You use the raspberry pi compute module to make special hardware projects. The pinout lets you reach the board’s hardware connections. You notice a difference when you compare the compute module to a regular raspberry pi 4 or raspberry pi 5. The compute module helps you design new products and devices. The raspberry pi compute module family grew over time. It started with CM3, then CM4, CM4S, and CM5. Each new version adds more features and works better with raspberry pi 4 and raspberry pi 5 hardware. When you check the specs and datasheet, you learn how to connect things and pick the right parts. Raspberry pi os lets you run your code and test your project.
Key Takeaways
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Raspberry Pi Compute Modules are small and strong boards. They are made for custom hardware projects. They do not have built-in ports. You need a carrier board to add more parts.
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Each new Compute Module is faster and has more memory. Newer ones also add things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and PCIe. CM5 is the fastest and best one right now.
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The pinout uses special connectors. These are not like the ones on normal Raspberry Pi boards. They give you more control. But you must design carefully and use official diagrams. This helps you avoid breaking the board.
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Official datasheets give important info about pinouts, power, and interfaces. Always check them to make your projects safe and reliable.
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You can make your own carrier boards. Compute Modules work in many real-world uses. Some examples are industrial automation, smart devices, and signs.
Raspberry Pi Compute Module Overview
Key Features
The raspberry pi compute module is a small board. It has the same power as a raspberry pi 4 or raspberry pi 5. This board is made for custom hardware projects. It does not have USB, HDMI, or Ethernet ports built in. You need a carrier board to add these ports. This setup lets you make devices that fit your needs. The compute module is good for places with little space. It is also good if you want to control all the hardware parts.
Tip: The raspberry pi compute module gives you more ways to use IO than a regular raspberry pi 4 or raspberry pi 5. You can make your own carrier board for your project.
| Aspect | Raspberry Pi Compute Module (e.g., CM5) | Standard Raspberry Pi Board (e.g., Raspberry Pi 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Design | Bare board, no built-in ports; needs custom carrier board | All ports included, ready to use |
| Intended Use | Embedded, industrial, custom devices | General computing, education, prototyping |
| I/O Options | Flexible, needs carrier board | Complete set, ready out of the box |
| Customization | High, you design the hardware | Low, fixed hardware |
| Ideal Applications | Automation, signage, smart devices, edge computing | Learning, quick projects, home use |
Hardware Generations
The raspberry pi compute module family has grown over time. Each new version adds better features and works faster. Every generation is made for different uses:
| Generation | Processor & RAM Options | Storage | Connectivity | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CM3/CM3+ | Cortex-A53, 1GB | Up to 32GB eMMC | No onboard wireless | Musical instruments, kiosks |
| CM4 | Cortex-A72, up to 8GB | Up to 32GB eMMC | WiFi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet | Smart hubs, hotel TV, industrial control |
| CM4S | Like CM4, SODIMM form | Up to 32GB eMMC | WiFi, Bluetooth | Industrial upgrades |
| CM5 | Cortex-A76, up to 16GB | Up to 64GB eMMC | USB 3.0, improved PCIe | Advanced industrial, edge AI |
You can use the raspberry pi compute module for many things. Some companies use CM3 in music tools. Others use CM4 in smart home hubs. The CM5 is even faster and has more memory. This helps with hard jobs. Raspberry pi os works on the compute module. It is the same as on raspberry pi 4 or raspberry pi 5. This makes it easy to move your code to different boards.
The raspberry pi compute module is different from other single-board computers. It lets you make special and strong devices. You can use raspberry pi os like you do on raspberry pi 4 and raspberry pi 5. But you get more control over the hardware.
Pinout
GPIO Layout
When you use a raspberry pi compute module, you can connect to many hardware parts. The pinout is like a map. It shows where each connection is on the board. This map helps you hook up sensors, screens, and other things. The compute module does not use the same pin header as raspberry pi 4 or raspberry pi 5. It uses a special connector instead. This connector gives you more choices and lets you reach more signals.
