The product PCB measures 265x120 mm, with the top view shown below:
| Port / Pin | Description | Port / Pin | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| J1 | Board-mounted power connector, DC 5–18V | J6 | HDMI 2.0 connector |
| P1 | External DC power supply, DC 5–18V | J9 | 2*USB Type-A connectors |
| J2 | USB Type-C fast charging, up to 20V | J10 | 2*USB Type-A connectors |
| Rpi-CM5 | Rpi-CM5 Core Board Connector | CON1 | 2*DB9 RS232 connector |
| CON3 | WAN (4G/5G) module connector | A1/A4 | SMA board external antenna connector |
| J15 | Nano-SIM card connector | A2/A3 | IPEX4-G1 board-mounted antenna connector |
| J4 | CR2032 battery connector | SW1 | System power switch button + CM5 indicator light |
| J5 | CM5 Fan Connector | D31 | WAN module indicator light |
| J3 | Firmware update jumper | D28 | User-defined indicator light |
| J8 | 6 GB switch Ethernet port | D3 | Power supply status indicator light |
| J7 | GB LAN Ethernet Connector | - | - |
Note 1: Before installing any modules, ensure the motherboard is powered off. This product does not support hot-plugging for module installation.
Note 2: Wear anti-static gloves and never install the device with bare hands to prevent static electricity from damaging the motherboard or module chips.
Installation: Align the Rpi-CM5 module with the installation slot and place it flat. Gently press the module with your hand to ensure it sits properly in place. Avoid applying excessive force or forcing it down, as this may damage the connector or module. For permanent use, secure all four screw holes with M2.5 screws to prevent detachment during operation.
Disassembly: Remove the four fixing screws. Using a plastic pry tool, gently pry one edge not in contact with the connector (preferably the right side as shown in the view, i.e., the position of the fan connector), then lift it slightly upward until the module detaches from the slot; remove the module.
This product supports standard WWAN modules measuring 30x51mm or 30x42mm, featuring an M.2 B-Key interface with 67 pins and USB 3.0 communication.
The motherboard typically comes pre-installed with 30x51 modules. If users require 30x42mm modules, a 3.0mm-high M3 single-head fastening stud must be added to the board.
The user inserts the module at an angle into the M.2 slot. Once in position, gently press the module against the fixed hole for alignment, then secure it with M2.5 screws (M3 for 30x42 models).
This product features two sets of antennas—one internal and one external. The internal interface uses IPEX-G1, while the external interface employs SMA (internal hole). Users can install the appropriate antenna based on their specific requirements.
(1) Install the CM5 WiFi and Bluetooth antennas: If the CM5 supports WiFi+BT functionality, a corresponding antenna must be installed. The user should purchase an IPEX-G1 to IPEX-G1 conversion antenna, inserting one end into the CM5's IPEX socket and the other end into the A2 or A3 connector on the board.
(2) Install the WAN module antenna: WWAN module antennas typically come in one or more units, but this product supports up to two. The WWAN module connectors are usually IPEX-G4 or IPEX-G1; users must purchase the corresponding adapter cable (IPEX-G4 to IPEX-G1 or IPEX-G1 to IPEX-G1) based on the module's antenna interface, and plug both ends of the adapter into the module's antenna connector and the internal A2 or A3 connector, respectively.
(3) External antenna on the installation panel: The external antenna should be selected based on the user's specific requirements—for example, whether it's a WiFi+BT antenna or a WAN 4G/5G antenna—since their power amplification capabilities differ accordingly. However, the antenna interface must be an SMA internal pin. Insert the antenna into the external antenna connector A1 or A4 and secure it firmly.
The SIM card is primarily designed to work with a WAN module for mobile communication.
The SIM card slot is located at edge J15 on the board. This product only supports Nano-SIM cards.
Insertion: Insert the SIM card chip with its edge facing downward and the notch facing inward into the J15 slot, then gently push it inward until you hear the locking sound.
