The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) is a Raspberry Pi module for embedded applications. It uses the same core as the general Raspberry Pi 4B (Pi 4) and can basically be used with the same OS and software as the general Raspberry Pi.
The factory image of PiLink’s industrial Raspberry Pi PL-R4 with the CM4 installed has the Raspberry Pi OS installed; Ubuntu can also be run on models with 4GB RAM or more. There are many other operating systems that can be run on the Raspberry Pi, so we will introduce the 7 operating systems that can be installed* on the Raspberry Pi CM4.
1.Raspberry Pi OS
It is the most widely used distribution of the official Raspberry Pi operating system. It has been proven by many users in a variety of applications and is ideal for manufacturing and IoT systems that require stable operation.
advantage
- Stability and support:
Official OS, lots of support from the community, no trouble with errors or troubleshooting, PL-R4’s default image is also Raspberry Pi OS. - Ease of GPIO control:
The Raspberry Pi OS can easily control GPIOs, making it easy to build systems with sensors and actuators. - A wide variety of development tools:
A wide variety of programming languages, including Python and C++, are supported, as well as a wide variety of tools for developers.
Examples of Application
- Predictive maintenance and monitoring of production facilities
- automated system
- AGV/AMR
- Image Processing/Image Recognition and much more.
Please contact us if you would like more information about industrial raspberry pi applications and case studies using the Raspberry Pi OS.
2. Ubuntu
Canonical, the developer of Ubuntu, provides official images for the Raspberry Pi, and long-term support (LTS) versions are also available.
advantage
- Security
LTS version provides security patches for 5 years from the developer Canonical. Since updates are provided on a regular basis, it is suitable for business use and stable operation. - Cloud Compatibility
Good at integrating with cloud services and is suited for systems where manufacturing IoT devices send and aggregate data to the cloud. - Compatibility with container technologies
Supports container technologies such as Docker to efficiently manage applications per device.
Examples of Application
- Data aggregation of IoT devices
The system sends data from IoT devices (temperature/humidity sensors, cameras, etc.) installed in the factory to the cloud for real-time monitoring. - Remote Management
Establish a system to remotely manage manufacturing equipment so that errors can be immediately addressed when they occur.
3. BalenaOS
BalenaOS is a lightweight OS designed for IoT devices and uses container technology to simplify application deployment. This allows multiple devices to be managed and updated remotely and efficiently.
advantage
- Remote Management:
Allows you to centrally manage multiple Raspberry Pi devices, remotely update the OS and manage applications. - Scalability
Large IoT networks can be easily scaled up, making it easier to manage manufacturing facilities. - Containerized Applications
Applications are containerized so that application versions per device can be centrally managed.
Examples of Application
- Device Management for Manufacturing Lines
A system that remotely manages multiple IoT devices (temperature sensors, cameras, monitoring equipment, etc.) to collect data and report errors. - Remote updating of equipment
A system that allows any device in the plant to be updated over the Internet and immediately corrected in the event of a failure.
4.OpenWrt
OpenWrt is an OS developed specifically for networked devices, but it is also suitable for the manufacturing industry, where network communication and data transmission between IoT devices is important.
advantage
- Advanced Network Settings:
Advanced network settings, firewall and VPN settings are available to secure your network in manufacturing. - Customizability
is very flexible in its network-related configuration and can be customized to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry. - Lightweight for small devices
Compact and resource efficient, ideal for low-power IoT devices.
Examples of Application
- Network management of IoT devices
Connects IoT devices in a factory to each other via a network to ensure communication stability and security. - Remote connectivity and data collection
Used as a basis for managing and controlling IoT devices in remote locations through a network.
Fedora IoT
A Linux distribution optimized for IoT devices. It is particularly focused on security and performance and is suitable for IoT devices in the manufacturing industry.
advantage
- Enhanced Security
is specialized for IoT devices and provides excellent security features. - Edge computing support
Supports edge computing, where data processing is performed onsite by IoT devices. - Performance and Stability
Ideal for systems that run for long periods of time with high performance devices.
Examples of Application
- In-plant sensor monitoring and data processing: A system that analyzes data collected from sensors in real time to improve the efficiency of the production line.
- Equipment condition monitoring: A system that monitors the operating conditions of manufacturing equipment to detect abnormalities earlier and plan repairs.
6.Home Assistant OS
Although the OS was originally designed for the smart home, its automation and device management features are also very useful for the manufacturing industry.
advantage
- Automation Functions
A wide range of functions are available to automate and improve the efficiency of machines and equipment on the production line. - Integrated Management
Various IoT devices can be integrated and centrally managed, so you can always know the status of equipment in your factory or warehouse. - Easy setup
User-friendly interface makes system setup and management easy.
Examples of Application
- Equipment Condition Monitoring
Monitors equipment operating conditions using sensors and actuators to detect abnormalities immediately. - Energy Management
A system that efficiently manages and optimizes energy consumption in factories.
7. LibreELEC
Although it is a lightweight OS optimized for media players, there are also situations where it can be used in the manufacturing industry. In particular, it is ideal for surveillance systems and digital signage.
advantage
- Lightweight and high performance
Specializing in displaying video and audio data, it is resource efficient and low-power operation is possible. - Customizability
allows you to easily add the functionality you need, so you can meet the special needs of your manufacturing business.
Examples of Application
- Digital Signage
A system that displays progress information and work instructions for a manufacturing line. - Display of surveillance camera images
This system displays surveillance camera images in factories and warehouses on a central display.
The Raspberry Pi CM4 has many possibilities in the manufacturing and IoT fields due to its small size and high performance characteristics. The OS introduced here is also a powerful tool to support efficiency and automation in the manufacturing industry. Please select the OS best suited for your application and make use of it for efficient system operation.
*Although the OSes introduced in this article can all be installed on CM4, we do not guarantee that they will all work on PL-R4. Our support is basically limited to the images pre-installed at the time of shipment and the images provided by us.