The Raspberry Pi Foundation announced the Compute Module 4 on October 19 (local time). Compute Module 4 is an industrial computing module equipped with the same processor as the Raspberry Pi 4 released in June.
The existing Raspberry Pi is a single board computer equipped with multiple ports. But the compute module is a little different. This system-on module is a more compact single-board computer without external terminals as before. Accordingly, a mass compute module can be integrated into a product prototyped using an existing Raspberry Pi. In fact, more than half of the 7 million Raspberry Pis sold every year are industrial, ranging from digital signage to thin client automation.
The Raspberry Pi 4 and Compute Module 4 have similar parts, such as a 64-bit ARM-based processor with VideoCore V1 graphics. H.265 video in 4K, 60 frames, H.264 video in 1080p, 60 frames in hardware decoding, and H.264 video in 1080p, 30 frames in hardware encoding, enhancing video performance. In addition, up to two 4K resolution displays can be connected at 60 frames using dual HDMI interfaces.
Another change to Compute Module 4 is that it has a variety of options. With or without wireless technology such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, memory can be selected from 1, 2, 4, and 8GB, and eMMC flash storage can be used with 8, 16, or 32GB. There are also models without eMMC flash storage in preparation for the use of external eMMC and SD card interfaces.
Combining these specifications can reduce costs. The Compute Module 4 comes in 32 versions with 1GB of memory without a wireless connection, $25 without eMMC, and up to $90 with wireless connectivity, 8GB of memory, and eMMC 32GB models.
In addition, compared to the previous compute module, the form factor is changed, so a new compute module IO board is required to start development using all interfaces. The product is priced at $35. Related information can be found here .