Removal: Gently push inward with your hand until the unlock sound is heard; the SIM card pops out and can be removed.
This product provides a 2032 button battery connector (J4) to maintain the real-time clock operation of the Rpi-CM5.
Installation: Purchase a 2032 button battery of the appropriate model. Insert the battery according to the spring orientation, push it toward the locking position, and gently press downward until the battery engages with the locking mechanism.
Removal: Gently press the battery with your hand, then use pliers to pull the retaining tab backward until the battery pops out of the socket; remove it.
Safety Precautions:
1. Do not install or remove the battery while the device is powered on.
2. Always hold the battery firmly when handling it vertically, and never drop it onto other components to prevent short circuits.
3. Before installing or removing any modules, remove the button batteries first.
The product supports three power supply methods:
(1) Off-panel DC power supply: The external DC power supply can power the product through the P1 DC socket, supporting voltages of 5–18 V DC, with the plug core serving as the positive terminal and the outer ring as the negative terminal. If the external voltage exceeds 20 V, the system will enter protection mode and automatically cut off the power supply.
(2) DC power supply within the panel: J1 on the board is a VH (3.96) connector, providing an in-board DC power supply for interconnection and fully connected to P1. Its functionality and overvoltage protection are identical to those of the external DC power supply. Therefore, users must choose either the external or internal DC power supply method.
(3) USB Type-C Smart Fast-Charging Power Supply: The product supports power supply via J2 USB Type-C, with an input voltage range of 4V to 20V. It complies with PD3.2 EPR, AVS, PPS, SPR, and BC1.2 fast charging protocols, and features a built-in overvoltage protection module.
(4) Choice between DC power supply and USB Type-C power supply: The product supports both DC and USB Type-C power supplies simultaneously. The system automatically selects the higher-voltage source to provide power based on the voltage levels.
Before powering on, users should correctly insert all modules, ensure the PCB is installed inside the fixed chassis or placed in a secure position, and verify that no other cables or components that may cause short circuits are present nearby.
Connect a DC power source or a USB Type-C power source.
The user unplugs the external power source, including a DC power supply or a USB Type-C power adapter.
Crucial Note: When debugging the product and inserting or removing various modules or components—particularly the Rpi-CM5 module—you must first remove the button battery; failure to do so may cause a short circuit, potentially rendering the module nonfunctional.
After powering on the system, it will start automatically.
When the system is powered but in the shutdown state, press SW1 once to power it up.
After turning on the device, you should normally see the D3 light illuminate.
When the system is operating normally, users should first perform a proper software shutdown operation in the system (e.g., the poweroff command), after which the system will shut down automatically.
Alternatively, users can press the SW1 switch button once; the system will then display shutdown options, allowing them to choose to shut down.
Under special circumstances, users can perform a forced shutdown by pressing the SW1 switch button for 3 to 5 seconds.
After shutting down, the user can safely unplug the power supply.
Warning: Do not remove or disconnect the power supply while the system is running. This will cause the writing operation to fail, result in data loss, and may even lead to storage system failure and inability to start properly.
When your Rpi-CM5 is a brand-new motherboard with no pre-installed system on its internal storage, you must first flash the firmware.
(1) Preparations before burning:
This system uses a Windows host; users should first download the required software and prepare a data cable.
- Download and install: rpiboot
- Download and install: Raspberry Pi Imager
- Data cable: A standard USB Type-A to USB Type-C data cable.
(2) Jumper wire:
When the power is off, set the jumper at position J3 to a short-circuit state by fitting the jumper cap.
(3) Insert a DC power supply:
Since the USB Type-C bus handles both power supply and data communication, the computer's output power is limited and may not be sufficient to power the Rpi-CM5. Therefore, a dedicated DC power supply is recommended.
(4) Connect the USB cable:
Insert the Type-C data cable's Type-C port into the product's J2 USB Type-C connector, and connect its Type-A port to the computer. After insertion, a new device named "BCM2712D0 Boot" appears in Device Manager under General Serial Bus Devices.
