Waveshare’s Raspberry Pi CM5-Based Industrial Mini PC Features RS485, CAN Bus, And Dual Ethernet

Waveshare has presented the IPCBOX-CM5-A, a mini PC based on the industry that is compatible with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. This device is merely a combination of a carrier board and an envelope that transforms the Compute Module into a miniature industrial PC that fits the automation aspect, edge computing, remotely monitored devices, and embedded control systems. It incorporates numerous industrial communication interfaces, a fast network, and optional cellular connectivity, all within a hardy metal housing for the industrial setting.

The IPCBOX-CM5-A also has dual Ethernet ports, serial interfaces, CAN bus, and wide-range power input (unlike a typical single-board computer setup), which makes it an ideal choice to use in any industrial application where reliability and connection are crucial.

IPCBOX-CM5-A

Hardware Overview

The IPCBOX-CM5-A is designed based on a CM5 socket that will accommodate all types of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 eMMC variants and Lite variants. After the module has been installed, the system has the benefit of accessing the processing power of the CM5 and also has more expansion interfaces through the carrier board.

The board also has an M.2 M-Key, which users can use to install NVMe SSD storage. NVMe drives have substantially higher read and write speeds than SD storage, which can enhance system responsiveness and data processing in industrial settings. The support of the microSD slot in CM5 Lite models also provides the possibility of booting a system and increasing storage in case the system is not booted with an eMMC version.

The M.2 B-Key slot is also another notable characteristic that allows optional integration of cellular communication devices like 4G LTE or 5G modems. This is in combination with the onboard Nano-SIM slot, which enables the system to be used in remote or mobile platforms where wired networking might not be provided.

Connecting with Compute Module 5

Connections and Networking

The Raspberry Pi CM5-based mini PC has two Ethernet ports, with one being a Gigabit Ethernet and the other being a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. This setup enables the device to be used in network-intensive tasks like industrial gateways, network routers or data acquisition nodes.

The device will have a number of USB ports in addition to Ethernet connectivity. The board offers USB 3.2 Gen1/USB 2.0 connections that can be used to connect external devices like storage devices, cameras, or industrial adapters to the board. Multimedia applications can also have an HDMI interface that supports up to 4K output on the board, which will make the system accept high-resolution displays to monitor dashboards or user interfaces.

The system also has a 3.5 mm audio jack, speaker header and buzzer which could be utilised in the sound output, warning or combustion system in industries.

IPCBOX-CM5-A interfaces 

Industrial Interfaces

The IPCBOX-CM5-A combines a number of industrial communication interfaces to facilitate system industrial automation and control platforms. The RS485 and RS232 serial ports are offered by the board, with which it is possible to communicate with the old industrial devices, sensors, and controllers. The system has been provided to support configurations of four RS485 ports or a combination of RS485 and RS232 ports, depending on the version.

The platform also supports a CAN bus interface, which has a data rate of up to 1 Mbps and is normally utilised in automotive and industrial automation power systems. In addition to this, the board offers digital input and output pins, whereby the interaction between the system and external sensors, relays and control signals can be directly communicated.

These characteristics enable the usage of the IPCBOX-CM5-A as an industrial gateway to interconnect field devices to the cloud services or a local control system.

IPCBOX-CM5-A Ports and Buttons

Power and Mechanical Design

The IPCBOX-CM5-A can be used either in industry or in marketing and has a wide input voltage compatibility of 7V to 36 V DC, which means that it can be used in numerous industrial power systems. This is possible due to its flexibility that enables the device to be powered directly from machinery, vehicles or industrial power rails.

With a size of 136 x 92 x 39 mm, the system also has an aluminium alloy casing that enhances durability and heat dissipation. This case has a heat sink fin and ventilation holes to aid in maintaining constant operating temperatures. Others also enable active cooling through embedded fans.

To install it, the enclosure can be mounted on the DIN rail, as well as VESA, which allows for easy integration of the gadget into industrial cabinets, control panels, or wall-mounted setups.

Outline dimensions

Additional Features

The board also has some utility features that enhance usability and help manage the system. These consist of a power button, a boot button in which to flash the firmware, status LEDs and a real-time clock (RTC) battery header that keeps the device shown with the correct time even when the battery is turned off.

The RTC support comes in especially handy in edge computing applications that need time-stamped logs or a scheduled execution. Together with the connectivity features available with the system, these features make the IPCBOX-CM5-A convenient in remote monitoring, as well as automation activities. For more information, visit the documentation page.

Suitable for Raspberry Pi applications in remote communication or other industrial situations

Applications

The IPCBOX-CM5-A has the ability to be adapted to a multitude of applications with its combination of industrial interfaces, plus high-speed networking, as well as flexible storage capabilities, such as:

• Automation and machine control in industry
• Edge computing gateways
• Remote monitoring systems
• Industrial IoT devices
• Network appliances and routers

The fact that the platform is compatible with the Raspberry Pi ecosystem also implies it is capable of hosting popular operating systems based on Linux and benefiting from the existing large software and development base offered by the Raspberry Pi platform.

The Waveshare IPCBOX-CM5-A Raspberry Pi-based mini PC can be found in the Waveshare online shop at approximately $99.99 and sells under AliExpress at a starting price of approximately $111.59, depending on the version. The package includes the IPCBOX enclosure with the carrier board and accessories, but the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, NVMe SSD, and optional cellular modules must be purchased separately.

Images used courtesy of Waveshare