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ZigBee Mesh used in industrial IoT applications

Enhancing the Smart Connectivity with the ZigBee Gateway based on the ModBerry 500 CM5

As smart technologies continue to evolve, the need for efficient and reliable communication protocols has become paramount. ZigBee, a widely adopted wireless technology, offers robust connectivity for various IoT applications. The ModBerry 500 CM5, powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5), provides an ideal platform for implementing a ZigBee gateway, enhancing smart connectivity across different environments.

The Power of ModBerry 500 CM5

The ModBerry 500 CM5 boasts a powerful quad-core Cortex-A76 2.4GHz processor and up to 8GB of LPDDR4x-4267 SDRAM, making it a versatile and robust industrial computer. Its compact design and extensive range of configurable hardware options make it suitable for various IoT applications, from smart homes to industrial automation.

Integrating ZigBee for Seamless Connectivity

ZigBee is known for its low power consumption, high reliability, and efficient data transfer capabilities. By integrating a ZigBee module with the ModBerry 500 CM5, users can create a seamless communication network that connects multiple smart devices, enabling them to interact and share data efficiently.

Applications of the ZigBee Gateway

  1. Smart Home Automation: The ModBerry 500 CM5 with a ZigBee gateway can streamline home automation by connecting devices such as smart lights, thermostats, and security systems, allowing for centralized control and management.
  2. Industrial IoT Solutions: In industrial settings, the ZigBee-enabled ModBerry 500 CM5 can facilitate real-time monitoring and control of machinery, improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
  3. Agricultural Monitoring: Farmers can leverage the ModBerry 500 CM5 as a ZigBee gateway to monitor soil conditions, weather data, and crop health, optimizing agricultural practices and boosting yield.
ZigBee Gateway

Advantages of Using ModBerry 500 CM5 as a ZigBee Gateway

  • Scalability and Flexibility: The ModBerry 500 CM5’s modular design allows for easy scalability and customization, ensuring it can meet the specific needs of various applications.
  • Remote Management: With built-in wireless communication modules, including Wi-Fi and optional 4G/LTE, the ModBerry 500 CM5 supports remote monitoring and management, reducing the need for on-site maintenance.
  • Energy Efficiency: The low power consumption of both the ModBerry 500 CM5 and ZigBee technology ensures energy-efficient operation, making it an environmentally friendly solution.

Conclusion

Implementing the ModBerry 500 CM5 as a ZigBee gateway offers numerous benefits, including enhanced connectivity, real-time data processing, and remote management. By leveraging this powerful combination, users can create efficient and reliable IoT networks that drive innovation and improve overall performance in various sectors.

With the update to CM5, the ModBerry 500 series continues to build on these strengths, offering even greater performance and flexibility for industrial IoT applications. The ModBerry 500 CM5 represents a significant upgrade, combining the proven reliability and versatility of the ModBerry platform with the advanced features of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. 



ModBerry 500 Raspberry Pi CM5

ModBerry 500 CM5: New processor module for Industrial IoT Automation

The ModBerry 500 series from TECHBASE has long been a staple in the industrial IoT automation market, known for its reliability and versatility. The upcoming ModBerry 500 CM5, integrates the powerful Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5), bringing significant enhancements and maintaining compatibility with previous versions.

Compatibility with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5

The ModBerry 500 series is fully compatible with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced performance. This compatibility allows users to leverage the advanced features of the CM5, including improved processing power and expanded memory options, while maintaining the robust and flexible platform that ModBerry users have come to rely on.

Advantages of the ModBerry 500 CM5 in IoT Automation

The ModBerry 500 series has established itself as a leading solution in the IoT automation market due to its reliability with proven track record in various industrial applications, ensuring consistent performance in harsh environments.

Huge versatility provided with a wide range of configurable hardware options to meet specific needs, including digital and analog I/Os, serial ports, and various communication interfaces. ModBerry 500 devices are easy to deploy with user-friendly setup and configuration, supported by a strong community and extensive documentation.

