Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3, DDR2-SODIMM-mechanically-compatible System on Modules (SoMs)
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 (CM3) and Compute Module 3 Lite (CM3L) are DDR2-SODIMM-mechanically-compatible System on Modules (SoMs) containing processor, memory, eMMC Flash (CM3 only) and supporting power circuitry. These modules allow a designer to leverage the Raspberry Pi hardware and software stack in their own custom systems and form factors. In addition the modules have extra IO interfaces over and above what is available on the Raspberry Pi model A/B boards, providing more options for the designer.
The compute module offers a smart and scalable solution for designing embedded and intelligent systems where the form factor and bespoke functionality are key components within the design.
The compute module gives the engineer the power to develop a Raspberry Pi solution to fit their product’s unique needs.
A custom IO-board must be designed to support the compute module and element14 can support this development every step of the way from Design services, prototyping, component sourcing and product manufacturing.
Applications
Development of “Embedded” and “Intelligent” systems using Raspberry Pi technologies within the following areas:
- Internet of Things (IoT)
Design your SMART home appliances using the Raspberry Pi compute module. This allows you to customise the interfaces and control real world devices. - Embedded Solutions
Utilise the powerful graphics capabilities and HD play back on the Raspberry Pi to create interactive SMART displays and kiosks (utilising dual touch screens and dual cameras). Control other devices using the customised interfaces available on the Raspberry Pi compute module.
SODIMM size for flexibility in the final product design
- Home Automation
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module provides the ideal solution for designing home automation solutions such as access control systems, heating solutions, lighting and security. Monitor and control multiple IoT devices around the home using the Raspberry Pi compute module in the hub and end-point units. - Control Systems
Develop a wide range of communications and control solutions all managed by the Compute Module with the convenience of the SODIMM sized form factor. Such solutions can vary from medical applications, energy harvesting, controlling DMX lighting rigs, and controlling robotics and other industrial control units. - Consumer Electronics Products
Develop a wide range of consumer electronics products embedding the Raspberry Pi Compute Module at the heart of each product. There is a wide range of opportunities to develop Home Entertainment Systems, children’s interactive toys, Internet radios, and digital cameras to name but a few.
Features
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Development Kit contains the following components:
Raspberry Pi Compute Module IO Board
This is the main development kit IO board into which the Compute Module SODIMM board is connected. It also contains all of the necessary interface ports to allow an engineer to design and test their own prototype application.
The IO board contains the following interfaces:
- Multiple GPIO interfaces on 2 60 way 0.1” Headers
- 1 x Micro USB connector type B – USB Slave
- 1 x USB connector type A – USB Host
- 2 x CSI ports for camera boards
- 2 x DSI ports for display boards
- Full size HDMI port
- Micro USB power connector
- Micro SD connector
The schematics and board design files for the Compute Module IO board have been published by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and detail the interconnection between the SODIMM socket and the interfaces on the IO board. These can be found at:
https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/computemodule/
The Raspberry Pi Compute Modules
The modules simplify the design process engineers need to undertake when developing a System on Module (SoM) solution into their final product. Engineers do not need to concern themselves with the complexities of interfacing with the BCM2837 processer directly and instead can concentrate on designing the interfaces to their own IO board and their application software . This simplicity fosters rapid development.
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3
The Compute Module 3 contains the following components contained within a 200 pin SODIMM design:
- Broadcom BCM2837 processor
- 1Gbyte LPDDR2 RAM
- 4Gbytes eMMC Flash
- 35u hard gold plated IO Pins
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Lite
The Compute Module 3 Lite product is the same as the Compute Module 3 except the eMMC Flash is not fitted, and the SD/eMMC interface pins are available for the user to connect their own SD/eMMC device The Compute Module 3 Lite contains the following components contained within a 200 pin SODIMM design:
- Broadcom BCM2837 processor
- 1Gbyte LPDDR2 RAM
- 35u hard gold plated IO Pins
(N.B. when operating with the IO Board, an SD card with a suitable image must be connected to the IO board for the system to work)
Software:
- ARMv7 Instruction Set
- Mature and stable Linux software stack
- Latest Linux Kernel support
- Many drivers upstreamed
- Stable and well support user environment
- Full availability of GPU functions using standard APIs
Raspberry Pi Compute Module IO Board Camera Display Adaptor
These adapters are used to connect a standard Raspberry Pi camera board or Raspberry Pi display to the Compute Module IO Board. There is one display and one camera adapter provided within the kit.
Power Supply 5v 2.5A
This is used to power the Compute Module IO Board
USB A to micro B Cable
This is provided to allow you to flash an operating system onto the 4GB eMMC flash memory within the Compute Module. (It is recommended that you use a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B to re-flash the software on the chip)
4 x Jumper Wires
These are provided to jumper the control of the Camera interface or Display interface into the GPIO banks so they can be accessed.
Ships With
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Dev Kit:
- 1 x Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3
- 1 x Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Lite
- 1 x Raspberry Pi Compute Module IO Board
- 1 x Raspberry Pi Compute Module IO Board Camera Display Adaptor
- 1 x 5v 2.5A Power Supply
- 1 x USB A to micro B cable
- 4 x Jumper wires
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3:
- 1 x Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Lite:
- 1 x Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Lite