Specifically designed for professionals to build their own embedded systems, the Raspberry Pi Compute Module features a DDR2 SODIMM connector and provides the same basic functionality as a standard Raspberry Pi, including a Broadcom BCM2835 processor and 512MB of RAM. It replaces the SD card with a built-in 4GB eMMC flash drive, integrating everything into a compact 67.6 x 30mm board.
The I/O module is simply an open-source development board to which the compute module connects, allowing the designer to program the module's Flash memory and easily access the processor's interfaces via pin and flex connectors, similar to a standard Raspberry Pi. It provides the necessary HDMI and USB ports to create a complete system capable of booting the operating system, enabling the user to begin designing.
Eben Upton of the Raspberry Pi Foundation commented: "The idea for the computing module came about because we observed that a large number of industrial and commercial equipment designers were incorporating a Raspberry Pi into their end-user system. We wanted to find a solution that would provide them with all the computing resources of the Raspberry Pi in a compact format, but leaving the I/O to the end-user system manufacturer."
"Raspberry Pi is proving to be more than just an educational programming tool; it's offering engineers a fast and affordable way to develop their own embedded systems," said Glenn Jarrett, Global Product Manager at RS Components. "We anticipate that developers will be able to accelerate the development process by leveraging the resources that the extensive Raspberry Pi community has built up over the past few years."
The Raspberry Pi computing module will be available as a standalone unit starting in the fall of 2014.
