Description

Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA is a compact carrier board created for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. As a purpose-built Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 carrier board, Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA gives developers a smaller hardware base for embedded systems, portable edge devices, compact gateways, and custom interface products that need more flexibility than a fixed single-board computer.

Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA keeps the essentials in place: USB-C PD for power, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, a CSI/DSI connector, and a PCIe M.2 M-Key slot. That combination makes this compact carrier board attractive for embedded systems that need display output, networking, storage expansion, or a small accelerator-ready layout around the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5.

If your goal is to build embedded systems in a smaller enclosure, Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA is easier to position than a much larger carrier. This Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 carrier board is also a strong fit for makers, product teams, and engineers who want an open, practical, and well-documented compact carrier board for custom hardware.

Features

• Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA is a compact carrier board for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5.
• Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 carrier board layout with USB-C PD, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and HDMI.
• PCIe M.2 M-Key slot supports 2230 and 2242 cards for SSD expansion or accelerator-oriented hardware.
• CSI/DSI connector supports camera or display integration in embedded systems.
• I2C, SPI, fan header, RTC battery connector, and underside boot switch help Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA fit serviceable hardware builds.
• Open documentation and KiCad source files make this compact carrier board easier to evaluate, learn from, and customize.

Specifications

Applications

• Embedded systems that need a smaller Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 carrier board.
• Compact gateways and HMIs built on an open compact carrier board.
• Portable camera or display products using the CSI/DSI connector.
• Storage-focused edge devices that benefit from the M.2 M-Key slot.
• Custom hardware platforms where Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA documentation accelerates iteration.

Product List

• CM5 MINIMA Compact Carrier Board (without Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5) 1

Other Content

Board Perspective: Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA uses a tight layout that still leaves room for Ethernet, HDMI, M.2, and CSI/DSI connectivity. That balance is exactly why this compact carrier board works well for embedded systems that need practical I/O without adopting a full-size development platform.

Flashing Access: The underside boot switch makes routine service easier. If you often rebuild images or maintain multiple units, this Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 carrier board gives a cleaner flashing workflow than relying on loose jumpers.

Open Hardware Direction: Because Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA publishes schematics, PCB files, and project resources, it is not only a ready-to-use compact carrier board; it is also a useful hardware reference for engineers studying embedded systems around the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5.

Resources

• CM5 MINIMA GitHub Repository
• CM5 MINIMA Schematic PDF
• CM5 MINIMA KiCad Schematic
• CM5 MINIMA KiCad PCB
• Raspberry Pi Compute Module Documentation
• Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Overview
• Official Video: CM5 MINIMA ON/OFF behavior
• Hackster Project Story

FAQ

Q: Does this product include a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5?
A: No. Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA is a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 carrier board, so the CM5 module itself is not included.

Q: What can the M.2 slot be used for?
A: The board provides a PCIe M.2 M-Key slot for 2230 and 2242 cards. Common uses include SSD expansion and compact accelerator-oriented hardware, depending on your setup.

Q: What kind of projects fit this board best?
A: Seeed Studio CM5 MINIMA is strongest in smaller embedded systems, compact gateways, display devices, and other builds where a compact carrier board is more useful than a much larger platform.

Q: How do I flash the operating system?
A: The underside boot switch helps place the board into flashing mode, and the remaining steps follow the standard Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 workflow from Raspberry Pi.