The M5Stack CM4Stack is a Linux-based mini computer based on a Raspberry Pi CM4 module, which incorporates a 2” touch screen and DIN rail mounting.
This time it moves away from the product that M5Stack usually offers us, which as we know mainly consists of devices based on the ESP32, to venture into Linux mini computers with the help of Raspberry Pi.
Thus, the CM4Stack mounts a Raspberry Pi CM4 module, specifically a CM4104032. This module features a Broadcom BCM2711 Quad Core Cortex-A72 64-bit SoC processor at 1.5 GHz, with 4GB of RAM.
The assembly uses a 32 GB eMMC as the main storage system. Therefore, there is no need to use an SD card as in most Raspberry Pi models, which, as you know, I have always considered one of their worst flaws.
To this, we must add a 2” IPS capacitive touch screen with a resolution of 320x240 pixels, driven by an ST7789V2 controller. In terms of connectivity, it has Wi-Fi 5, Gigabit Ethernet, 2 expansion ports for I2C and UART.
{ “CPU and Memory”: [ { “label”: “SoM”, “value”: “Raspberry Pi CM4 (CM4104032)” }, { “label”: “SoC”, “value”: “Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 at 1.5 GHz” }, { “label”: “Memory”, “value”: “4GB RAM” }, { “label”: “Storage”, “value”: “32GB eMMC flash” } ], “Connectivity”: [ { “label”: “Wi-Fi”, “value”: “5 802.11 b/g/n/ac” }, { “label”: “HDMI”, “value”: “1x interface” }, { “label”: “USB”, “value”: [“2x USB3.2-A (pcie+ASM3042)”, “1x USB-C (2.0) with OTG”] }, { “label”: “Ethernet”, “value”: “1x Gigabit (RJ45)” }, { “label”: “RTC”, “value”: “BM8563 Chip” }, { “label”: “Expansion Ports”, “value”: “2x HY2.0-4P (I2C and UART)” } ], “Devices”: [ { “label”: “Screen”, “value”: “IPS 2.0in 320x240 capacitive touch” }, { “label”: “Speaker”, “value”: “2W with I2S amplifier AW88298 16-Bits” }, { “label”: “Security”, “value”: “1 ATECC608B encryption chip” }, { “label”: “Cooling”, “value”: “Aluminum heatsink and fan” } ], “Power and Dimensions”: [ { “label”: “Power”, “value”: “DC-Jack 12V and 3A” }, { “label”: “Dimensions”, “value”: “59 x 44 x 46 mm” }, { “label”: “Weight”, “value”: “120g” } ] }
One of the areas where M5Stack always excels is the outstanding quality of its plastic enclosure. This time it does not disappoint either. With dimensions of 59 x 44 x 46 mm and a weight of 120g, the CM4Stack is compact and robust.
Regarding mounting options, we have screw fixing, wall mounting, and a very interesting DIN rail mounting option. Personally, I think making it compatible with DIN rails is a great success, and I can think of many interesting projects where to integrate it into an electrical panel.
Regarding software, the CM4Stack mounts a Raspberry Pi module, so it is compatible with all the distros and software available for it, without any major complication or problem.
Regarding the use and configuration of the rest of the peripherals, especially the 2” screen, M5’s website has documentation on the subject, including an example of a clock in QT. But, as I haven’t personally tested it, I won’t venture to say anything about it.
The only “but” (and I put it in quotes) we can find is its price. The CM4Stack goes on sale for $199 + shipping. With this price, it moves away from the domestic / #maker sector and points to the commercial or industrial sector.
And I put the “but” in quotes because we all know the current price and availability of Raspberry Pis. We really can’t expect a cheap machine, especially seeing the kind of powerhouse we are talking about (it really has everything!).
In any case, a very interesting device, a real treat. More information on the product page at https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5stack-cm4stack-development-kit-cm4104032
