Raspberry Pi has announced three new versions of its Compute Module 4S (CM4S) offering 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB RAM options which is an upgrade from the 1GB variant introduced in 2022. These new modules feature the same Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 SoC used in Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi CM4 and have a starting price of only $25. The main downside is that the modules can only be purchased in bulk (200-unit boxes) through Raspberry Pi Approved Resellers.
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4S (CM4S) specifications:
- SoC – Broadcom BCM2711
- CPU – Quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A72 processor @ 1.5 GHz
- GPU – VideoCore VI GPU
- 3D Graphics: OpenGL ES 3.0 and Vulkan 1.1
- Video
- H.265 (HEVC) (up to 4Kp60 decode)
- H.264 (up to 1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode)
- Memory – 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM with ECC
- Storage – 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB eMMC flash; Option for 0GB eMMC Flash (CM4S Lite only)
- Ports and Interfaces
- Display interfaces
- HDMI 2.0 port (up to 4Kp60 supported)
- 2-lane MIPI DSI display interface
- 4-lane MIPI DSI display interface
- Composite TV out (PAL or NTSC)
- Camera interfaces
- 2-lane MIPI CSI camera interface
- 4-lane MIPI CSI camera interface
- USB – 1x USB 2.0 port (high speed)
- Other I/Os
- 46x GPIO signals
- 1x SDIO 2.0 (CM4SLite only)
- Display interfaces
- Supply Voltage – Requires VBAT (2.5V to 5V) and +3.3V supplies. +1.8V is no longer used but can be supplied for backward compatibility.
- Dimensions – 67.6mm × 31.0mm (compatible with JEDEC MO-224 mechanical specification for 200-pin DDR2), but not electrically compatible with DDR2 SODIMM modules.
- Production lifetime – Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4S will remain in production until at least January 2034.
The CM4S is different from other Compute Modules in a few ways. First, it uses the same form factor as the CM3+ but has a faster processor, the BCM2711 chip. Second, it lacks some of the features of the CM4, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.0, and PCI Express. CM4S exists because there are a lot of industrial users who have CM3-based designs that they can’t get parts for. The CM4S is a drop-in upgrade for those users because it uses the same form factor.
The new eMMC-equipped Raspberry Pi CM4S or the eMMC-free CM4S Lite can be purchased from the Raspberry Pi Approved Reseller listed on the company’s website. For more information, you can also check out their press release page.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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