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# ArmSoM Unveils CM1, a $15 Rockchip Compute Module for Industrial IoT
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/armson-cm1/
- Published: 2025-08-18T09:02:12.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-18T09:02:12.000Z
- Description: Compact, affordable module delivers industrial-grade performance for embedded IoT.
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: Gadgets 🎛️, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

[ArmSoM](https://www.armsom.org/?ref=itsfoss.com) has been expanding its lineup of hardware this year. Following the recent [Forge1](https://itsfoss.com/armsom-forge1/) launch, which focused on industrial SBC use cases, the company is now introducing a new [compute module](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-on-module?ref=itsfoss.com) aimed at embedded and industrial players.

The ArmSoM CM1 is built around the Rockchip RK3506J processor and offered at a budget-friendly $15\. It brings a modular design approach with the option to extend functionality through an add-on carrier board.

## 📝 ArmSoM CM1: Key Specifications

![the armsom cm1 is shown twice here, once in a standalone manner, one where it is installed on an armsom cm-io carrier board, the armsom logo is on the bottom left, and an illustration that says "new" is on the top right](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/08/armsom-cm1-banner.png)

The [CM1](https://www.armsom.org/cm1?ref=itsfoss.com) uses a quad-core setup with three [Cortex-A7](https://developer.arm.com/Processors/Cortex-A7?ref=itsfoss.com) cores and one [Cortex-M0](https://developer.arm.com/Processors/Cortex-M0?ref=itsfoss.com), making it capable of handling both application logic and real-time control. Memory options include **256 MB** or **512 MB DDR3L**, paired with NAND storage and a microSD slot.

To expand connectivity, ArmSoM provides the[CM1-IO](https://docs.armsom.org/armsom-cm1-io?ref=itsfoss.com) carrier board. This adds interfaces such as USB, Ethernet, audio, wireless networking, and GPIO, making the platform useful for industrial IoT, automation, and [HMI](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/human%5Fmachine%5Finterface?ref=itsfoss.com) projects.

The **focus during development is said to have been on modularity**. The compute module and carrier board are separate, allowing users to upgrade or replace one without affecting the other. This design supports long-term, sustainable deployment in industrial environments.

The CM1 module and its optional CM1‑IO carrier board include the following **ports and interfaces**:

- **Power:** 12 V DC (*carrier*), USB‑C (*module*)
- **Networking:** 2 × 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (*carrier*)
- **Audio:** 1 × 3.5 mm headphone/mic (*carrier*), speaker/mic headers (*carrier*)
- **Video:** 1 × MIPI‑DSI (*2-lane @ 1.5 Gbps*)
- **USB:** 1 × USB‑C (*for PD & programming*), 2 × USB 2.0 host (*carrier*)
- **Wireless:** Wi‑Fi 5 (*carrier*), Bluetooth 4.2 (*carrier*)
- **GPIO & Expansion:** 40‑pin + 44‑pin headers (*UART, SPI, I2C, PWM*), 14‑pin RS485/CAN/Mic/Speaker (*carrier*)

For a closer look at the design philosophy behind the CM1, you can read ArmSoM’s [blog post](https://www.armsom.org/post/how-we-designed-the-armsom-cm1-redefining-the-modular-revolution-in-industrial-grade-embedded-syste?ref=itsfoss.com) on its development.

## 🛒 Getting the ArmSoM CM1

The ArmSoM CM1 module is priced at **$15**, and a bundle including the CM1-IO carrier board is available for **$28.50**. Both can be ordered through ArmSoM’s [online store](https://www.armsom.org/product-page/cm1?ref=itsfoss.com).

ArmSoM has **committed to keeping the CM1 in production and supported until at least July 2035**, ensuring long-term availability for industrial customers. 

Plus, they have indicated that the CM1 schematics will likely be made available on [GitHub](https://github.com/armsom?ref=itsfoss.com) in the near future.

[ArmSom CM1](https://www.armsom.org/product-page/cm1?ref=itsfoss.com)

**Suggested Read** 📖

[ArmSoM’s Forge1 Looks Like A Versatile Solution for Embedded and Multimedia ApplicationsArmSoM’s latest offering is an industrial-grade SBC.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-196.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/armsom-forge1.png)](https://itsfoss.com/armsom-forge1/)