Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Launches

Joanna Estrada

October 20, 2020

But when you need something even smaller, you turn to the Raspberry Pi Compute Module, essentially a stripped-down RaspPi without numerous built-in ports that can act as a central processor for your finished projects. It is a simmered down variant of Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with a new form factor.

It is based on the same 64-bit quad-core BCM2711 application processor as Raspberry Pi 4 but brings faster CPU cores, better multimedia, and interfacing capabilities.

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 sports dual HDMI interfaces at resolutions up to 4K, and a single-lane PCI Express 2.0 interface.

Due to the wide range of potential uses, 32 variants of the Compute Module 4 are being made available.

For maximum flexibility, CM4 is available with different eMMC flash and DRAM density options, and with optional dual-band wireless connectivity. Prices start at $25 and increase to $90 for the most feature rich module including 8GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and on-board wireless. The board also supports wifi via an included antenna port and connects to your projects via a JEDEC DDR2 SODIMM connector. It has 28 GPIO pins. Farnell has heavily invested in stock to ensure availability for volume orders from engineers looking to integrate CM4 and other Raspberry Pi Compute Modules into new products. Moreover, you also have the option to choose from 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB eMMC Flash storage.

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 has optional 2.4GHz + 5GHz 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connecitivity.

Coming to videos, it has VideoCore VI graphics, supporting OpenGL ES 3.x, 4Kp60 hardware decode of H.265 (HEVC) video. It will offer two full-size HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet jack, two USB 2.0 ports, a MicroSD card socket, PCI Express socket, 40-pin GPIO connector, 12V power input jack, camera and display connectors, and a real-time clock with battery backup.

Finally, there's a Compute Module 4 Antenna Kit, which acts as an alternative to the on-board wireless PCB antenna. It is supplied with a bulkhead fixture and a cable with a U.FL connector.