(5) Create a high-capacity USB storage device:
Run the "rpiboot – Mass Storage Gadget" utility from the rpiboot installation directory to initialize the identified USB device as a high-capacity storage device.
(6) Burn the firmware:
Run Raspberry Pi Imager, follow the prompts to select the OS image and target drive, and flash the firmware. Because flashing firmware online can take time, users can pre-download the OS image to their local drive and select "Use custom" image. Follow Raspberry Pi official instructions until burning is completed.
(7) Return to normal operating mode:
After completing the burning process, disconnect power and set the jumper at position J3 to open circuit (remove the jumper cap). After power is restored, the system will boot directly from the CM5 internal storage device.
Features ready out of the box (No configuration required):
- Switching Function: Operates automatically once properly powered.
- HDMI Functionality: Standard output functions automatically.
- USB-HUB Functionality: Automatically detected, enabling all four sets of USB Type-A ports.
Features requiring configuration:
- LAN Port Functionality: Requires driver installation for the onboard YT6801 chip.
- RS232 Port Functionality: Requires enabling UART in the kernel DTS.
- GPIOs: System GPIO functions require kernel DTS modifications or corresponding script configuration.
After powering up, configure Wi-Fi to establish network connectivity. Enable and launch the SSH service using the following commands:
The product's LAN port (J7) employs the Motorcomm YT6801 chip connected via the PCIe 2.0 bus of the Rpi-CM5 board. Use lspci to confirm the device exists:
Execute the driver installation sequence:
Writing the MAC address (Optional):
Note: A MAC address can only be written once. Use caution and ensure you supply the exact intended address.
Modify the /boot/firmware/config.txt file and add the following lines under the [CM5] section:
| Configuration Entry | Function / Usage |
|---|---|
dtoverlay=uart1-pi5 |
Configure and activate UART1 |
dtoverlay=uart2-pi5 |
Configure and activate UART2 |
dtoverlay=spi4-1cs |
SPI configuration |
dtoverlay=gpio-fan |
GPIO Fan speed control |
dtoverlay=act-led |
Activity LED control |
dtoverlay=gpio-shutdown,gpio_pin=17,active_low=1,gpio_pull=up |
Power monitoring & automatic shutdown trigger |
gpio=0-7=a2 |
Configure GPIO 0-7 as the second alternate function group |
gpio=14,15=op,dh |
Set WWAN AWREN and WWAN WDIS pins to active high output |
gpio=16=op,dl |
Configure User_LED to output low level |
gpio=17-21=ip |
Configure PWR_GOOD and USBPn OC# as input pins |
gpio=22-27=pu |
Configure LINK status indicators for switch ports (P1–P6) as inputs with pull-up enabled |
The board supports three versatile power input methods: external DC (5–18V via P1), internal DC (5–18V via J1 VH3.96 connector), and USB Type-C (4–20V via J2 supporting PD3.2, PPS, and BC1.2 protocols). The system automatically selects the input source with the higher voltage.
No, hot-plugging is strictly unsupported. Always power off the system and remove the CR2032 RTC button battery before installing, replacing, or disconnecting any core modules, expansion cards, or antennas to prevent electrical short-circuits.
The board natively supports standard M.2 B-Key 30x51mm modules using USB 3.0 communication. Compact 30x42mm modules are also supported by adding a 3.0mm-high M3 single-head fastening standoff.
The J7 Gigabit LAN port uses the Motorcomm YT6801 chip via PCIe 2.0, which is not packaged in default Raspberry Pi OS kernels. You need to compile and run the provided YT6801 driver installation script to initialize the interface.
Power down the carrier board completely, install a jumper cap across header J3 to short-circuit the boot pin, connect a USB cable from J2 to your host PC, supply supplemental DC power via P1, and execute the rpiboot tool to mount the storage.