling customers to take advantage of the cost, performance, and stability of the Raspberry Pi platform in their own products and form factor. . Farnell has been an essential part of the Compute Modules program as he has invested in ensuring our customers have stock when they need it and offering unparalleled support through the element14 community. The Compute Module 4 extends the range with the power of the Raspberry Pi 4 and adds multiple RAM capacity options, optional wireless connectivity, and an even greater variety of interface options. We are really looking forward to seeing what people are going to build with the CM4 platform.”
Stocking the best range of single board computers on the market from over 100 manufacturers, Farnell offers 24/XNUMX technical support to ensure customers can take advantage of the latest technological innovations for their experiments and embedded solutions. Farnell can also support customers taking their ideas from specification to production, with comprehensive product development solutions offered through the Avnet ecosystem.
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 and accessories, such as the Compute Module 4 I/O board and Compute Module 4 antenna kit, are available for Farnell in Europe and Newark in North America.
