Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Lite 1GB RAM

Specifications

• Processor: Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz.
• Memory: 1GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM.
• Storage: Lite version (No onboard eMMC); requires external SD card interface on carrier board.
• Connectivity: Support for Gigabit Ethernet PHY (IEEE 1588).
• Interface: 2 × 100-pin high-density baseboard connectors.
• Video: Dual HDMI interfaces (up to 4kp60 supported), 2-lane MIPI DSI display, 2-lane MIPI CSI camera.
• Multimedia: H.265 (4kp60 decode); H.264 (1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode); OpenGL ES 3.0 graphics.
• Input Power: +5V DC.

Applications

• Industrial Automation: Use the CM4 as the brain for PLC-like controllers.
• Edge Computing: Deploy AI models at the edge with the 64-bit quad-core architecture.
• Custom Retro Gaming: Create ultra-slim handhelds using custom PCB backplanes.
• Digital Signage: Drive two 4K displays simultaneously in a tiny footprint.

Project Evolution

• Past Projects: If you’ve mastered the Raspberry Pi 4B but found the USB/Ethernet ports too bulky for your enclosure, the CM4 is your next step.
• Feature Upgrade: Transitioning to the CM4 Lite unlocks customized I/O design. You no longer adapt your project to the Pi; you adapt the Pi’s interface to your project.
• Effort/Requirements: Advanced. Requires a CM4-compatible carrier board (like the official IO Board) and thermal management (heatsink).

Virtual Technician & Wiring

• Warning: This is the Lite version. It will NOT boot without an external SD card wired through the carrier board's SDIO interface.
• Power: Ensure your carrier board provides a stable 5V supply. The CM4 can peak at 9W+ under heavy load.
• Mounting: Use the two 100-pin Hirose connectors. Do not apply excessive pressure; ensure they click into place.

Package Includes:

• 1 x Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Lite 1GB RAM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Does the CM4 Lite have onboard storage?
  No, the Lite version requires an SD card on the carrier board.
• Does this model include WiFi or Bluetooth?
  No, this is the non-wireless (CM4001000) variant.
• Can I use my Raspberry Pi 4B HATs with this?
  Only if your carrier board provides a 40-pin GPIO header.
• What is the difference between CM4 Lite and CM4 eMMC?
  Lite uses an external SD card; eMMC versions have built-in flash storage.
• Does it support 4K video?
  Yes, it supports dual 4K HDMI output.
• Is 1GB RAM enough for Raspberry Pi OS Desktop?
  Yes, but it is better suited for Lite/Headless industrial applications.
• What power supply do I need?
  A stable 5V/3A supply via your carrier board is recommended.
• Does it fit in a CM3 socket?
  No, the CM4 uses a completely different high-density connector.
• Is a heatsink required?
  For heavy workloads, a heatsink is strongly recommended to prevent thermal throttling.
• Can I boot from USB?
  Yes, depending on the carrier board and bootloader configuration.
• Does it support Gigabit Ethernet?
  Yes, it has an onboard Gigabit Ethernet PHY.
• What is the operating temperature range?
  -20°C to +85°C (Industrial grade).
• Is the CM4 Lite compatible with the official IO Board?
  Yes, it is fully compatible.
• How do I flash the OS?
  For the Lite version, simply flash a MicroSD card as you would for a Pi 4.
• Does it support PoE?
  PoE support depends on the circuitry of the carrier board used.
• How many PCIe lanes are available?
  It features a single 1-lane PCIe Gen 2 interface.
• Can I run Ubuntu on this?
  Yes, Ubuntu Server and Desktop support the CM4.
• What is the BCM2711?
  It is the same quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 SoC found in the Pi 4.
• What are the dimensions?
  55mm × 40mm.
• Does it come with the carrier board?
  No, this is the Compute Module only.