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 has us accustomed to, and which as we know mainly consists of devices based on the ESP32, to enter the mini computers with Linux hand in hand with Raspberry Pi.
In this way, the CM4Stack mounts a Raspberry Pi CM4 module, specifically a CM4104032. This module has a Broadcom BCM2711 Quad Core Cortex-A72 64-bit SoC processor at 1.5 GHz, with 4GB of RAM.
The set mounts a 32GB eMMC as the main storage system. Therefore, it is not necessary to use an SD card as in most Raspberry Pi models, which, as you know, has always seemed to me one of its worst defects.
To this we must add a 2” IPS screen with capacitive touch with a resolution of 320x240 pixels, powered by an ST7789V2 controller. Regarding connectivity, it has Wi-Fi 5, gigabit Ethernet, 2 expansion ports for I2C and UART.
Other features of the CM4Stack are:
- SoM – Raspberry Pi CM4 (CM4104032)
- SoC – Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 at 1.5 GHz
- System Memory – 4GB RAM
- Storage – 32GB eMMC flash
- 2.0” 320x240 IPS capacitive touch screen
- Wi-Fi 5 802.11 b/g/n/ac
- 1x HDMI interface
- 2x USB3.2-A ports (pcie+ASM3042)
- 1x USB-C (2.0) with OTG support
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet interface (RJ45)
- RTC chip BM8563
- 2x HY2.0-4P expansion ports (for I2C and UART respectively)
- 2W speaker and 16-Bit I2S AW88298 amplifier
- 1 ATECC608B security encryption chip
- Aluminum heatsink and fan
- DC-Jack for power and 12V, 3A charger
One of the points in which M5Stack always stands out is the outstanding quality of its plastic casing. This time it does not disappoint us either. With dimensions of 59 x 44 x 46 mm and a weight of 120g, the CM4Stack is compact and robust.
As for fixing options, we have screwing, wall mounting, and a very interesting DIN rail mounting option. Personally, I think it’s a great idea to have made it compatible with DIN rails, and I can think of many interesting projects where it can be integrated into an electrical panel.
Regarding the software, the CM4Stack mounts a Raspberry Pi module, so it is compatible with all the distros and software available for it, without major complications or problems.
About the use and configuration of the rest of the peripherals, especially the 2” screen, on M5’s page they have documentation on this, including an example of a clock in QT. But, since I haven’t personally tried it, I won’t venture to say anything about it.
The only “but” (and I put it in quotes) that we can find is its price. The CM4Stack goes on sale for $199 + shipping. With this price, it moves away from the home / #maker sector, and points to the commercial or industrial sector.
And I put the “but” in quotes because we all know the price and availability that Raspberry Pi currently has. We really can’t expect a cheap machine, especially considering the type of machine we’re talking about (it really has everything!).
In any case, a very interesting device, a real luxury. More information on the product page at https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5stack-cm4stack-development-kit-cm4104032