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ModBerry 500 Raspberry Pi CM5

ModBerry 500 CM5: A Leap Forward in 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.

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+

New ModBerry options with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+

With new Compute Module 3+ options from Raspberry Pi, we upgraded our ModBerry 500/9500 industrial computers. From now on the ModBerry 500/9500 can be supported with extended eMMC, up to 32GB. Higher memory volume brings new features available for ModBerry series.

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+

New Rasperry Pi’s Compute Module 3+ specs:
Processor: Broadcom BCM2837 64-bit
Core: Quad-Core ARM Cortex A53
Clock: 1.2 GHz
RAM memory: 1 GB LPDDR2
eMMC Flash memory: 8/16/32 GB (CM3 has 4GB RAM only)

RASPBERRY PI COMPATIBLE

Over 10 million Raspberry Pi’s have been sold and the Raspberry Pi is likely to stay as a new standard in the industry. Official Raspbian OS is free operating system based on Linux Debian optimized for the Raspberry Pi comes with over 35,000 packages, pre-compiled software bundled in a nice format for easy installation.

WINDOWS 10 IOT SUPPORT

Higher performance of ModBerry 500/9500 with extended eMMC flash memory, up to 32GB , powered by quad-core Cortex A53 processor allows the device to smoothly run Windows 10 IoT Core system, opening up many possibilities for data management, remote control and visualisation.

ModBerry 500/9500 devices are still available with previous Compute Module 3 (4GB RAM) and new CM3+ with 8/16/32GB RAM are available on demand. For delivery time, ask our Sales Department via Live Chat, since the small quantities of new modules are available seasonally.

Symbiosis of RaspberryPi and ESP32 in one device

The latest configuration of ModBerry 500 device presents the important milestone in TECHBASE’s offer. The introduction of two platform symbiosis, RaspberryPi Compute Module 3 assisted with Espressif’s ESP32 module brings new possibilities of application to life. High performance of CM3, if compromised by exposition to harsh environmental conditions or sudden drop of power, is aided with low-powered ESP32’s real-time system to continue operation of the device. ESP32 module can be battery powered, same as standalone Moduino series, based on similar solution.

ESP32 subsystem for ModBerry 500

Main difference between ESP32-aided ModBerry device and ESP32-based Moduino is that the first one benefits from low-power module aid to prevent errors and downtimes. ESP32 compared to Compute Module 3 works much longer on battery power supply and offers extended sleep modes. Real-time system of ESP32 and simplified communication between ESP32-aided ModBerry device and Moduino controllers drastically shortens the time needed for the system implementation and the cost of maintaining the application. It also enables the use of Espressif’s Wi-Fi-based technology in the ESP-NOW and ESP-MESH networks.

The separate ModBerry-Moduino Ecosystem, working as a separate devices is a solution for scattered object and installations monitoring – with the use of wireless communication interfaces (e.g. LoRa, NarrowBand-IoT, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), rather than standard wired networks. For more information ask TECHBASE via one of contact form at: https://modberry.techbase.eu/ & http://moduino.techbase.eu/

Coming soon

TECHBASE plans further development of the product, particularly the issue of remote access to input/output resources and use of ESP32 as a Security Chip – hardware layer protection against hacking (very important issue in current IoT business).

 

ModBerry brings Compute Module 3 to next level of Industrial IoT

Introduced with Moduino series, TECHBASE developed further the project of modular aluminum case for their devices. The latest version of housing allows ModBerry to expand in any dimension, supporting additional extension cards (e.g. I/Os, modems, opto-isolation, accelerometer, etc.) and DIN rail mount, that can be retracted into device itself. TECHBASE constantly improves the project to support different platforms (e.g. Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3, NanoPi, ESP32, UpBoard and probably more in the nearest future) and brings them to Industrial IoT world.

Supercapacitor power support for ModBerry

To improve the possibilities of ModBerry devices, TECHBASE added supercapacitor UPS option for ModBerry 500 configurations. Additional power supply available at emergency situations, such as power drop or loss, allows the device to log the recently acquired data and send the notifications to user regarding the occurred event. The supercap support for ModBerry ensures safe system shutdown and protects memory from fragmenting, so there is no need to use diagnostic tools afterwards.

ModBerry enhanced with OLED screen

Just like ESP32-based Moduino series, the ModBerry computers can be now equipped with OLED 0.96″ 128×64 screen via i2c extension protocol. The is small, only about 1″ diameter, but very readable due to the high contrast of an OLED display. Because the display makes its own light, no backlight is required, therefore reduces the power required to run the OLED.