Application + control processing
The RK3506J combines three Cortex-A7 cores with a Cortex-M0 for an embedded software platform.
3 × Cortex-A7 + Cortex-M0RK3506J INDUSTRIAL COMPUTE MODULE
ArmSoM CM1
Small module.
Built for your control system.
A compact RK3506J compute module with triple Cortex-A7 cores, a Cortex-M0, DDR3L memory and MIPI DSI for industrial control, HMI and custom embedded products.
3 × A7Application processor
512 MBMax. DDR3L option
−40 °COperating range to +85°C
70 × 42 mmCore module footprint
THE CORE OF YOUR NEXT DEVICECM SERIES
40-pin + 44-pin headers70 × 42mm
Core module for custom products.
CM1-IO for development and evaluation.
ENGINEERED FOR YOUR NEXT BUILD
A compact core for industrial ideas.
Start with the module, evaluate with the kit, then develop the carrier board your application needs.
An embedded memory footprint
DDR3L memory and NAND flash options suit compact Linux applications and product-specific images.
256 / 512MB DDR3L · NAND optionsBuild a focused HMI
Connect through the module’s MIPI DSI interface and use the integrated 2D engine for graphics acceleration.
2-lane MIPI DSI · 2D graphicsDesign your own carrier
The 40-pin and 44-pin headers expose the module’s signals for application-specific expansion.
UART / SPI / I²C / CAN / FlexbusEvaluate with CM1-IO
The carrier adds network ports, USB host, wireless and audio to the development kit.
CM1 module + CM1-IO carrierA wide operating range
The documented operating temperature range supports industrial product planning. Validate cooling and enclosure conditions for your application.
−40°C to +85°CA CLOSER LOOK
Product Showcase
Official product images and hardware references from the ArmSoM documentation.
CM1 core module
70 × 42mm module with memory, storage, MIPI DSI and expansion headers.
CM1-IO development carrier
Network, USB, wireless and audio connections belong to the carrier board.
Select an image to open the full-resolution view.
ROCKCHIP · INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION PROCESSOR
RK3506J
Application compute with embedded control resources.
CPU3 × Cortex-A7
Control coreCortex-M0
Graphics2D engine
Memory256 / 512MB
DisplayMIPI DSI
SystemBuildroot
BUILT TO WORK TOGETHER
A practical foundation for embedded Linux.
CM1 brings the RK3506J processor, memory and storage onto a compact module, with onboard Type-C power/programming and MicroSD expansion.
Use the Buildroot-based software resources for your application. The documentation also describes heterogeneous AMP, RT-Thread and real-time development resources; support depends on your chosen SDK configuration.
Explore the hardware specifications ↗MODULE → KIT → PRODUCT
Develop on the kit. Integrate the module.
Keep the compute module and carrier-board features clear throughout your design.
70 × 42mm
CM1 compute module footprint
- 01
Evaluate on CM1-IO
Use the kit’s Ethernet, USB, WiFi and audio to bring up your software.
- 02
Map the signals you need
Review header definitions and multiplexing before designing the carrier board.
- 03
Integrate CM1
Build around the core module and validate power, display and peripheral support on your hardware.
Dual Ethernet, WiFi and USB host ports described for the CM1-IO kit are carrier-board features, not ports installed on the standalone CM1 module.
CONNECT YOUR DESIGN
Start with the core module.
The module provides the foundation; CM1-IO brings the evaluation connections.
40 + 44-pin headers
Core-module signal expansion
MIPI DSI
Module: 2 lanes, 1.5Gbps
Type-C 5V
Module power & programming
MicroSD slot
Module storage expansion
2 × 10/100 Ethernet
CM1-IO carrier only
2 × USB 2.0 host
CM1-IO carrier only
WiFi 5 + BT 4.2
CM1-IO carrier only
RS485 / CAN / Audio
CM1-IO 12-pin expansion
HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE
Plan the complete system.
Map the RK3506J architecture to the module header definitions, then plan how your carrier will route display, control and communication signals.
The diagram describes the SoC architecture. Use the board pin definitions to identify the signals exposed by this product.
