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Banana Pi Introduces BPI-CM6 Octa-Core RISC-V System-On-Module Compatible With Raspberry Pi CM5 Boards

News Banana Pi Make Homelab Single-Board Computer RISC-V
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Banana Pi has introduced the BPI-CM6, an octa-core RISC-V system-on-module (SoM) designed to be compatible with Raspberry Pi CM5 carrier boards. This new module features the SpacemIT K1 processor, offering a range of specifications that enhance its usability for various applications.

The BPI-CM6 supports up to 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM and up to 128GB of eMMC flash storage. Networking capabilities include a gigabit Ethernet controller and wireless connectivity with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. This module also expands on the Raspberry Pi CM5’s design by providing additional input/output options through a 100-pin board-to-board connector.

Banana Pi offers a credit card-sized carrier board for the BPI-CM6, which includes multiple ports such as HDMI, dual gigabit Ethernet, and two M.2 PCIe x2 sockets, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Key Specifications #

  • SoC: SpacemIT K1
    • CPU: 8-core RISC-V processor at 1.6 GHz
    • GPU: Imagination IMG BXE-2-32
    • System Memory: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x
    • Storage Options: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, or 128GB eMMC 5.1
    • Networking: Realtek RTL8211F Ethernet controller, Realtek RTL8852BS wireless module
    • Video Output: HDMI 1.4, MIPI DSI interface
    • Dimensions: 55 x 40 mm

The carrier board is designed to maximize the capabilities of the BPI-CM6, featuring a microSD card slot, optional NVMe SSD via M.2 socket, and multiple USB ports. It also accommodates various interfaces for video and camera connectivity.

Software Support #

The BPI-CM6 is compatible with several Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, and OpenWrt, with additional support for the Bianbu Linux distribution. Documentation for setup and usage is available on the Banana Pi website.

The BPI-CM6 is part of a growing trend of RISC-V modules compatible with Raspberry Pi standards, providing developers with alternative options for building innovative projects. While availability is still pending, Banana Pi is expected to release the BPI-CM6 and its carrier boards in the coming weeks or months.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

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