Raspberry Pi started as a barebones computer for enthusiasts and educators but has since evolved into something much more. The rise of the Internet of Things has created a demand for small, customized computers, and Raspberry Pi has pivoted to supply this need.

Let’s take a look at Raspberry Pi’s Compute Module 5 and what it brings to the table – and is it really the future of embedded computing?

What Even is Raspberry Pi?

For those unfamiliar with the name, Raspberry Pi is a line of single-board computers meant to be as simple and minimalistic as possible. While originally meant for teaching more about how computers work, the computers ended up being far more useful as one of the most barebones computers you could buy and customize to your needs.

As a result, these computers were adopted by a wide spectrum of users, from hobbyists dabbling in robotics to businesses building customized solutions for their specific needs. This surprising demand led to Raspberry Pi reinventing itself to release another version better suited to industrial needs.

How is the Compute Module Different?

The default line of Raspberry Pi models is minimalistic but still intended for hobbyists, and as such comes with interfaces to make it easier to plug and play. But for industrial needs, Raspberry released the Compute Module version that does away with even these standard interfaces to give a very minimal single-board computer.

That is not to say it lacks in features – the board allows for a wide variety of modules to be added, including multiple types of RAM, storage, Wi-Fi, etc., not to mention the range of IO options.

Applications of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5

Healthcare

When you think of the Internet of Things your mind probably goes to a factory floor or a smart home, but it’s surprisingly the medical applications that stand to benefit the most from this technology.

With the wide variety of diagnostic devices and monitoring equipment in use, and the great emphasis placed on responsiveness and accuracy, making healthcare “smart” is an obvious move. The problem is the expense – outfitting every little activity with a full-fledged embedded computer would be prohibitively expensive, and also unnecessary.

This is where the Raspberry Pi’s Compute Module comes in. With its minimal board as a foundation, computing capability can be integrated into all sorts of medical devices and functions cost-effectively.

Industrial Automation

Industrial automation already uses smaller embedded PCs to control machines and manage workflows, but there is still quite a bit of untapped potential due to size constraints and budget limitations. CM5 boards can be deployed even with these limitations, taking automation to the next step.

The main advantage of using Raspberry Pi for this is the customizability it offers. Since the board isn’t burdened with standard interfaces, it can be set up to connect with any kind of device, be it advanced sensors for monitoring operations or any electro-mechanical equipment.

Its tiny size means that accommodating it isn’t a problem either, even in the most limited spaces. Cooling can be a minor issue since by default the CM5 board relies on fan-based cooling, but depending on the environment of deployment this can be worked around.

Smart Hubs

Smart hubs aren’t just a feature of smart homes – the hospitality business is centered around managing living spaces, and efficiently controlling the various appliances and fixtures is not just convenient but cost-saving.

And while smart hub controllers are already available, they are usually geared toward home users and lack the customizability needed by a business. With the Raspberry Pi CM5. it is possible to create specialized hubs for controlling and automating a variety of smart devices deployed in a setting.

Is Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Going to Replace Embedded Computers?

While Raspberry Pi’s Compute Module 5 has carved itself a niche in the space of small industrial systems and IoT, it is certainly not a general-purpose computer that can excel in everything. For applications where the size is not that much of a limitation, a fully fledged embedded PC would perform far well.

Not to mention the question of durability – the Raspberry Pi is inexpensive, but not the best system for deploying in harsh industrial environments. In many situations, a rugged fanless computer is required.

Then there is technical support. An embedded systems provider like the Global American supports your setup throughout its lifecycle, ensuring that your systems run smoothly and any breakdown is swiftly addressed. With the more customized setups like the Raspberry CM5 computers, technical support can be trickier.