Raspberry Pi expands industrial and commercial application horizons for design engineers with the launch of Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3

Chicago, Illinois – Monday, 16th January:Newark element14, the leading distributor and world’s largest manufacturer of the Raspberry Pi family of products and accessories, is excited to announce the launch of 3 new products – Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3, Raspberry Pi Compute Module Lite and Raspberry Pi Compute Module Development kit.

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 (CM3) and Compute Module 3 Lite (CM3L) are DDR2-SODIMM-mechanically-compatible System on Modules (SoMs) containing processor, memory, eMMC Flash (CM3 only) and support power circuitry. These modules allow a designer to leverage the Raspberry Pi hardware and software stack for their own custom systems and form factors.

Claire Doyle, Global Head of Raspberry Pi and Single Board Computing at Premier Farnell says of the new product launch, “The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 continues the development of Pi for the ever growing Industrial and Commercial market. Benefiting from the Broadcom BCM2837 chip, this board allows designers to combine the speed of the Raspberry Pi 3 and the flexibility of Compute modules, enabling them to design-in Pi across a broad range of applications from IoT, to Embedded Solutions, Home Automation, Control Systems and Consumer Electronics.”

Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi Trading said “Raspberry Pi has been incredibly powerful for developers to date and we are excited to see the new innovations that will come from the Industrial and Commercial sectors as a result of the launch of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3.”

The Compute Module 3 contains the processor and the memory of the Raspberry Pi3, with the addition of 4Gbyte flash memory. This is all integrated onto a small 67.6x30mm board which fits into a standard DDR2 SODIMM connector. The flash memory is connected directly to the on-board processor, leaving the remaining processor interfaces available for complete customisation. A custom IO board is available for development and testing, and is included with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Development Kit from Newark element14.

For designers wishing to connect their own SD/eMMC device, there is a Compute Module 3 Lite, available with the 4Gbyte flash memory removed.

In addition to these individual boards there is a Raspberry Pi Compute 3 Development kit including:

Raspberry Pi Compute Module IO Board
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Lite
Raspberry Pi Compute Module IO Board Camera and Display Adaptor
Power Supply 5v 2.5A
USB A to micro B Cable
4 x Jumper Wires

These new cost effective modules simplify the design process engineers need to undertake when developing a System on Module (SoM) solution into their final product, as engineers can concentrate on designing the interfaces to their own IO board and their application software and it is this simplicity which fosters rapid development.

To further support designers looking to use the Compute Module 3 in high-volume, commercial applications, Newark element14 offers an exclusive customisation service, facilitating the development process from design, software development and prototyping through to component sourcing at high volume and full CEM manufacturing.

For an existing Commercial case study utilising the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 and the Newark element14 design services, take a look at NEC Digital Displays showcasing intelligent display solutions.

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Notes to Editors

You can find more details and supporting imagery related to this press release on our newsroom: www.element14.com/news

About us

Newark element14 is part of the Premier Farnell group of businesses, a global technology leader with over 80 years in the high service distribution of technology products and solutions for electronic system design, production, maintenance and repair. Premier Farnell uses this experience to support its broad customer base, from hobbyists to engineers, maintenance engineers and buyers as ‘The Development Distributor’, working with leading brands and start-ups to develop new products for market, and supporting the industry as it seeks to develop the current and next generation of engineers.

Premier Farnell focuses its offering around four core customer journeys:

Education to Maker – Premier Farnell is an official manufacturer the Raspberry Pi and exclusive manufacturer of educational programming boards such as the BBC micro:bit and Codebug. Customers are supported through element14.com, the largest online engineering and maker community, also providing support to educators and parents through its new STEM space.
Research and Design Services – Premier Farnell is the no 1 for Development Kits, having worked with the world’s leading Semiconductor companies to design and manufacture their latest development boards in house. A deep understanding and design knowledge of the latest Semiconductor Devices available also supports Premier Farnell’s broader design assistance offering, providing a similar service to customers of all sizes who are seeking additional engineering support.
Design through to Production – Premier Farnell provides an entire solution for design to manufacturing customers, with the broadest range of Semiconductor and Passive inventory available, a world class line card, same day despatch, a strong board level Interconnect proposition and growing Electromechanical proposition. In addition, it has the technical support capabilities to meet all customers’ needs, from simple cross-reference to complex design.
Bench to Board – Premier Farnell offers one of the industry’s broadest ranges of Test & Measurement equipment and a leading line card for all Tool & Production supplies supporting customers from the testing of initial designs to delivering essential maintenance activity to keep their operations running.

Premier Farnell is a business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing, the components operating group of Avnet, Inc., (NYSE:AVT). Premier Farnell trades as Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in North America, and element14 throughout Asia Pacific. The Premier Farnell Group is supported by a global supply chain of more than 3,500 suppliers and has an extensive inventory profile developed to anticipate and meet the needs of innovative customers everywhere.

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