The compute module 3 (CM3) uses a 200-pin DDR2-SODIMM connector. The compute module 4 (CM4) uses two 100-pin Hirose connectors. This change makes the board smaller and easier to fit in custom projects. The new connectors also let you use faster signals, like PCI Express and dual HDMI. You can see the main differences in this table:
| Feature/Aspect | Compute Module 3 (CM3) | Compute Module 4 (CM4) |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Type | 200-pin DDR2-SODIMM connector | Two 100-pin high-density Hirose connectors |
| GPIO Banks Exposed | Two banks: GPIO0-27 and GPIO28-45 (independent voltage references) | One bank: GPIO0-27 plus GPIO44 and GPIO45 only |
| Number of GPIO Pins Exposed | More GPIO pins (including GPIO28-45) | 16 fewer GPIO pins exposed compared to CM3 |
| Additional Interfaces | SPI2 bus accessible | PCI Express, dual HDMI, onboard Gigabit Ethernet PHY, onboard WLAN support |
| Pin Mapping for HDMI | Not 1:1 mapped, more complex | Nearly 1:1 pin mapping for HDMI signals |
| Power Supply Design | Multiple power rails and sequencing required | Simplified single +5V supply |
| Physical Size and Footprint | Larger due to DDR2-SODIMM connector | Smaller footprint enabled by Hirose connectors |
The raspberry pi 4 pinout and raspberry pi 5 pinout use a 40-pin header. This header is simple for quick projects. The compute module gives you more control, but you must design a carrier board to use the pins you want. You can reach GPIO pins, SPI, I2C, UART, and other signals through the connector. The compute module 4 has fewer GPIO pins than compute module 3. But it adds new things like PCI Express and dual HDMI.
Note: Always look at the official raspberry pi pinout diagram before you connect anything. If you use the wrong wires or too much voltage, you can break your board. Check your connections and use a multimeter to make sure the voltage is right.
When you build your own hardware, follow these tips:
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Make sure your power supply is strong enough for the compute module and all devices.
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Use heatsinks or fans if your project gets hot.
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Handle the board carefully so you do not get static electricity damage.
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Use the official raspberry pi imager to put the operating system on the board.
Compatibility with Raspberry Pi 4 and 5
You might wonder how the compute module pinout matches the raspberry pi 4 pinout and raspberry pi 5 pinout. The compute module supports the same main hardware connections as both boards. You get GPIO, SPI, and I2C, and they work the same way on all models. The compute module also has more than one SPI interface, like SPI0, SPI1, and SPI2. SPI2 is special and only on compute modules, except for CM4.
The raspberry pi 5 uses a new chip called RP1 to control GPIO. This chip changes how GPIO works compared to raspberry pi 4, which uses the VC4 chip. Even with this change, the compute module pinout still works with both. You can use the same settings for your projects. This means you can make a carrier board for the compute module and use it with raspberry pi 4 and raspberry pi 5 hardware.
Always use the official raspberry pi 4 pinout and raspberry pi 5 pinout diagrams when you plan your wiring. These diagrams help you avoid mistakes and make sure your project works.
Here are some mistakes you should not make:
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Do not wire pins the wrong way. This can break your board.
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Never use more than 3.3V on any GPIO pin.
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Do not short pins together.
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Always use resistors when you connect LEDs or sensors.
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Check all your wiring before you turn on the power.
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Use level shifters if you connect to devices that use higher voltages.
Tip: Start your project with the compute module IO board. This board lets you use all the pins and makes it easy to test your design before you make your own carrier board.
The raspberry pi compute module gives you the power and options of the raspberry pi 4 and raspberry pi 5 in a small board. You can use the same software and many of the same hardware features. If you learn the pinout, you can make custom devices that fit what you need.
Specs
Processor and RAM
You get a big jump in power when you move from the raspberry pi 4 to the Compute Module 5. The Compute Module 4 uses a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor. The Compute Module 5 steps up to a quad-core arm cortex-a76 processor. This new chip runs almost three times faster. You will notice faster boot times and better video encoding. The CM5 also uses LPDDR4x RAM, which is much quicker than the LPDDR4 RAM in the CM4. You can pick from 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, or even 16GB RAM on the CM5. The CM4 gives you up to 8GB. This means you can run bigger programs and handle more data.
| Feature | Compute Module 4 (CM4) | Compute Module 5 (CM5) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 | Quad-core arm cortex-a76 processor |
| RAM Options | 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB LPDDR4 | 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x |
| RAM Speed | LPDDR4 | LPDDR4x (3-4x faster) |
The raspberry pi 4 specs show good speed, but the CM5 gives you more power for tough jobs.
