Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Development Kit

Specifications

• Core Module: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5)
• SoC: Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor @ 2.4GHz
• Memory: LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM

      Connectivity:

• Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 5.0 / BLE
• Gigabit Ethernet (with PoE+ support via HAT)

      IO Board Interfaces:

• 1x Standard PCIe 2.0 x1 slot (for unrestricted expansion)
• 2x Full-size HDMI ports (4Kp60 support)
• 2x USB 2.0 ports & 2x USB 3.0 ports
• 2x MIPI DSI Display ports (2-lane)
• 2x MIPI CSI Camera ports (2-lane)
• Standard 40-pin GPIO Header

• Storage: M.2 M-Key connector for NVMe SSDs (supports 2230/2242 sizes)
• Power Input: 12V DC via Barrel Jack (PSU included in kit)
• Operating Temp: 0°C to +50°C

Applications

• Industrial Automation: Design custom PLCs or HMI interfaces using the exposed PCIe and GPIO lanes.
• Edge AI Vision: Leverage the dual CSI ports and PCIe slot (for TPU accelerators) to build compact computer vision systems.
• Digital Signage: Drive dual 4K displays simultaneously for commercial advertising kiosks.
• Medical Devices: Build reliable, compliant interfaces for specialized medical monitoring equipment.
• Network Appliances: Utilize the Gigabit Ethernet and PCIe expansion for custom routing or NAS solutions.

Project Evolution

• Mastering the Raspberry Pi 5: You should be comfortable with Linux (Raspberry Pi OS), basic GPIO control, and Python/C++.
•  From SBC to SOM: This kit moves you from a "Single Board Computer" to a "System on Module" workflow. It unlocks the ability to design your own motherboard (Carrier Board) that fits exactly inside your product's enclosure, removing unused ports and adding custom circuitry.
• Advanced: Requires understanding of PCB design principles if you intend to build your own carrier board later. Intermediate skills required for using the kit itself.

Cirtual Technician: Wiring & Safety

• ⚠️ Voltage Warning: The IO Board is typically powered via a 12V DC Barrel Jack, unlike the standard Raspberry Pi 5 which uses USB-C 5V. Do not attempt to power this board via the USB slave ports. Use the included power supply.
• Jumper Configuration: Ensure the J2 jumper is set to "Enable" if you need the module to boot automatically on power application.
• PCIe Handling: The PCIe slot is open-ended. If installing cards, ensure the board is powered OFF to prevent shorting data lines.

Package Includes:

• 1 X Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Development Kit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Does this kit include the CM5 module?
  Yes, this is the full Development Kit which includes the CM5 module, IO board, PSU, and case.
• Is the form factor compatible with CM4?
  The CM5 uses the same high-density connectors as the CM4, but the mechanical footprint and thermal requirements may differ slightly.
• Can I use CM4 modules on this IO board?
  Generally, yes. The CM5 IO board is designed to be backward compatible with CM4 modules, though some specific CM5 features may not work.
• Can I use CM5 modules on a CM4 IO board?
  Yes, but you may not be able to access the full feature set of the BCM2712 SoC or the higher power capabilities.
• Does it support NVMe SSDs natively?
  Yes, the IO board features an M.2 M-Key slot specifically for NVMe SSDs.
• What is the input voltage requirement?
  The IO board requires a 12V DC input via the standard barrel jack.
• Does it support dual monitors?
  Yes, it has two full-size HDMI ports supporting up to 4Kp60.
• Is the PCIe slot Gen 2 or Gen 3?
  The BCM2712 exposes a PCIe 2.0 x1 interface, similar to the Pi 5.
• How do I flash the OS?
  You can flash the OS via the USB Slave port using the Raspberry Pi Imager tool on a separate PC.
• Does it have WiFi and Bluetooth?
  Yes, the wireless variant of the CM5 (included in most kits) supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0.
• Can I connect a Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3?
  Yes, there are two standard MIPI CSI connectors compatible with the latest Camera Module 3.
• Is a fan required?
  Yes, the BCM2712 runs hotter than previous generations. The kit includes a heatsink and fan which are highly recommended.
• What is the maximum RAM supported?
  The CM5 modules come in varying RAM sizes (2GB, 4GB, 8GB). Check the specific variant title for this kit's RAM.
• Does it support PoE?
  The IO board has pins for a PoE HAT, but a separate PoE HAT is required to power it over Ethernet.
• Are the GPIO pins 3.3V or 5V tolerant?
  The GPIO logic levels are strictly 3.3V. Connecting 5V logic will damage the BCM2712 SoC.
• Can I use this for production?
  The IO board is intended for development. For production, you should design a custom carrier board, though the IO board can be used for low-volume industrial tests.
• Does it support RTC (Real Time Clock)?
  Yes, the CM5 has an onboard RTC. A battery connector is available on the IO board.
• What is the USB-C port for?
  On the IO board, the USB-C port is typically used for data/flashing (USB Slave mode), not for powering the board.
• Does it include an eMMC?
  Depends on the specific module variant (Lite vs eMMC). "Lite" versions require an SD card; eMMC versions boot from onboard storage.