Raspberry Pi CM5 Carrier with Dual Ethernet, RS485, 4G/5G Support

CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BASE Raspberry Pi CM5 Carrier

The Waveshare CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BASE is a carrier board that works with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5). It has a lot of useful features, like 1x USB 3.2 Gen1, 1x USB2.0, M.2 M KEY, M.2 B KEY (for 4G/5G modules), and two Ethernet ports (GbE and 2.5GbE RJ45 jacks). It also has extra GPIO-expanded RS485, digital input, and relay ports for user convenience.

Along with a 4K-capable HDMI output, the board has an M.2 Key-M socket for an NVMe SSD or AI accelerator, two MIPI DSI/CSI connectors, ten status and user LEDs, and a wide 7-36V DC power input.

Previously, we covered several Raspberry Pi CM5 carrier boards, including the Waveshare CM5-DUAL-ETH-BASE, MINIMA Carrier Board, and Pineboards CM4/CM5 carrier boards. Check them out if you’re interested in similar designs.

CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BOX

Waveshare CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BASE – Key Specifications:

• Compute Module Compatibility:
  • Supports all Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) variants, including configurations with up to 16GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage, and optional wireless connectivity.
• Storage Options:
  • M.2 Key-M slot for optional NVMe SSD (2230/2242/2280 form factors)
  • MicroSD card slot available for CM5 Lite versions
• Display and Camera Interfaces:
  • HDMI 2.0 output supporting resolutions up to 4K
  • Dual MIPI DSI connectors (shared with CSI interfaces)
  • Dual MIPI CSI connectors for camera input (multiplexed with DSI)
• Networking Capabilities:
  • 1× Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
  • 1× 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
  • Optional Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 via CM5 module
  • Cellular connectivity via M.2 B-Key slot with Nano-SIM support (compatible with modules such as SIM7600G-H-M2, SIM8260G-M2, SIM8262E-M2)
  • Dual antenna cutouts integrated into the metal enclosure
• USB Connectivity:
  • 1× USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A port
  • 1× USB 2.0 Type-A port
  • 1× USB Type-C (USB 2.0) for power input and firmware flashing
• Industrial Interfaces:
  • 4× RS485 serial ports via terminal block
  • 1× Digital input (5V–36V range)
  • 1× Relay output (rated up to 10A @ 250V AC or 10A @ 30V DC)
• Expansion Options:
  • M.2 M-Key socket (PCIe Gen2/Gen3 x1) for NVMe SSD or AI accelerator modules
  • M.2 B-Key slot with Nano-SIM for 4G LTE / 5G modules
• Additional Features:
  • 10 onboard LEDs (2 user-defined, 8 status indicators for RS485, network, relay, etc.)
  • 4-pin PWM fan header (5V)
  • Built-in buzzer
  • RTC battery connector (2-pin)
  • Onboard hardware encryption chip
• Power Input:
  • Wide input range: 7V to 36V via screw terminal or DC jack
  • Alternative power via 5V/5A USB Type-C
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Board size: 108 × 100 mm
  • Enclosure size: 132.5 × 112.2 × 34.5 mm

CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BASE Board Specifications

Waveshare also made a metal case for the CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BASE carrier board that doesn’t have a fan. This case and the board together are called the “CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BOX.” It has an opening for MIPI display and/or camera flat cables and shows all the ports and connectors on the board. It can also be mounted to a DIN rail.

CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BOX Specification

Regarding the software support, the users can be pretty sure that the carrier board is compatible with Raspberry Pi OS. Additional information can be found in the documentation section. 

Users can buy the CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BASE and CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BOX on AliExpress for $59.39 and $87.29, plus shipping and any taxes that may apply. The BASE model is also available on Amazon for $68.15, the BOX version for $93.11, and both versions are available on the Waveshare store for $55.99/$72.99. 

Images used courtesy of Waveshare