Storage Options
You have many ways to store data on the raspberry pi compute modules. The CM4 lets you use onboard eMMC storage up to 32GB. You can also use a microSD card if you pick the Lite version. The CM5 supports up to 64GB eMMC. You can add USB drives or even PCIe NVMe SSDs using the IO board. Earlier raspberry pi models mostly used microSD cards. The new modules give you more choices and faster speeds.
| Compute Module Generation | Storage Options | Maximum Supported Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Compute Module 4 (CM4) | eMMC, microSD, USB, PCIe NVMe | Up to 32GB eMMC |
| Compute Module 5 (CM5) | eMMC, microSD, USB, PCIe NVMe | Up to 64GB eMMC |
Connectivity
You get strong connectivity with both the CM4 and CM5. Both modules support dual HDMI outputs, so you can use two screens at once. You get Gigabit Ethernet for fast wired networks. The wireless features are even better. You get wi-fi and Bluetooth 5.0 on both modules. The CM5 adds support for wi-fi 6, which gives you faster and more stable wireless connections. You also get PCIe for fast storage and USB 3.0 ports for quick data transfer. The modules have many GPIO pins, so you can connect sensors, screens, and other devices. The raspberry pi 4 also supports wi-fi, but the CM5’s wi-fi 6 is much faster.
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Dual HDMI outputs (up to 4K)
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Gigabit Ethernet
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wi-fi and Bluetooth 5.0
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wi-fi 6 (CM5)
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PCIe and USB 3.0
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Many GPIO pins for custom hardware
If you want the best wireless speed, pick a module with wi-fi 6. This helps your raspberry pi project run smoother, even with lots of devices.
Datasheet and Documentation
Official Datasheet Access
You need the right datasheet to make your project work well. The official Raspberry Pi sites give you trusted info. You can find what you need at the Raspberry Pi Documentation portal. This website has a section just for Compute Module hardware. You also get links to datasheets in the Raspberry Pi datasheets repository. These links help you find the newest raspberry pi 5 datasheet and raspberry pi 4 datasheet fast.
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Raspberry Pi Documentation Portal: https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/
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Compute Module Hardware Section: https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/compute-module.html
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Official Datasheets Repository: https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com
Tip: Always use the official datasheet when you design hardware. You will get correct pinout diagrams, power info, and interface specs.
How to Use the Datasheet
The datasheet helps you at every step of your project. It shows you the product overview, size, and all the interfaces. You learn about USB, PCIe, RTC, and fan control. You also see how to set things up and what power you need. The raspberry pi 4 datasheet and raspberry pi 5 datasheet have tips for fixing common problems.
When you read the datasheet, look for these important things:
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Pinout diagrams to connect sensors and screens
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Electrical details for safe wiring
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Interface protocols like I2C, SPI, and UART
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Power supply needs
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Commands for special features
You use this info to design your own carrier board or system. The datasheet helps you avoid mistakes and fix problems fast. You also find answers to common developer questions. Here is a table with some topics you might see:
| Question Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| I2C Channels on Compute Module 5 | You learn how to use all five I2C channels and check for differences between product briefs and datasheets. |
| Flashing Raspbian on Compute Module 3/3+ | You get step-by-step ways to install Raspbian OS on eMMC storage. |
| Booting and Filesystem Issues | You find fixes for boot problems and filesystem errors. |
| Hardware Configuration | You see how to set up camera modules and other interfaces. |
Note: Always check the datasheet before you connect new hardware. This keeps your board safe and helps your project work the first time.
Projects
Custom Carrier Boards
You can make your own carrier boards for Raspberry Pi Compute Modules. The CM4IO board is a good place to start. You can find free KiCad files online to help you. These files show how to connect gpio and other parts. Many people share templates and project ideas. Gumstix has a tool called Geppetto. It lets you design boards fast. You make your design, and they send you the finished board.
When you make a carrier board, think about these things: 1. Know what your Compute Module can do, like its processor, RAM, and storage. 2. Add connectors for power, usb, hdmi, ethernet, and pci-e. 3. Use programs like KiCad or Eagle to draw your board. 4. Keep your design simple and add test points to help fix problems. 5. Choose strong PCB materials and plan how you will make the board. 6. Be ready to learn new software and fix mistakes. 7. Use online classes, forums, and guides for help.