View hardware documentation ↗
ONE PLATFORM. MANY DIRECTIONS.
What will you build?
A flexible foundation for developers and embedded product teams.
Industrial HMI
Develop a focused operator interface with MIPI DSI and lightweight graphics.
Control systems
Build custom control software around Linux and the RK3506J peripheral resources.
Connected appliances
Integrate a display, application logic and device connectivity on your own carrier.
Industrial gateways
Evaluate network and bus interfaces with the CM1-IO kit before integration.
THE DETAILS THAT MATTER
CM1 module specifications
These specifications describe the standalone core module. Carrier-board features are listed separately below.
| Specification | ArmSoM CM1 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Rockchip RK3506J |
| CPU / control core | Triple-core Cortex-A7 + single-core Cortex-M0 |
| Graphics | Integrated high-performance 2D acceleration engine |
| Memory | 256MB / 512MB DDR3L |
| Storage | 256MB / 512MB NAND flash; MicroSD expansion |
| Display | 1 × MIPI DSI, 2 lanes, 1.5Gbps |
| Expansion | 40-pin + 44-pin module headers; see signal definitions |
| Power / programming | Type-C 5V; onboard power and programming port |
| Button | Maskrom programming key |
| Operating system | Buildroot; see SDK resources for configuration |
| Dimensions | 70 × 42mm |
| Operating temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
Documented hardware options are shown here. Check the store for available configurations and the product documentation for detailed interface support.
THE DEVELOPMENT KIT
CM1-IO carrier & development kit
Use CM1 with the CM1-IO carrier for evaluation. These additional connections are provided by the carrier board.
| Carrier-board feature | CM1-IO |
|---|---|
| Module connections | 40-pin + 44-pin female headers |
| Networking | 2 × 10/100 Ethernet ports |
| Wireless | WiFi 5 + Bluetooth 4.2 |
| USB | 2 × USB 2.0 host; Type-C power/programming connection |
| Audio | Headphone / microphone jack |
| Expansion | 40-pin accessory header (partial Raspberry Pi pin compatibility) |
| 12-pin header | RS485 / CAN / microphone / speaker / RTC signals |
| Power | Type-C 5V or DC 12V input |
| Dimensions | 100 × 70mm |
| Operating temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
Confirm the module/kit option in the store before ordering. Do not apply the carrier’s 12V input directly to the CM1 module.
KEEP BUILDING
Documentation & developer resources
Hardware files, system images and source code, all within reach.
BuildrootLinux SDKLVGL resources
010203040506
Product documentation
Specifications, interfaces & pin definitions
Image flashing guide
Tools and steps for system installation
Getting started
CM1 Kit setup and interface guide
RK3506 SDK
ArmSoM RK3506 development source
System images
Official CM1 Buildroot image folder
Hardware design files
Schematics and mechanical resources
The official CM1 system is based on Buildroot. RT-Thread, AMP and real-time features require the matching SDK and configuration.
BEFORE YOU BUILD
Frequently asked questions
Is CM1 a complete single-board computer?
CM1 is a core module with processing, memory, storage and several onboard connections. The CM1 Kit pairs it with a CM1-IO carrier board for convenient evaluation and additional physical ports.
Does the standalone module include Ethernet and WiFi?
The dual 10/100 Ethernet ports and WiFi 5/Bluetooth 4.2 module listed for the kit are on CM1-IO. A custom carrier must implement the interfaces your final product needs.
What memory and storage configurations are documented?
CM1 is documented with 256MB or 512MB DDR3L and 256MB or 512MB NAND flash. Check available combinations in the store and the product specification.
Can I connect Raspberry Pi accessories directly?
The CM1-IO accessory header is only partially pin-compatible with Raspberry Pi. Check the pin assignment, voltage and required software before attaching an accessory; the module’s own headers have separate definitions.
Which software should I start with?
Start with the official Buildroot image and RK3506 SDK linked in the documentation. The SDK resources cover kernel configuration, peripheral drivers and embedded application development.
YOUR NEXT PRODUCT STARTS HERE
Build with ArmSoM CM1.
Explore available configurations or talk to us about your development and integration needs.