The Banana Pi BPI-CM6 is a computer-on-a-module that’s the same size and shape as a Raspberry Pi CM4 and even uses the same board-to-board connectors. But while Raspberry Pi’s compute module has an ARM-based processor, the BPI-CM6 is powered by a SpacemiT K1 octa-core RISC-V chip.
Basically it has the same capabilities as the Banana Pi BPI-F3 single-board computer that launched a year ago but stuffs them into a smaller package that measures just 55 x 40mm (2.2″ x 1.6″). As a compute module, the BPI-CM6 doesn’t have any ports though, so you’ll need to use it with a carrier board if you want access to USB, video, power, or other functions.
At the heart of both boards is the SpacemiT K1 processor which features 8 RISC-V 64-bit CPU cores with the RVA22 profile, Imagination BXE-2-32 graphics, and an AI accelerator that delivers up to 2 TOPS of on-device AI processing performance.
It’s not exactly a speed demon, delivering performance similar to what you’d expect from an ARM Cortex-A55 processor. But Banana Pi has demonstrated that the system can run Ubuntu Linux and even handle some basic AI features.
The module features 8GB of LPDDR4 memory (although the company notes that the processor supports up o 16GB, suggesting a higher-RAM model could be offered eventually), 16GB of eMMC storage, and a wireless module for Bluetooth and WiFi.
There are two 100-pin connectors that let you attach the BPI-CM6 to a carrier board to leverage some of the module’s other features including:
- 1 x 5-lane PCIe 2.1 expansion support
- 1 x RTL8211F PHY Ethernet controller
- 1 x HDMI 1.4 interface
- 1 x USB 3.0 interface
- 2 x USB 2.0 interfaces
- 1 x MIPI-DSI display interface
- 3 x MIPI-CSI camera interfaces
- 1 x 10 x UART serial interfaces
Banan Pi will also offer its own carrier board with two M.e M-Key connectors, two Ethernet jacks, HDMI, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, a power input, microSD card reader, MIPI-DSI and MIPI-CSI connectors, an RGB LED status light, 26-pin header, and a 12V/3A DC power input.
The company hasn’t announced pricing or availability details yet.
via LinuxGizmos and the Banana Pi Forum