You should add important connections like gpio, i2c, spi, uart, and camera/display ports. Make sure your board gets steady power and is built strong. Add things like eMMC boot control and fan controllers if you need them.
Here is a table with some well-known carrier boards:
| Carrier Board Name | Designer/Manufacturer | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Gigabit Ethernet Carrier Board | Seeed Studio | Dual Ethernet, dual USB 3.0, compact for CM4 |
| reTerminal | Seeed Studio | CM4 powered, touchscreen, Quad-Core CPU |
| CM4IO Board | Raspberry Pi (official) | Open source, template for custom boards |
| Raspberry Pi Compute Dev Board | Gumstix | Custom expansion, bootable, made via Geppetto |
Tip: Try using the CM4IO board first. It helps you learn and avoid mistakes.
Example Applications
Raspberry Pi Compute Modules are used in many real projects. They run industrial computers, smart screens, and control systems. Heathrow Terminal 5 uses Compute Module 5 for signs. NEC uses CM5 in their displays. TECHBASE ModBerry computers use CM5 for factory automation.
| Application / Project | Raspberry Pi Compute Module Used | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Terminal 5 Signage | Compute Module 5 (CM5) | Reliable signage in busy airport settings. |
| NEC Displays | Compute Module 5 (CM5) | Industrial-grade performance for commercial displays. |
| TECHBASE ModBerry Industrial Computers | Compute Module 5 (CM5) | Enhanced automation and control in factories. |
You can make robots, smart home gadgets, and iot projects with Compute Modules. Many people use them for internet devices, edge computing, and live monitoring. Robotics projects use gpio to move motors and read sensors. You can also build print servers, game servers, and smart devices. Some projects use mini PCs or NAS for storing data and getting online.
If you want to begin, check out these resources: - Instructables has guides for board design and power setup. - Seeed Studio blog has ready boards and how-to articles. - DigiKey has a tutorial for making a CM4 board with KiCad.
Note: The Raspberry Pi community shares lots of guides and open projects. You can learn faster by using these and asking questions online.
If you know about the Raspberry Pi Compute Module pinout, specs, and datasheet, you get a big benefit. This helps you make better projects and not mess up. You can use the Compute Module for special hardware and small computers. If you want to learn more, try these helpful links:
FAQ
What is the main difference between a Compute Module and a regular Raspberry Pi?
You get more control with a Compute Module. It does not have built-in ports. You use a carrier board to add features. This helps you build custom devices for special projects.
Can I use the same software on Compute Modules as on Raspberry Pi 4 or 5?
Yes! You can run Raspberry Pi OS and most other software on Compute Modules. The system works the same way. You do not need to change your code.
How do I power a Raspberry Pi Compute Module?
You must supply power through the carrier board. Most boards use a 5V input. Always check the datasheet for the correct voltage and current. Using the wrong power can damage your board.
Do Compute Modules support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Most Compute Modules, like CM4 and CM5, support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Some versions do not include wireless features. Always check the specs before you buy.
Where can I find official pinout diagrams and datasheets?
You can visit the Raspberry Pi Documentation Portal for pinout diagrams and datasheets. The site has guides, tables, and downloads for every Compute Module version.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a Compute Module and a regular Raspberry Pi?
You get more control with a Compute Module. It does not have built-in ports. You use a carrier board to add features. This helps you build custom devices for special projects.
Can I use the same software on Compute Modules as on Raspberry Pi 4 or 5?
Yes! You can run Raspberry Pi OS and most other software on Compute Modules. The system works the same way. You do not need to change your code.
How do I power a Raspberry Pi Compute Module?
You must supply power through the carrier board. Most boards use a 5V input. Always check the datasheet for the correct voltage and current. Using the wrong power can damage your board.
Do Compute Modules support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Most Compute Modules, like CM4 and CM5, support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Some versions do not include wireless features. Always check the specs before you buy.
Where can I find official pinout diagrams and datasheets?
You can visit the Raspberry Pi Documentation Portal for pinout diagrams and datasheets. The site has guides, tables, and downloads for every Compute Module version.
