Hardware development using Raspberry Pi CM4 vs. general CPU board development
Introduction
In recent years, single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi CM4 have attracted much attention in the development of IoT and embedded systems. This report compares hardware development using the Raspberry Pi CM4 with development using a common CPU board, and discusses the usefulness of the Raspberry Pi CM4 in terms of development cost, development time, and performance.
development cost
The Raspberry Pi CM4 helps reduce development costs because the initial hardware and software costs are relatively low.
| (data) item | Raspberry Pi CM4 | General CPU board |
| Hardware cost | Relatively low cost | Cost is often high due to individual components such as processors, memory, and peripheral circuits |
| Software cost | Free operating system (Raspberry Pi OS) available | May require purchase of a commercial operating system |
| development environment | Free development environment is extensive. | May require expensive development tools |
The Raspberry Pi CM4 requires no or simple circuit design, thus reducing development time. It also has potential usefulness for development software. The abundance of development resources available allows for a significant reduction in software development time and faster time-to-market.
performance
The Raspberry Pi CM4 provides sufficient performance for general embedded systems. However, systems that require high-load processing or real-time performance may require a more powerful CPU board.
| (data) item | Raspberry Pi CM4 | General CPU board |
| processing performance | Sufficient performance for general use | Equipped with a high-performance processor for more advanced processing |
| I/O Performance | Rich I/O interfaces such as GPIO, USB, Ethernet, M2, SD, etc. | Need to custom implement required I/O interfaces |
| Power consumption | Relatively low power consumption | Power consumption varies depending on processor performance |
Usefulness of Raspberry Pi CM4
Ideal for product development with very short delivery times where you want to implement new ideas quickly
Used for various IoT applications such as sensor data collection and control in IoT devices
Developing small and light embedded systems in embedded systems
Used as a learning tool for students aiming to develop industrial applications and Utilized as a
Summary
The Raspberry Pi CM4 is ideal for applications that require quick turnaround due to its low development cost and short development time. In addition, its rich I/O interfaces and community support allow it to be used for a wide variety of application development. We also offer a system that combines an STM32 microcontroller and Raspi for systems that require real-time performance, and can be used for applications that require sensor processing in 1 ms or less.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Pi CM4 lowers the barriers to hardware development and provides an environment in which more people can participate in hardware development. It is important to consider whether the Raspberry Pi CM4 or a general CPU board should be selected according to the purpose of development. For those with a large number of lots, choosing general CPU board development may be more suitable. We also offer a full custom option that does not use Raspy.
Looking ahead
AI/Machine Learning: running AI/Machine Learning inference on the Raspberry Pi CM4
Edge Computing: accelerating data processing on edge devices
Custom Boards: developing custom boards based on the Raspberry Pi CM4
Two solutions offered by PiLink
Hardware development using Raspberry Pi CM4
The best solution when development time is short, development cost is low, or quantity is not expected. Using Raspberry Pi core modules, we develop a carry board that meets your specifications. Raspberry Pi is an ultra-compact single board computer (SBC) that is used all over the world, with many related products and books as well as a large amount of program code available on the Internet, making it easy for even beginners to get started.
Full Custom Solution
Ideal solution for long supply runs, large quantities, and when dedicated hardware or special driver designs are required. In this case, we provide an ARM-based embedded Linux board computer tailored to the customer’s specifications from prototype development through the volume production phase, as well as integrated driver, firmware, and software development.