New Processor Features

The integration of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 brings several key enhancements:

  • Enhanced Processing Power: The CM5 features a powerful Cortex-A76 4×2.4GHz processor, providing faster and more efficient data processing capabilities
  • Increased Memory: Options for up to 16GB of LPDDR4x-4267 SDRAM, allowing for more complex applications and better multitasking
  • USB 3.0 Support: The addition of USB 3.0 ports significantly improves data transfer speeds, making it ideal for applications requiring high-speed connectivity

Benefits of the upgraded ModBerry 500 CM5

The previous ModBerry 500 CM4 has established its position on the market as a robust IoT platform. New CM5 version offers not only the same but improved capabilities, thanks to compatibility with the new processor unit.

  • High Performance: Powered by the quad-core Cortex-A76 processor, providing reliable performance for various industrial tasks with support of eMMC storage and M.2 NVMe SSD support
  • Rich I/O Interfaces: Including Gigabit Ethernet, digital and analog inputs/outputs, RS-232/RS-485 serial ports, and more
  • Wireless Communication: Built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional 4G/LTE, 5G, Narrow-Band IoT, LoRa, Sigfox and other wireless communication modules

With the update to CM5, the ModBerry 500 series continues to build on these strengths, offering even greater performance and flexibility for industrial IoT applications. The ModBerry 500 CM5 represents a significant upgrade, combining the proven reliability and versatility of the ModBerry platform with the advanced features of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. 

The first pieces of devices are available for order. Contact our sales department via Chat at IIoT-Shop.com to obtain test pieces and receive a commercial offer for a larger order. It is also possible to upgrade previously purchased devices to the CM5 module, due to full compatibility with the earlier version of ModBerry CM4 (however cooling conversion is required). Technical datasheet for ModBerry 500 CM5 will be available on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 official release.

When will we see premiere of Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module is a small form-factor computer that has been designed for use as an embedded device. The latest version of the Compute Module is the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, which was released in June 2020.

It is likely that the next iteration of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module will feature improved performance and updated components, while retaining the small form factor and low power consumption that have made the Compute Module popular. This might include the latest generation of processors and memory, as well as improved connectivity options and expanded storage capabilities.

Additionally, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has a history of releasing new Compute Module versions every two to three years, so it is possible that the next Compute Module could be released sometime in 2023 or 2024. Overall, the Raspberry Pi Compute Module continues to evolve and improve, offering a compact and versatile platform for a wide range of embedded computing applications. Stay tuned for future updates from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Possible feature and specs changes

It is difficult to predict the exact specifications of a future Raspberry Pi Compute Module, as these are subject to change based on various factors, including advancements in technology and market demands. However, based on the current trends and recent releases, the next Compute Module might feature:

  • Processor: The next Compute Module might feature a more powerful processor, such as a newer generation of ARM-based chips or even a custom chip designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi. The processor might have improved performance and power efficiency, providing a faster and more efficient computing experience.
  • Memory: The next Compute Module might come with increased memory options, such as LPDDR5 RAM or larger capacity options, providing more room for larger applications and multiple tasks.
  • Connectivity: The next Compute Module might have improved connectivity options, such as faster Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 support, or 5G connectivity. This would make the device better suited for applications that require a fast and reliable internet connection.
  • Storage: The next Compute Module might feature expanded storage options, such as larger eMMC storage or support for NVMe SSDs, providing more room for data storage and enabling faster read and write speeds.
  • Other features: The next Compute Module might also include other features and improvements, such as improved thermal management, support for more displays or cameras, or a more compact form factor.

These are just some of the potential improvements that the next Raspberry Pi Compute Module might feature. It is important to note that these are only speculations and actual specifications may differ. But before CM5 will see the light of day, meet ModBerry 500 CM4 & and it’s cousing ModBerry 500 R1, powered by Radxa CM3.