Farnell element14, said to be the manufacturer of the Raspberry Pi family of products and accessories, has launched three new products – Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3, Raspberry Pi Compute Module Lite and Raspberry Pi Compute Module Development kit.
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 support power circuitry. These modules allow a designer to leverage the Raspberry Pi hardware and software stack for their own custom systems and form factors.
Claire Doyle, global head of Raspberry Pi and Single Board Computing at Premier Farnell says of the new product launch, “The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 continues the development of Pi for the ever growing industrial and commercial market. Benefiting from the Broadcom BCM2837 chip, this board allows designers to combine the speed of the Raspberry Pi 3 and the flexibility of Compute modules, enabling them to design-in Pi across a broad range of applications from IoT (Internet of Things), to Embedded Solutions, Home Automation, Control Systems and Consumer Electronics.”
Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi Trading said, “Raspberry Pi has been incredibly powerful for developers to date and we are excited to see the new innovations that will come from the Industrial and Commercial sectors as a result of the launch of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3.”
The Compute Module 3 contains the processor and the memory of the Raspberry Pi3, with the addition of 4Gbyte flash memory. This is all integrated onto a small 67.6x30mm board which fits into a standard DDR2 SODIMM connector.
The flash memory is connected directly to the on-board processor, leaving the remaining processor interfaces available for complete customisation. A custom IO board is available for development and testing, and is included with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Development Kit from element14.
For designers wishing to connect their own SD/eMMC device, there is a Compute Module 3 Lite, available with the 4Gbyte flash memory removed.
In addition to these individual boards there is a Raspberry Pi Compute 3 Development kit including:
- Raspberry Pi Compute Module IO Board
- Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3
- Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Lite
- Raspberry Pi Compute Module IO Board Camera and Display Adaptor
- Power Supply 5v 2.5A
- USB A to micro B Cable
- 4 x Jumper Wires
These new modules are designed to be cost-effective to simplify the design process engineers need to undertake when developing a System on Module (SoM) solution into their final product, as engineers can concentrate on designing the interfaces to their own IO board and their application software and it is this simplicity which fosters rapid development.
To support designers further when looking to use the Compute Module 3 in high-volume, commercial applications, element14 offers an exclusive customisation service, facilitating the development process from design, software development and prototyping through to component sourcing at high volume and full CEM manufacturing.
For details of an existing commercial case study utilising the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 and the element14 design services, take a look at NEC Digital Displays showcasing intelligent display solutions.
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