Raspberry PI Compute Module 4 – 1GB Lite / No Wi-Fi

After the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B blew our minds, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has released yet another superior version, that’s just as affordable. For the first time in the line of Pi’s, there is a change in form factor. The beautiful Raspberry Pi 4 B Compute Module (CM4) is here, bringing the awesome features and functionality of the full-sized Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2GB, but removing all of the unnecessary peripherals and interfaces. At first, cutting away the various USB ports and other interfaces may seem like a step backwards. However, the full-sized Pi 4 is equipped with specific peripherals that you may not need or missing others you need to add with various Pi HATs. With the Raspberry Pi CM4, Pi Makers have the advantage of an open-ended style to tailor these boards to precisely what your projects may need.

It was only 6 years ago that we saw the first introduction of Raspberry Pi’s compute modules. Since then, the following versions have always used the same basic form factor with limited feature sets. But now, everything changes. With this CM4, your scope for customisation is staggering, especially when paired with its partner in crime, the CM4 IO board; find out more about that spicy union here. With a faster CPU core, more interfacing capabilities, and greater multimedia options of 4K resolution, the Raspberry Pi CM4 rockets a step change in performance. We recommend intermediate and advanced enthusiasts take a serious look at how the CM4 can optimise your next awesome project with computing power that will rival fully sized computers.

Like their full Pi cousins, these CM4 Raspberry Pi boards are available in versions of different memory size and features. This Pi 4 Lite Compute Module features 1GB RAM and 0GB eMMC Flash memory without wireless capabilities.

How Is the Raspberry Pi 4 Compute Module Better Than Raspberry Pi 4 Model B?

Small as it is, the CM4 whacks a punch when compared to its predecessors, although it lacks extra peripherals and interfaces. Perfect for handheld projects, the CM4 provides exciting prospects for emulation. The biggest change is what’s missing. Don’t be fooled, this ingenious change is what stands the CM4 apart with extra high-speed interfaces. All the ports you’d usually find on the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B are cut off. Instead of using the SO-DIMM connector of the CM3, the CM4 sports two high-density board connectors for you to integrate into the CM4 IO board or any other CM4 Base board. Getting rid of those ports frees up the total board area for a few new sneaky surprises. We can’t wait to share with you the ones we’re most excited about:

• Easier to Interface with Onboard Gigabit Ethernet. Never previously included on Pi compute modules, this new built-in feature means you’ll need no extra silicon on your interface board to get ethernet interface connectivity. You can synchronize devices on your network using an enhanced PHY, supporting the IEEE1588 timing standard.

• Seamless Wireless Testing and Bluetooth 5.0 (Not included in this CM4 no WiFi version). It’s a lot of painstaking work to get your product conformed with your own wireless chips, but Raspberry Pi has now done it for us. The CM4 with WiFi has modular compliance certification for its dual-band 2.4/5.0GHz wireless LAN and Bluetooth 5.0. We found this eases the overcompliance for your system at the far end, improves cost, and quickens time to market. You can also switch between an onboard and external antenna for the best results.
• More application interface options for Pi Makers. The PCIe Gen 2 x1 interface is now exposed directly. Okay, this feature is technically a part of the CM4 IO board, but the CM4, which clips right into it, has made it possible with its design. You can use PCI Express to implement the USB 3, bleeding edge capabilities, or any of your own applications. Certainly an exciting addition that will transform your creations!
• Less Silicon in Your Sleek Product. The CM4 board is made for functionality while making customisation as easy as possible. Raspberry Pi has optimised it to take extra silicon away from your final product as much as possible. The power supply, for example, now only needs one power supply rail, rather than the five volts required previously for the CM3. We know how great it feels to have everything you need already captured on the module!

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 is a joy for any Maker to really experiment with and have fun seeing your friends drop their jaws at the awesomeness of your projects.

Please Note: This model of the Raspberry Pi 4 Compute Module is the 1GB LITE/No Wi-Fi Version, which means it provides 1GB of RAM and does not contain the optional eMMC memory. However, other versions of the Pi CM4 offer various RAM sizes for your convenience. Additionally, we stock CM4 Base Boards for you to build your Pi Project to perfection.

Additional Resources:

• To get started with understanding the Raspberry Pi 4 B Compute Module, check out the official Raspberry Pi CM4 Datasheet, which covers the differences between the various models, and covers all of the key features that these boards offer.
• If you’re looking for a less technical quick rundown of the features, check out this Raspberry Pi CM4 Brief Overview, bearing in mind that this particular version is the CM4102000.

 Dominic Plunkett and Eben Upton from the Raspberry Pi Foundation YouTube channel talk everything CM4 in their official discussion video for the Pi Compute Module 4 below:

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