New Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Review and Guide for Embedded Systems

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 is the latest addition to the Raspberry Pi family, designed to offer the power of the Raspberry Pi 5 in a compact, modular form factor. This makes it an ideal choice for embedded projects, industrial applications, and makers who require a customizable solution. Unlike standard Raspberry Pi boards, the Compute Module 5 is intended for use in custom hardware designs, offering flexibility and compactness without sacrificing performance. This article will cover the key details of the CM5, its improvements over the previous Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, a comparison with the Raspberry Pi 5, and its suitability for various embedded systems.

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Overview

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 will be released in the end of 2024, marking a significant update to the Raspberry Pi Compute Module lineup. It brings the full power of the Raspberry Pi 5 into a smaller, modular form, making it an ideal solution for embedded projects that require customization and compactness.

The CM5 comes in several configurations, offering 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB of LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM. For storage, it supports eMMC and SD card options, allowing developers to choose based on their specific needs. Pricing for the CM5 starts at around $45, depending on the memory configuration, offering an affordable yet powerful solution for embedded and industrial applications.

Figure: Overview of Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Specifications:

Figure: Raspberry Pi CM5 Options

Improvements of Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Over the Compute Module 4

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 offers several notable upgrades over its predecessor, the Compute Module 4 . These improvements are primarily focused on performance, memory, and flexibility, making the CM5 a more powerful and versatile choice for demanding embedded applications.

• Enhanced Performance: The CM5 is powered by the Broadcom BCM2711 SoC (Quad-core ARM Cortex-A72), providing faster processing speeds and better multitasking capabilities compared to the CM4.
• Increased Memory Options: The CM5 offers up to 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, whereas the CM4 was limited to 4GB. This increase in memory enables the CM5 to handle more memory-intensive applications, such as data processing and real-time analytics.
• Improved Storage: The CM5 supports higher eMMC storage capacities and faster data transfer speeds, which is essential for applications that require large storage or fast access to data.
• Customizability: Like the CM4, the CM5 is designed for integration into custom PCBs, but with added flexibility and performance, making it an ideal choice for more advanced embedded projects.

These enhancements make the CM5 a superior option for a wider range of applications, particularly in industrial and embedded systems where performance and scalability are critical.

Figure: Design of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 & Compute Module 4 Compatibility

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 vs. Raspberry Pi 5: How to Choose?

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 and Raspberry Pi 5 are both powered by the same BCM2711 SoC, but they cater to different needs. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is the better option for your project:

1. Form Factor and Customization:

Compute Module 5: The CM5 is a bare board, designed for use in custom hardware configurations. It lacks onboard connectors like USB or HDMI, so it’s suitable for projects that require integration into custom PCBs or where the user needs complete control over peripheral connections.

Raspberry Pi 5: The Raspberry Pi 5 is a fully featured single-board computer, offering built-in USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports, ideal for users who need an out-of-the-box solution with standard connectivity options.

2. Performance and Features:

Compute Module 5: The CM5 is designed for scenarios where users need to design their own PCB and customize the board to fit specific needs, such as embedded applications. It does not have built-in display or I/O ports, so it’s best suited for situations where these can be added externally.

Raspberry Pi 5: The Raspberry Pi 5 comes with a complete set of I/O ports, making it ideal for general-purpose computing, prototyping, or educational use where ease of integration and connectivity are important.

3. Cost and Flexibility:

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5:

The pricing for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 starts at $45 for the 2GB version. Other configurations are available, including the 8GB version with 64GB eMMC storage and Wi-Fi, which is priced at $95. Additionally, there is the Compute Module 5 Development Kit, priced at $130, which includes essential accessories for development and testing.

The CM5 offers significant flexibility, allowing developers to design custom PCBs and configure the module to meet the specific needs of their projects. This makes it an excellent choice for projects that require customization or integration into more complex systems.

Raspberry Pi 5:

In contrast, the Raspberry Pi 5 starts at $50 for the 2GB version. Other configurations include 4GB of RAM for $60 and 8GB of RAM for $80. The Raspberry Pi 5 is fully equipped with additional ports and connectors, providing a more complete out-of-the-box solution.

The Raspberry Pi 5 is better suited for use cases where standard configurations are sufficient and where rapid deployment is key. It’s ideal for projects that require quick setup and minimal customization, such as general-purpose computing or educational use.

In conclusion, the CM5 is best for projects where customization is necessary, and the Raspberry Pi 5 is better suited for those who need a ready-made solution with full I/O functionality.

Figure: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 and Raspberry Pi 5

Ideal Use Cases for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5

1. Industrial Automation and Control Systems:

With its powerful processing capabilities and compact size, the CM5 is ideal for industrial automation, robotics, and control systems. Its ability to interface with a range of custom sensors and peripherals makes it perfect for IoT (Internet of Things) applications. The added memory options and storage flexibility make it suitable for handling complex data processing tasks in real time.

2. Embedded consumer electronics:

The CM5’s small size and high performance make it a great choice for embedded consumer electronics. From smart home devices to portable tablets, the CM5 can be integrated into a variety of products that require custom PCB designs. The ability to connect to displays, like the Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2, further enhances its versatility for creating user-friendly devices.

3. Maker and DIY Projects:

For makers and DIY enthusiasts, the CM5 provides a powerful and flexible platform for custom electronics projects. Its compatibility with a wide range of accessories and the option to design a custom PCB makes it ideal for everything from AI-powered cameras to retro gaming consoles.

4. Digital Signage and Kiosk Systems:

The CM5’s compact size and ability to integrate with custom peripherals make it an excellent option for digital signage and interactive kiosks. Its performance and flexibility enable the creation of tailored solutions that are optimized for commercial environments, where space and power consumption are important considerations.

5. Edge Computing and AI Applications:

With its powerful processing capabilities, the CM5 is well-suited for edge computing applications that require real-time data processing. Whether it’s AI-based video processing, machine learning, or sensor data analysis, the CM5’s memory and storage options make it a robust solution for intelligent, data-intensive devices.

Figure: Compute Module 5 is already being deployed in successful embedded solutions

Conclusion

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 is a versatile and powerful embedded computing solution that brings the full capabilities of the Raspberry Pi 5 into a compact, customizable form. With enhanced memory, improved storage options, and flexibility for custom integration, the CM5 is an excellent choice for a wide range of industrial, consumer, and maker applications. Whether you’re building a smart device, an embedded system, or an AI-powered solution, the CM5 offers the performance and customizability you need to bring your project to life.